Head Teacher, Child Development Center/Lab School
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Location : Chula Vista Campus - Chula Vista, CA
Job Type: Classified Staff
Job Number: 00057
Division: Academic Affairs
Department: Child Develop Center/Lab
Opening Date: 07/15/2025
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Funding Type: District
Hiring Salary Range: $5,874.30-$6,356.02
Full-time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
Initial Screening Deadline: 07/27/2025
Work Schedule (Approx.): Monday-Friday: 7:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Months of Service: 12
Start Date: As soon as the successful candidate is identified and following the subsequent governing board approval.
Southwestern Community College District (SWCCD) is committed to meeting the educational goals of its students in an inclusive environment that promotes intellectual growth and develops human potential. We are the leader in equitable education that transforms the lives of students and communities.
SWCCD employees are collegial and collaborative. They demonstrate the highest degree of professionalism, integrity and respect when interacting with students, colleagues, leadership and members of the Jaguar community. Our employees actively honor and respect diversity to foster a safe and welcoming community where all are inspired to participate and realize a sense of belonging.
Incumbents exhibit an equity-minded focus, responsiveness, and sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, and employees, including those with physical or learning disabilities, and successfully foster and support an inclusive educational and employment environment.
Description
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION
Under the direction of the Director, Child Development Center, and in collaboration with the Center Director, teachers, parents, and child development faculty, perform a variety of duties involved in providing a safe and stimulating environment to support the optimal growth and development of each child; assume responsibility for parent participation, communication, and education; and supervise and train assigned staff and student workers.
DISTINGUISING CHARACTERISTICS
This classification is distinguished by the requirement for advanced knowledge and leadership in early childhood education. In addition to the skills required to develop and mentor preschool-aged children, the Head Teacher is responsible for planning, coordinating, and evaluating classroom activities and educational programs. This classification requires the ability to supervise and mentor teaching staff, model best practices in child development, and ensure compliance with applicable regulations and standards. The role demands strong organizational and communication skills, a high degree of professional judgment, and the ability to create a nurturing, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate learning environment.
Qualifications
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
A bachelor's degree in child development or related field which includes twelve (12) units of Early Childhood Education core classes to include at minimum: Child/Human Growth and Development; Child, Family, and Community; and Programs/Curriculum as designated by the State of California AND two (2) years' experience in an Early Childhood Education setting.
OR
A California Child Development Master Teacher permit which includes twelve (12) units of Early Childhood Education core classes to include at minimum: Child/Human Growth and Development; Child, Family, and Community; and Programs/Curriculum as designated by the State of California.
- One year of experience is equal to 12 months of experience at 40 hours per week. Applicable part-time experience will be converted to the full-time equivalent for purposes of meeting the experience requirement.
- If specifically referenced (i.e. degree 'or equivalent'), related experience that is above the minimum requirement may be substituted for education on a year for year basis.
- Applicants with foreign degrees from colleges or universities outside of the United States must have their coursework evaluated by a professional association that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (). A copy of the evaluation must be submitted with online application.
Before scanning attachments, remove/redact sensitive, confidential information such as date of birth, social security number, address and photograph.
LICENSE OR CERTIFICATE
- Possession of Pediatric CPR and First Aid certificates, or the ability to obtain certificates within one (1) month of hire.
- Must satisfactorily pass a pre-employment physical examination if selected for position.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience working with infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children.
- Three (3) semester unit in Development of Infant Toddler.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of:
- Preschool curriculum. Theories and principles of early childhood development, including the fundamental principles of the Reggio Emilia approach.
- Basic art methods.
- Methods used to document children's work, including computer skills, photography, and use of various media/languages (clay, paint, wire, music, dance, and movement).
- Age-appropriate behaviors and expectations.
- Applicable laws, codes, state regulations and accreditation, policies, and procedures.
- Oral and written communication skills.
- Principles and practices of administration, supervision, and training.
- Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy.
- Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary.
Ability to:
- Perform classroom duties of Head Teacher during assigned hours.
- Collaborate with the Center Director, teachers, parents, and child development faculty. Communicate with and resolve issues from staff, parents, students, and others.
- Support the documentation of children's work using various methods, including computers, photography, and various media/languages (clay, paint, wire, music, dance, and movement).
