Lead Teacher (CHILD DEV CTR TEACHER 2 LD)

The Lead Teacher at the Early Childhood Lab School (ECLS) plays a vital role in creating a high-quality early childhood education environment that reflects the school's mission and vision. Under the direct supervision of an Early Care and Learning Program Specialist, with oversight from the ECLS Director, the Lead Teacher designs and implements developmentally appropriate curricula that support young children's growth and learning while mentoring practicum student caregivers, employed interns, and apprentice teachers.

This position is instrumental in cultivating a dynamic, nurturing educational environment that fosters meaningful learning experiences for children and their families. It also requires a strong commitment to mentoring future educators and contributing to a collaborative, reflective teaching community.

Apply By Date May 23, 2025 at 11:59pm

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

• Bachelor's degree in early childhood education, child development, or in a closely related field.
• Minimum of two years of teaching experience in a high-quality early care and education setting, such as a lab school or center-based program.
• Strong knowledge of child development principles and best practices in early childhood education. This includes an in-depth understanding of: Child Development: Knowledge of developmental milestones, individual learning styles, and strategies to support children's cognitive, social-emotional, and physical growth.
• Scaffolding Self-Help and Thinking Skills: Ability to design and implement developmentally appropriate activities that encourage children's independence, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Guiding Young Children's Behavior: Expertise in positive behavior guidance techniques that support self-regulation, emotional development, and conflict resolution in young children.
• Classroom Management: Skills in creating a structured yet flexible learning environment that fosters engagement, cooperation, and a sense of belonging. Promoting Peer Play Skills: Ability to facilitate social interactions, cooperative play, and relationship building among children with varying abilities and backgrounds, and implements individualized strategies to ensure all children thrive.
• Inclusive Practice: Commitment to fostering an inclusive classroom that embraces diversity, supports children with varying abilities and backgrounds, and implements individualized strategies to ensure all children thrive.
• Ability to safely lift and care for infants and young children, with the capacity to lift 50 lbs. as needed in the course of duties. Supervisory skills to train, mentor, and coach a diverse staff and practicum students and ability to effectively manage multiple tasks and responsibilities, prioritize work, and meet deadlines in a dynamic and fast paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in a leadership or mentorship role, demonstrating the ability to guide and support teaching staff within an educational or community setting.

Key Responsibilities

• 10% - Curriculum Development & Implementation
• 80% - Child & Family Engagement
• 5% - Mentorship & Professional Development
• 5% - Program Support & Organization

Department Overview

The Early Childhood Lab School (ECLS) provides high-quality care to children between the ages of 12 months and six years (until their enrollment in kindergarten). As a university lab school, the children's program fulfills more varied functions than a typical early childhood center. The ECLS serves multiple constituencies: undergraduate and graduate students; researchers; enrolled children and families; and community observers, early childhood practitioners, and policymakers who draw on staff expertise.

The Lead Teacher at the Early Childhood Lab School (ECLS) is responsible for the overall planning, implementation, and coordination of a high-quality early childhood education program within an assigned classroom. This position ensures developmentally appropriate practices are embedded in daily routines, learning environments, and instructional strategies to support each child's cognitive, social-emotional, physical, and language development. The Lead Teacher will serve as a model educator and mentor, guiding and supporting practicum student caregivers, employed interns, and apprentice teachers through daily collaboration, observation, and feedback.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $26.57/hr. - $37.51/hr.
• Salary Frequency: Bi-Weekly
• UC Job Title: CHILD DEV CTR TEACHER 2 LD
• UC Job Code: 007562
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100% - Fixed
• Shift (Work Schedule): M-F, 7:30am-4:30pm
• Location: Davis, CA.
• Union Representation: CX-Clerical & Allied Services
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is 100% on-site

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.

If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html

* High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
* UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
* Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
* Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
* Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
* WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
* On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
* Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
* Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
* Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here

Physical Demands

• Standing - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Walking - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Sitting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Twisting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours

Environmental Demands

• Loud noise levels - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Occasional Up to 3 Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Communication skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Numerical skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Constant Interaction - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours

Work Environment

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

The position requires the ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions, including hot, cold, or rainy environments. Activities may include supervising outdoor play, conducting educational activities, and ensuring children's safety during outdoor excursions or playground use.

Special Requirements - Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we're committed to solving life's most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

To view the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks

#CA-JP