"Substitute Preschool Teacher"

About Occidental College

Founded in 1887, Occidental is a nationally recognized, private college of the liberal arts and sciences, dedicated to providing a gifted and diverse group of students with a total educational experience of the highest quality -- one that prepares them for leadership in an increasingly complex, interdependent and pluralistic world.

What makes Occidental special? An intellectually rigorous academic environment. Small classroom settings where students collaborate with professors and their peers while pursuing or discovering their passion. A beautiful residential campus that offers students hands-on engagement with the cultural and intellectual resources of Los Angeles. A community open to stimulating conversation and divergent points of view. Some 2,100 students from 46 states and 28 countries choose from 41 majors and minors and participate in one the country’s top undergraduate research programs. Oxy students routinely win top awards and fellowships; its first Rhodes Scholar was named in 1907. Dedicated to excellence and equity, Occidental also is one of the country’s most economically diverse campuses, according to the New York Times. Some 71 percent of Oxy students receive some form of financial aid; 20 percent are Pell Grant recipients; and 19 percent are the first in their family to attend college

Title:

Substitute Preschool Teacher

Department:

Child Development Center

Duration:

Through June 30th, 2026 (Possible Extension)

Employment Status:

Non-Exempt, Part Time, On-Call

Job Summary

The Substitute Preschool Teacher at Occidental College Child Development Center is responsible for collaborating with Lead Preschool Teachers and other teachers to facilitate daily classroom operations and supervision of children aged 2-5 years old. This on-call position involves stepping in to cover teaching roles when teachers are absent. The Substitute Preschool Teacher must have the ability to work effectively and collaboratively within a team of early childhood educators. Flexibility is required, because Substitutes are required to serve in various classrooms and support various ages, based on Center needs. The Substitute Preschool Teachers should contribute to fostering a safe, respectful, and community-oriented classroom environment and have the ability to form nurturing relationships with children and communicate effectively with parents, as needed. Essential qualifications include a minimum of 12 units in Child Development, experience working in a preschool classroom setting, a basic understanding of Child Development theories, and effective communication skills.

Job Duties

• 40% - Child Supervision and Care: Provide constant supervision of children and attend to their physical and emotional needs; ensure children’s safety and well-being. (Essential)
• 35% - Assist in General Classroom and Center-wide Duties - Share responsibility for completing general classroom and Center-wide duties, including keeping Center clean and safe. Contribute to the smooth operation of the Center and assist teachers and children in all groups, as needed. Respond receptively to direction from Lead Preschool Teachers, other teachers, and Director. Assume Lead Preschool Teacher duties, as needed. Complete routine paperwork and administer medications, as needed. (Essential)
• 10% - Relationships and Communication - Provide nurturing and responsive care to children, establish open and respectful communication with parents, and contribute to a positive, community-oriented classroom environment. (Marginal)
• 15% - Assist with Curriculum Implementation - Work with Lead Preschool Teachers and other teachers to implement a developmentally-appropriate, play-based curriculum. Assist with set-up, implementation, and clean-up of daily activities for the children. (Essential)

Minimum Qualifications

• A minimum of 12 semester units in Child Development - which must include the 3 core courses of: a basic Child Growth and Development course, a course on Child, Family and Community, and a course on planning Curriculum for young children.
• A minimum of 1 year of experience working in a play-based early childhood education setting.
• Understanding of basic Child Development theories and current best practices in Early Childhood Education.
• Knowledge - Understanding of basic Child Development theories and current best practices in Early Childhood Education. Familiarity with developmentally-appropriate, play-based, emergent curriculum models. Strong understanding of the specific educational philosophy of the Child Development Center. Familiarity with Title 22 Regulations. Understanding of procedures for completing accident/incident reports.
• Skills - Ability to collaborate effectively with Lead Teachers and other teachers in implementing daily activities and helping children navigate the daily schedule smoothly. Clear, effective, and professional communication in English, both oral and written. Interpersonal skills to interact and work effectively with children, parents, and co-workers. Flexibility to assist in all Center activities, including covering in various classrooms, as needed.
• Abilities - Supervisory ability to ensure the safety and well-being of children throughout the day. Ability to adapt curriculum and expectations based on individual children's needs. Ability to create and maintain a safe, inviting, and child-centered classroom environment. Ability to interact positively and work effectively with children, parents, and co-workers. Professionalism and ethical conduct, including maintaining confidentiality and refraining from unprofessional behavior. Flexibility to meet the diverse needs of the Center and assist Center-wide duties, as needed. Physical capability to lift children weighing up to 50 pounds and actively engage in play with children. Capability to maintain a physically healthy condition to perform assigned tasks. Punctuality, dependability, and responsibility in meeting job-related expectations. Successful completion and maintenance of necessary certifications, including Mandated Reporter Training, criminal background check, health screening, TB test, proof of certain immunizations, and CPR/First Aid Certification.

Preferred Qualifications

• 18 or more units in Child Development - which must include the 3 core courses of: a basic Child Growth and Development course, a course on Child, Family and Community, and a course on planning Curriculum for young children.
• 2 or more years of experience working in a play-based early childhood education setting. Experience working in a program that utilizes an emergent curriculum.

Schedule

On-call; Monday–Friday, hours vary based on need

EXPECTED HIRING RANGE: $20.00/hr - $23.00/hr

Application Instructions:

With your application, include a document with the below questions answered. Upload this document under “Please upload any other supporting documents here.”

1. Have you completed at least 12 semester units in Child Development, including the 3 core courses of: Child Growth & Development, Child, Family & Community, and a course on Curriculum for early childhood?
2. Do you have at least 1 year of classroom teaching experience with children 2-5 years of age?

Advertised: 14 Jan 2026 Pacific Standard Time
Applications close: