Highland Preschool in Carlsbad Village is hiring an open-minded, creative teacher who shows enthusiasm, curiosity, and eagerness to grow!
We're not a daycare—we're a home away from home for kiddos, where educators are not only respected professionals but also visionaries, constructing a loving environment full of opportunities to learn through play. Join a team where your opinions and ideas are VALUED, your work is SUPPORTED, and your efforts are REWARDED. Read what our team says about working at Highland:
"My words and feelings matter here. I didn't feel seen at other places I've worked, but I feel so supported here—with work life and home life. It's so easy to communicate with my team. Everyone is so compassionate and understanding and willing to help one another. It feels like my second family." —Miss Elissa, Preschool Educator
"At Highland, it feels like I am with my family; it doesn't feel like I'm at work. We all work as a team and help each other out, regardless of what age group or what room we are in. You just feel safe and secure and loved here, honestly. Another school tried to poach me, and the thought of leaving made my heart sink instantly. It felt like someone was trying to take me away from home." —Miss Mai, Toddler Educator
"Why do I keep coming back? Because I love you all so much. Highland is my second home. It's a fun environment, very loving, with the best teachers. I say that all the time when I talk about this place, that you have hired some of the best teachers." —Miss Kizzy, Long-Time Substitute
"I realized when I was talking with a parent the other day that this is it, this is my dream job." —Miss Mion, Director and Pedagogista
Highland Preschool benefits include:
- performance-based raises with clear benchmarks for success
- annual bonuses
- paid holidays (varies by school calendar, but 17 in the 2024/2025 school year)
- flexible vacation (5 consecutive days over summer, to be used when you like)
- sick pay
- retirement matching up to 3% of salary (add an extra 3% to your salary, just for saving!)
- paid professional development (sometimes with travel)
- benefits vary based on full-time/part-time status
Work-life benefits include:
- 1:8 ratio
- 30 mins dedicated prep daily (plus time during rest)
- intimate campus with ample outdoor space
- support from admin with weekly classroom meetings and regular 1:1 connection
- weekly staff meetings where your voice is actually heard
- a solid cohort of teachers who love what they do, love being here, and are excited to grow as a team
As a Lead Teacher, you will join your Co-Lead to...
- Plan and execute activities based on your observations of the kiddos' interests
- Create classroom documentations that make learning visible and show off the intentionality you're putting into your classroom's experience
- Communicate with parents daily
- Keep a clean, safe environment by following state guidelines and procedures
Requirements
Candidates must pass required state background checks and meet state and company education and experience requirements:
- 12 months of experience in a play-based toddler/preschool classroom
- availability to work ~40 hours/week (starting as early as 7:30am and ending as late as 4:45pm)
- excellent written and verbal English communication skills
- minimum 12 ECE units: Child Development, Child Family Community, and 2 curriculum courses (applicants without this cannot be considered)
- high school diploma/GED
- ability to lift 35 lbs to waist height
We're looking for experienced preschool teachers/child care providers who:
- have a high emotional IQ
- display excellent discernment
- are team players
- are self-starters
- possess a sense of playfulness, creativity, and curiosity
- love nature
- have exceptional self-awareness and an ability to self-reflect
- display a growth mindset
- are eager to participate in regular thought-provoking discussions
If that sounds like you, and you're excited to be part of something bigger—something where you make real impact in the community and are recognized for your hard work—we'd love to meet you! Please submit your resume with relevant work history; cover letters always appreciated.
About Highland Preschool
A play-based, non-traditional school, Highland Preschool uses the power of play to provide young people with the resources, guidance, and space to discover themselves as learners—for life. We are a small, women-owned business with an inclusive culture based on transparency, open communication, and underlying values of connection, curiosity, respect, growth, positive intent, and environment.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $20.00 - $24.00 per hour
Expected hours: 40 per week
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Employee discount
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
Schedule:
- Day shift
- Monday to Friday
Application Question(s):
- How many ECE units do you have? Answer required
- What are your hobbies and/or unique interests? Answer required
- Please list 2-3 days/times you are available for a phone interview (M-F, 8am-4pm).
License/Certification:
- CPR Certification (Preferred)
- Mandated Reporter Training Certificate (Preferred)
Work Location: In person