Preschool Associate Teacher
Saint Mark’s School – Altadena, CA

(Preschool program is currently located at Church of Our Saviour in San Gabriel while we rebuild our campus after the Eaton Fire.) 

Start Date:  Summer Program (June 15 - July 17, 2026) + School Year, Beginning Aug. 17, 2026

Status:  Full-Time, Non Exempt

Reports To:  Preschool Director/Assistant Head of School
Date Posted: May 5, 2026

Saint Mark’s School, a preschool through grade 6 independent, Episcopal school in Altadena, is seeking a Preschool Associate Teacher to join our vibrant and dedicated early childhood education team. This role is ideal for an enthusiastic, nurturing, and collaborative educator who is passionate about working with young children in a developmentally appropriate program that emphasizes learning through play, inquiry, and exploration.

Position Overview:

The Preschool Associate Teacher supports the classroom teacher in providing a warm, engaging, and safe learning environment for preschool-aged children. This individual will contribute to the social, emotional, and academic development of our youngest learners, assist in classroom routines, and help maintain the day-to-day operations of the program. The Preschool Associate Teacher must be collaborative, adaptable, and foster a strong sense of community and belonging.  

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist in the planning and implementation of a developmentally appropriate curriculum aligned with the school’s philosophy and values.
  
  
• Actively engage with children during classroom activities and outdoor play, supervising with attention to health and safety standards and adhering to Title 22 Child Care Licensing Regulations.
  
  
• Foster a welcoming, inclusive, and respectful environment for all children and families.
  
  
• Maintain a clean, organized, and child-centered classroom environment.
  
  
• Support students' social-emotional growth through thoughtful and respectful guidance and behavior modeling.6
  
  
• Prepare and clean up snack and classroom materials as needed.
  
  
• Supervise children during rest time, ensuring a calm and restful atmosphere.
• Assist the afternoon preschool program lead teacher in the planning and implementation of a developmentally age-appropriate program. 
• Collaborate with the teaching teams and school leadership in maintaining licensing and safety standards.
  
  
• Attend staff meetings, in-service trainings, and school events as required.
  
  
• Participate in professional learning, complete required trainings, and demonstrate a growth mindset.
  
  
• Be dependable, punctual, and maintain open communication with colleagues and families.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications, Experience and Skills:

• A minimum of 12 units of early childhood education classes, including core courses required for teacher qualification per Title 22. Associate’s Degree or higher in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field preferred.
  
  
• Experience working with young children in an early childhood classroom.
• Familiarity with play-based and inquiry-driven curriculum models.
  
  
• Demonstrated ability to relate well to children, colleagues, and families in a professional setting.
  
  
• Ability to perform physical tasks associated with working in a preschool setting (lifting, sitting on the floor, outdoor supervision, etc.).
  
  
• Pediatric CPR and First Aid (or willingness to complete upon hire).
  

• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion practices in early childhood education.
  

Ideal Candidate Will:

• Be warm, patient, and joy-centered in working with young children.
  
  
• Be dependable, flexible, and eager to collaborate with colleagues.
  
  
• Demonstrate initiative and strong organizational skills.
  
  
• Be open to feedback and committed to ongoing professional growth.
  
  
• Willingness to grow professionally and contribute positively to school culture.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and anti-bias practices.
  
  

Salary & Benefits

• Salary Range: $22-$24 per hour ($35,376 - $38,592 annually), commensurate with experience and education
  
  
• Benefits: Full medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus TIAA/CREF retirement plan

Physical Demands

This position requires active engagement with children, including lifting up to 50 pounds, outdoor supervision, and movement throughout the day.

To Apply

Please submit a cover letter and current resume to:
Kelly Mancuso, Assistant Head of School
Email: kellym@saint-marks.org

Deadline:  Until position is filled

Saint Mark’s School is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis including race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, the presence of mental, physical, or sensory disability, sexual orientation, or any other basis prohibited by federal or state law. 

Minimum Qualifications, Experience and Skills:

• A minimum of 12 units of early childhood education classes, including core courses required for teacher qualification per Title 22. Associate’s Degree or higher in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field preferred.
  
  
• Experience working with young children in an early childhood classroom.
• Familiarity with play-based and inquiry-driven curriculum models.
  
  
• Demonstrated ability to relate well to children, colleagues, and families in a professional setting.
  
  
• Ability to perform physical tasks associated with working in a preschool setting (lifting, sitting on the floor, outdoor supervision, etc.).
  
  
• Pediatric CPR and First Aid (or willingness to complete upon hire).
  
  

• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion practices in early childhood education.
  
  

About Saint Mark's School - Altadena

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