- Supervise and evaluate the performance of assigned staff. Implement program policies and curriculum activities.
- Interpret, apply, and explain policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.
- Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.
- Meet schedules and timelines.
- Plan and organize work.
- Work with and exhibit sensitivity to and understanding the diverse racial, ethnic, disabled, sexual orientation, and community college students' cultural populations.
- Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
- Learn and adapt to changing technology and equipment used in the performance of assigned duties.
Duties
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
- Function as a leader to provide creative and technical support in the planning the Child Development Program's and implementation at the Southwestern College Child Development Center; collaborate with the Center Director, teachers, parents,and child development faculty to promote and support enriching experiences for children's families, and the community.
- Provide care and education for classrooms of children and interact with the children in a developmentally appropriate and professional manner.
- Develop, plan, and implement appropriate daily experiences for students; provide opportunities for the development of fine and gross motor skills, language and expression, creativity, problem solving and critical thinking skills, and social and emotional skills; support the creative efforts emerging from the interests of the children; collaborate with staff in expanding the children's construction of knowledge.
- Function as a leader and assist in planning and implementing an age-appropriate curriculum for children in indoor and outdoor environments. Establish long-term curriculum goals that reflect the philosophy of the Child Development Center.
- Display sensitivity to the different ethnic, cultural, educational, and socio-economic populations represented at the Center.
- Provide guidance to Teachers, Teacher Assistance, student teachers, student workers, and others, in planning and implementing curriculum for all children in a developmentally appropriate, inclusive environment.
- Participate in the coordination, and evaluation of student teachers and student workers; instruct staff and students in the use of various media used for documentation of children's work.
- Coordinate parent participation and training; provide parents with educational information and communication.
- Assess the development of students; provide Parent-Teacher conferences each semester or as needed.
JOB DESCRIPTION:
Supplemental Information
SALARY SCHEDULE: CSEA - Classified Bargaining Unit
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT
This is a non-telecommuting position.
Must satisfactorily pass a pre-employment physical examination if selected for position.
Environment: Work is performed primarily in a Children's Center and outdoor environment with frequent interruptions and distractions; contact with children and parents; contact with blood and other body fluids.
Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in a Children's Center; to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; to stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight and to lift moderately heavy children; to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard, and to verbally communicate to exchange information.
Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction.
Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.
TENTATIVE TIMELINE: Any application received after the deadline is not guaranteed a review.
July 15-27, 2025
Position advertised; District receives applications
July 27, 2025
Initial screening deadline for guaranteed consideration.
August 4-15, 2025
Reviewing of applications.
August 25-29, 2025
Search Committee interviews candidates
September, 2025
Tentative employment start date pending Governing Board approval.
Application Process:
A confirmation email will be sent once your application packet has been successfully submitted.
It is the sole responsibility of the applicant to ensure that all required application materials are submitted by the initial screening deadline date, including a current resume, and unofficial transcripts showing awarded degree(s) and completion date, as well as any relevant certifications, diplomas, or licenses that demonstrate you meet the minimum qualifications of the position. Failure to submit supporting documentations may result in an incomplete application.
A separate, complete application packet is required for each position for which you are applying for. All materials included in your application packet become SWCCD property, will not be returned, will not be copied, and will be considered for this opening only.
A screening committee will evaluate applicants, taking into account the breadth and depth of relevant education, training, experience, skills, knowledge, and abilities. Selected applicants will be invited for an interview.
INTERVIEW TRAVEL COSTS MUST BE BORNE BY THE APPLICANT.
If additional positions become available in this classification, applications received in response to this posting may be considered for those additional positions for up to 90 days after final board approval.
Candidates selected for employment with SWCCD must be fingerprinted by an electronic fingerprinting service (i.e. LiveScan) within 10 days of employment; provide clearance of tuberculosis (dated within the past 4 years and renewed every four years as a condition of continued employment) within 60 days of employment; provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States.
Successful candidate selected may be assigned to any of the campus sites (Chula Vista, Crown Cove, National City, Otay Mesa, and/or San Ysidro).
American with Disabilities (ADA):
Reasonable accommodations will be provided to candidates with verified disabilities. Accommodation requests should be made as soon as practical by calling Human Resources at (619) 482-6395.
Equal Employment Opportunity:
As an Equal Opportunity Employer and in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, SWCCD will make reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.
