Head Teacher

Definition & PurposeThe Head Teacher is responsible for ensuring a high-quality, developmentally appropriate, and safe learning environment for children that reflects the Orfalea Family and ASI Children's Center philosophy and values. The Head Teacher provides direct care and instruction to children, leads curriculum planning and assessment, supervises and mentors classroom staff, and builds strong, collaborative relationships with families.This position is based at the Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, CA.RequirementsEducational & Qualifying Experience, Skills, Licenses, CredentialsEducational/License/Credential RequirementsAA degree or higher in Early Childhood Education, Child Development or a related field or a bachelor's degree along with 12 semester units in early childhood educationCalifornia Child Development permit of Teacher Level or higher obtained within first 60 days of hire (at minimum, proof of application submittal must be provided within the first 60 days of hire)Current American Red Cross certification (or equivalent) in the following: Adult and Pediatric First Aid, CPR, and AED is required within 30 days of hire, training provided by ASIFifteen (15) hours of Health and Safety TrainingProof of a negative tuberculosis (TB) test, completed health screening, and fingerprint clearance is requiredExperience RequirementsMinimum two (2) years of experience working with preschool-aged children or infants and toddlers in a classroom setting that demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of the jobPhysical RequirementsAbility to lift and carry children and classroom materials up to 45-50 pounds in weightAbility to work both indoors and outdoors for extended periodsAbility to sit, stand, walk, bend, and move quickly in response to children's needs or emergenciesKnowledge/Skill RequirementsKnowledge of early childhood development and age-appropriate educational practicesStrong skills in child supervision, safety awareness, and risk management. Ability to design, implement, and document goals, emergent curriculum and learning environmentsClassroom leadership and coaching skills, including the ability to train, mentor, and provide constructive feedback to staffStrong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with families, staff, students, campus partners, and external agenciesOrganizational and time management skills to balance classroom responsibilities with documentation, planning, and assessmentsSound judgment, discretion, and adaptability in a dynamic childcare environmentKnowledge of Microsoft Office applications and ability to use general childcare documentation platformsEssential Duties & ResponsibilitiesSupervisory ResponsibilitiesDirectly supervise fulltime Teachers. Supervise Children's Center Student Assistants and Children's Center Interns assigned to the classroom. Child Care & Classroom SupervisionProvide high-quality care and supervision to ensure the safety, health, and well-being of children in compliance with licensing requirements. Maintain a welcoming and developmentally appropriate classroom environmentSupport children's social-emotional development and guide them through challenging behaviors and emotions using philosophy aligned strategiesCurriculum Planning, Observation, & AssessmentPlan and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum and learning experiences for childrenObserve, document, and assess children's development to inform curriculum, individualized needs, classroom routines, environmental set up and classroom goalsInput observations in assessment software and completing DRDP assessments on children twice a yearLead classroom goal setting and environmental planning every termStaff Training & MentorshipTrain and mentor student and professional staff in daily routines, care procedures, developmentally appropriate interactions, and instructional practicesDelegate responsibilities and classroom roles to ensure appropriate supervision and licensing ratiosProvide ongoing coaching and feedback support staff growth and alignment with Center's philosophy and practicesContribute to performance evaluations for teaching staffFamily Communication & PartnershipBuild and maintain positive, professional relationships with families through daily communication and ongoing collaborationShare information about children's progress, development, and classroom activities. Prepare and distribute regular classroom communications, including email newsletters and updatesPlan and conduct parent conferences in collaboration with classroom staff and supervisorsCenter Operations & ComplianceAlign classroom operations with licensing requirements, safety regulations, and program guidelinesMaintain required documentation related to curriculum, assessments, licensing, subsidy contracts, and food program complianceSupport safety drills and uphold emergency preparedness procedures alongside center leadershipCollaborationCoordinate with supervisors regarding program timelines, priorities, and expectationsCollaborate with teaching staff and leadership to support overall program qualityParticipate in Children's Center staff meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunitiesOther Duties & ResponsibilitiesAssume responsibility for center operations in the absence of the Assistant Director and DirectorThe 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 ASI policy as a condition of their employmentOther duties as assigned Background CheckSatisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. ASI 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. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current ASI employee who was conditionally offered the position.BenefitsSalary ScheduleStarting Pay Rate: $26.84 per hourHourly Pay Range: $26.84 - $37.58 per hour Premium Overtime: YesShift Differential: YesExemption Status: Non-ExemptBenefitsMedical InsuranceDental InsuranceVision InsuranceLife InsuranceLong Term Disability InsurancePublic Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS)Social Security (FICA)Paid State HolidaysVacation TimeSick LeavePersonal HolidayBirthday HolidayWorkers' Compensation InsuranceUnemployment InsuranceDate revised: 4/17/2026The Associated Students, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.