Early Childhood Lead Teacher (Ages 18 months - 3.5 years)

Early Childhood Lead Teacher (Ages 18 months - 3.5 years)

Valley Beth Shalom’s Early Childhood Center (VBS ECC), a vibrant synagogue-based program in Encino, is looking for passionate, experienced educators to join our team for the 2026–2027 school year.

We are seeking dynamic teachers to work with children ages 18 months through 3.5 years. Ideal candidates are energetic, collaborative, innovative, flexible, and warm, with a deep commitment to Jewish values and early childhood education. Candidates should have a strong foundation in developmentally appropriate, emergent, and play-based curriculum, and experience supporting both children and families through key developmental transitions.

Full-day and half-day positions are available. 

Winter, Spring, and Summer work is optional.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, implement, document, and reflect on developmentally appropriate, play-based curriculum
• Assess children’s developmental progress and set goals to support growth
• Create a nurturing, responsive, and engaging classroom environment
• Collaborate closely with co-teachers, administration, ECC enrichment specialists, temple staff, and families
• Support children and families through separation and matriculation
• Maintain compliance with all health, safety, and licensing requirements (including, among others, CPR/First Aid, background checks, mandated reporter, and immunizations)

Qualifications

• Minimum of 24 ECE units (Infant/Toddler units required for applicable classrooms per CA Title 22 regulations)
• BA in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field preferred
• Minimum of 3 years experience as a lead or co-lead teacher
• Strong communication skills (both written and verbal)
• Collaborative mindset, with the ability to lead with kindness and solve problems thoughtfully
• Flexibility, creativity, and the ability to see the world through a child’s eyes
• Curiosity and a passion for lifelong learning
• Hebrew language skills a plus

Why Join VBS ECC?

Spend your days in a supportive, joyful, and playful environment where educators are truly valued. We care deeply about our educators - respecting their individual strengths, supporting work-life balance, and investing in their professional and leadership growth.

We Want to Know Your WHY

Early childhood education is meaningful and complex work. We want to know what inspires you, what challenges you, and what keeps you curious.

To apply: Please submit your resume to Renee Kalmanson, ECC Director at [email protected], along with a brief personal introduction sharing your “WHY.”