SWCCD shall not discriminate against any person in employment or in any program affiliated with the SWCCD on the basis of age, ancestry, color, ethnic group identification, national origin, religion, race, sex, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or on the basis of these perceived characteristics, or based on association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.
Notice of Availability of the Annual Security Report:
SWCCD is committed to assisting all members of the community in providing for their own safety and security. The Annual Security Report is available on the
If you would like to receive a hard copy of the Annual Security Report, which contains this information, you can stop by the College Police Department or you can request that a copy be mailed to you by calling (619) 482-6390.
Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Plan (DAAPP):
More information about the DAAPP, including the Biennial report and additional resources can be found in the website.
Southwestern Community College District provides an excellent benefits package for employees and eligible dependents that includes affordable medical plans, employer paid dental and life insurance, CalPERS and CalSTRS retirement options, vacation and sick leave accruals, and professional development opportunities.
For more information, please visit the webpage.
01
Do you have at least a bachelor's degree in child development or related field?If yes, please ensure that you've attached supporting documents for full consideration. Failure to submit supporting documents will result in an incomplete application.
- Yes, I have at least a bachelor's degree in child development or related field.
- No, I do not have at least a bachelor's degree in child development or related field.
- I have the equivalent combination of education and experience in addition to the minimum requirements to supplement for at least a bachelor's degree in child development or related field.
- I possess a foreign degree and have attached my coursework evaluated by a professional association that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services.
02
Have you completed twelve (12) units of Early Childhood Education core classes to include at minimum: Child/Human Growth and Development; Child, Family, and Community; and Programs/Curriculum as designated by the State of California?If yes, please ensure that you've attached supporting documents for full consideration. Failure to submit supporting documents will result in an incomplete application.
- Yes, I have at completed twelve (12) units of Early Childhood Education core classes to include at minimum: Child/Human Growth and Development; Child, Family, and Community; and Programs/Curriculum as designated by the State of California.
- No, I do not have not completed twelve (12) units of Early Childhood Education core classes to include at minimum: Child/Human Growth and Development; Child, Family, and Community; and Programs/Curriculum as designated by the State of California.
03
Do you have at least two (2) years of experience in an Early Childhood Education setting?
- Yes, I have at least two (2) years of experience in an Early Childhood Education setting?
- No, I do not have at least two (2) years of experience in an Early Childhood Education setting?
04
Do you have a California Child Development Master Teacher permit which includes twelve (12) units of Early Childhood Education core classes to include at minimum: Child/Human Growth and Development; Child, Family, and Community; and Programs/Curriculum as designated by the State of California?
- Yes, I have a California Child Development Master Teacher permit which includes twelve (12) units of Early Childhood Education core classes to include at minimum: Child/Human Growth and Development; Child, Family, and Community; and Programs/Curriculum as designated by the State of California?
- No, I do not have a California Child Development Master Teacher permit which includes twelve (12) units of Early Childhood Education core classes to include at minimum: Child/Human Growth and Development; Child, Family, and Community; and Programs/Curriculum as designated by the State of California?
05
Do you have a valid pediatric CPR and First Aid certificates?If yes, please ensure that you've attached supporting documents for full consideration.
- Yes, I have a valid pediatric CPR and First Aid certificates.
- No, I do not have a valid pediatric CPR and First Aid certificates but I have the ability to obtain the certificates within one (1) month of hire.
06
Do you have the ability to pass a pre-employment physical examination if selected for the position?
- Yes, I have the ability to pass a pre-employment physical examination.
- No, I do not have the ability to pass a pre-employment physical examination.
07
Do you have experience working with infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children? This is a preferred qualification but not required; applicants without infant, toddler or preschool aged children experience are still encouraged to apply.
- Yes, I have experience working with infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children.
- No, I do not have experience working with infants, toddlers, and preschool-aged children.
08
Do you have three (3) semester unit in Development of Infant Toddler? This is a preferred qualification but not required; applicants that have not completed three semester units in Development of Infant Toddler are still encouraged to apply.
- Yes, I have completed three (3) semester unit in Development of Infant Toddler.
- No, I have not completed three (3) semester unit in Development of Infant Toddler.
Required Question
- Location:
- Chula Vista
- Job Type:
- PartTime