Preschool Lead Teacher

Preschool Lead Teacher | Bringing Executive Function to Life $20-$25/hour | Bakersfield, CA | Full-Time Why AGTO? Most preschools say they're "play-based." We actually mean it—with a twist. At A Good Time Out, every block tower, every puzzle, every turn-taking negotiation is designed to build the brain skills that matter most: focus, planning, and adaptability. These aren't soft skills—they're Executive Function capabilities that research shows actually predict lifelong success, better even than IQ. We're not babysitters. We're not worksheets-and-circle-time educators. We're neuroscience-informed pros who know that the right kind of play literally rewires little brains for success. If you've been looking for a place that takes early childhood development as seriously as you do—where your expertise is valued, your ratios are protected, and your work actually changes lives—you just found it. What Makes This Role Unique AGTO has always been known for warm relationships and deep family trust. Now we're building on that foundation to become Bakersfield's leader in Executive Function development—and we need the right person to help us get there. To make that happen, we need someone who can: Bring curriculum expertise to life: You'll be the go-to person for implementing our Purposeful Play approach with confidence and skill Model excellence in the classroom: Your lesson planning and child assessments will set the standard Mentor and uplift teammates: You'll coach, encourage, and celebrate growth as our team develops new skills together Bridge the gap between vision and execution: You'll help translate "what great looks like" into daily practice This isn't just a teaching role—it's a leadership opportunity without the administrative burden. You get to shape how we deliver on our mission while staying hands-on with children. What Your Day Looks Like You arrive with a Purposeful Play lesson plan designed to build executive function (and you're excited to show teammates how you built it) You guide a frustrated toddler through a block tower collapse, teaching them to adapt—while a co-teacher observes and learns You snap a "moment of joy" photo, share it with parents through the app, and explain the developmental milestone it represents You spend 15 minutes collaborating with a teammate to plan tomorrow's sensory activity—asking questions that help them think through the why behind their choices You leave knowing you didn't just teach children—you're a key leader on a team that's getting stronger every day This Role Is a Great Fit If You: You love being in the classroom and you get energy from helping other teachers discover their potential You can articulate the why behind your practice (and you're patient explaining it to others who are learning) You've been part of a team that grew together—and you want to be part of that kind of transformation again You're looking for somewhere to deepen your expertise, not just collect a paycheck What You'll Bring to Our Team Executive Function expertise: You understand how to design play experiences that build focus, planning, and adaptability Curriculum confidence: You've created lesson plans that align developmental goals with engaging activities Documentation skills: You know how to observe, assess, and communicate children's progress to families Coaching mindset: You've mentored colleagues before and know how to give feedback that inspires growth Our Three Pillars (What We Stand For) BE PURPOSEFUL | We design experiences, not just activities. We know why we're doing what we're doing with children We choose materials and interactions that develop specific skills We explain our approach to families with confidence PROTECT FIRST | We safeguard children's well-being above all else. We maintain ratios even when it's expensive We never compromise supervision for convenience We keep classrooms clean, organized, and emotionally safe for exploration CHOOSE UNITY | We build each other up instead of tearing each other down. We speak directly to teammates, not about them We assume good intent when miscommunication happens We celebrate each other's wins without comparison or competition What You Bring 12+ ECE units (including Child Growth & Development, Child/Family/Community, Programs/Curriculum) 4+ years in a licensed center Experience mentoring or coaching other teachers (formal or informal) Current CPR/First Aid (or willingness to obtain) The belief that Twinkle Twinkle Little Star is a timeless classic What You Get Competitive pay: $20-$25/hour based on experience + performance 401(k) with company match: Up to 3.5% match Paid time off: 6 paid holidays + 2 personal days Financial wellness: Free unlimited financial coaching with our wellness benefit Cell phone reimbursement: $10/pay period Professional development budget: Because we invest in your growth too A team that actually lives the "no gossip" rule How to Apply You MUST apply by sending an email to hello@agto.kids. We're assuming you have all the 12 required ECE units necessary (and 3 Infant/Toddler units are a big plus!). If so, please send your resume and the answer to this question in 3 sentences or less: "Tell us about a time you helped another teacher grow their skills. What was the challenge, what did you do, and what was the result?" Can't wait to meet you! Disclaimer A Good Time Out (Ringo Learning Co, LLC) is an equal opportunity employer. Job Type: Full-time Pay: $20.00 - $25.00 per hour Expected hours: 40 per week Benefits: 401(k) 401(k) matching Employee assistance program Employee discount Paid time off Professional development assistance Work Location: In person