Job Summary

Under the general supervision of the Director and in coordination with the Master Teacher of the Preschool STEM Learning Lab, the Early Childhood Teacher is responsible for assisting the Director and Master Teacher in implementing a developmentally appropriate preschool program meeting the needs of the children and their families. The Early Childhood Teacher, in coordination with the Master Teacher, will plan the daily curriculum and activities; set learning and teaching objectives for the children; maintain and update ongoing developmental profiles on the children; observe and participate in parent/teacher conferences; and plan and participate in center events.

This is a part-time (20 hours per week), 2-year temporary position with possibility of extension and is eligible for full benefits, including medical, dental, vision and CalPERS retirement.

Department Summary

The Preschool STEM Learning Lab, a learn by doing program in Cal Poly's Psychology and Child Development Department, provides a high-quality preschool environment that supports the developmental needs of the whole child in a warm, nurturing, play-based environment. It also provides Cal Poly students opportunities to apply their knowledge of child development guided by the Director and Master Teacher, who assist students in using research and theory in child development to inform their interactions with children and families.

Key Qualifications

• Knowledge of National Association for the Education Young Children (NAEYC) guidelines for developmentally appropriate early education practices; solid understanding of how to plan and implement an age appropriate curriculum.
• Ability to engage children in inquiry-based experiences and other appropriate activities (e.g., literacy, social) consistent with good developmental practice.
• Strong organizational skills; demonstrated knowledge and competence to assist in implementing a preschool curriculum.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively work with children, parents, students, faculty, members of the campus community, and external contacts.

Education and Experience

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in child development or early childhood education, or the completion of 24 units in child development or early education plus additional general education requirements.
• Qualified as a Child Development Teacher in California: Must qualify for or hold and maintain a current Child Development Teacher Permit issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (renewable for successive five (5) year periods).  To qualify for the Child Development Teacher Permit, individuals must satisfy all of the requirements listed in one of the following options:

Option 1:

1. Complete all General Requirements (completion of 24 semester units of course work in early childhood education or child development, including at least one three-semester unit course in each of the following core areas; child/human growth and development; child, family, and community; or child and family relations and programs/curriculum; or equivalent combination of education and experience.)

2. Complete 16 semester units in general education, including at least one course in each of the following areas: humanities and/or fine arts, social sciences, math and/or science, and English and/or language arts

3. Complete 175 days of experience in an instructional capacity in a child care and development program, working at least three hours per day within the last four years. This experience must be verified by submitting an original letter from the employer on official letterhead

School-Age Emphasis under this option requires that 12 of the 24 semester units of early childhood education/child development be in school-age course work.

Option 2:

1. Complete an associate degree or higher in early childhood education or child development or a related field

2. Complete three semester units of supervised field experience in an early childhood education setting.

Licenses, Certificates, Credentials:

• Must successfully pass a pre-employment physical examination, including a Tuberculosis clearance, not more than one-year prior.
• Possess (or have the ability to obtain within 60 days of hire) and maintain current certification in pediatric CPR, First Aid, and fifteen hours of Health and Safety Training.
• Provide immunization records for Measles and Pertussis vaccinations.

Salary and Benefits

Anticipated Hiring Range: $23,000 - $26,000 Per Year (based on a 20 hour work week)

Classification Range: $45,924 - $68,892 Per Year (based on a 40 hour work week)

Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Anticipated Hiring Range referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Classification Range may be broader than what the University anticipates paying for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).

Cal Poly offers a best-in-class benefits program, including health, dental and vision insurance, retirement participation in the Public Employees' Retirement System, and educational benefits for eligible employees. See our benefits website for additional information. 

Cal Poly

Cal Poly is a nationally-ranked public university located in San Luis Obispo, California, and known for its Learn by Doing philosophy. Each year more than 20,000 top-tier students come to San Luis Obispo to put knowledge into action, taking their learning outside the classroom as they prepare for careers in engineering, agriculture, science, business, humanities and the built environment. Cal Poly’s hands-on philosophy, small class sizes and close student-faculty mentorships result in graduates ready from day one to impact their communities, California and the world. For more information, visit calpoly.edu.

Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment

This position is open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, Cal Poly provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. Cal Poly complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices.

Cal Poly is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At Cal Poly, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.

Supplemental Information

Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. Cal Poly will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Current employees who are offered positions on campus will be required to undergo a background check for any position where a background check is required by law or that Cal Poly has designated as sensitive. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.

The person holding this position is considered a 'mandated reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo is not a sponsoring agency for staff or management positions. Applicants for staff and management positions must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Positions are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days.