Remote Part‑Time Preschool Co‑Teacher – Play‑Based, Arts‑Integrated Early Childhood Education (Hourly, Immediate Start)

Welcome to Community Arts Preschool – Where Play Meets Purpose

At the City of Walnut Creek’s Center for Community Arts, we champion a bold vision: children learn best when learning feels like play. Our Community Arts Preschool program blends the celebrated Reggio Emilia philosophy with vibrant, arts‑integrated experiences that spark curiosity, nurture imagination, and build confidence. As a part‑time, recreational enrichment initiative under Walnut Creek’s Arts and Recreation Department, we serve three uniquely spirited locations—Civic Park, Heather Farm, and Shadelands—each designed to offer a safe, nurturing environment where every child can flourish socially, emotionally, intellectually, and physically.

Our mission is simple yet profound: to inspire the next generation of creators, thinkers, and compassionate leaders through play‑based learning that honors each child’s voice. If you share our belief that “a child’s work is play,” and you’re eager to partner with seasoned educators to bring this philosophy to life, read on. This is more than a job; it’s an invitation to become a catalyst for authentic, joyful learning.

Why Join Our Team?

Working with Community Arts Preschool means joining a collaborative family of educators, artists, and community advocates who celebrate diversity, encourage innovation, and prioritize child‑centered pedagogy. In addition to a competitive hourly wage ranging from $17 to $25, you’ll enjoy:

• Flexible scheduling that accommodates your personal commitments, with shifts offered across multiple sites.
• Professional development through bi‑weekly staff meetings, workshops on early childhood best practices, and access to arts‑integration training.
• Mentorship opportunities by working alongside passionate Lead Teachers who model excellence in classroom management, curriculum design, and community engagement.
• Community impact—your work directly enriches the lives of families across Walnut Creek, fostering a love of learning that resonates for years to come.

Key Responsibilities – What Your Day Will Look Like

Partnering in a Dynamic Classroom Environment

• Collaborate closely with the Lead Preschool Teacher to design, prepare, and rotate engaging learning centers that reflect a balance of play, art, and inquiry.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and well‑stocked classroom environment, ensuring all materials are safe, age‑appropriate, and ready for spontaneous discovery.
• Facilitate small‑group and one‑on‑one interactions that support each child’s developmental milestones, applying observational skills to tailor support.
• Lead or co‑lead daily circle time, storytime, and music activities, infusing creativity and encouraging expressive language.
• Supervise outdoor play, promoting physical health, social cooperation, and environmental awareness while adhering to safety protocols.

Stepping Into Leadership When Needed

• Serve as a reliable substitute for the Lead Teacher, confidently guiding the classroom during planned absences or unexpected circumstances.
• Communicate observations about child progress, concerns, or family needs promptly to the Lead Teacher and relevant team members.
• Participate actively in bi‑weekly staff meetings, contributing ideas, sharing successes, and collaborating on program enhancements.
• Engage in ongoing team planning sessions and training workshops, continuously refining instructional strategies and classroom management techniques.

Essential Qualifications – What You Must Bring

• Education & Experience: Minimum of an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field, or equivalent hands‑on experience working with preschool‑aged children.
• Background Checks: Successful completion of Department of Justice and FBI fingerprinting, as well as a comprehensive background and criminal record check.
• Health & Safety Certifications: Current CPR and First Aid certification, up‑to‑date vaccination and TB screening, and completion of Mandated Reporter training prior to or upon hire.
• Core Competencies: Demonstrated ability to foster a supportive, inclusive atmosphere; strong communication skills with children, families, and colleagues; and a passion for play‑based, arts‑integrated learning.

Preferred Qualifications – What Sets You Apart

• Professional experience in a Reggio Emilia‑inspired or similar child‑centered curriculum.
• Certification in early childhood special education, or experience supporting children with diverse learning needs.
• Background in visual or performing arts, allowing you to enrich the program’s artistic components.
• Fluency in a second language (e.g., Spanish, Mandarin) to broaden cultural connections with families.
• Experience with classroom technology tools that support documentation of children’s learning journeys (e.g., digital portfolios, learning management systems).

Skills & Competencies for Success

• Observational Insight: Ability to keenly observe children’s play, decode their cues, and respond with purposeful guidance.
• Creativity & Flexibility: Comfort adapting lesson plans on the fly, integrating spontaneous artistic expression, and responding to the dynamic rhythm of a preschool environment.
• Team Collaboration: Enthusiasm for shared planning, open feedback loops, and collaborative problem‑solving with fellow educators.
• Parent Communication: Skillful, clear, and empathetic communication with families, fostering trust and partnership in each child’s learning journey.
• Organizational Skills: Efficiently manage classroom materials, maintain documentation, and uphold safety and hygiene standards.

Professional Development & Career Growth

Community Arts Preschool invests heavily in the professional trajectory of its staff. As a Co‑Teacher, you will enjoy:

• Mentorship Pathways: Direct guidance from experienced Lead Teachers who can help you develop instructional expertise and leadership confidence.
• Continuing Education: Reimbursement for relevant workshops, conferences, or coursework that deepen your knowledge of early childhood pedagogy, arts integration, or inclusive practices.
• Leadership Opportunities: High‑performing Co‑Teachers are considered for advancement to Lead Teacher positions, curriculum specialist roles, or program coordination duties.
• Community Partnerships: Access to citywide arts and recreation networks, providing broader exposure to cultural initiatives and collaborative projects.

Work Environment & Culture – The Heart of Our Program

Our preschools are nestled in three distinct, community‑focused settings—each with its own character yet united by a shared philosophy.

• Civic Park: A vibrant, urban‑adjacent site that embraces nature‑based exploration alongside city resources.
• Heather Farm: A tranquil, garden‑rich environment where children’s curiosity about plants, insects, and seasonal cycles flourishes.
• Shadelands: A neighborhood hub that blends indoor studio‑style creativity with outdoor discovery spaces.

Across all locations, you’ll find:

• A collaborative team spirit where ideas are welcomed and professional respect is paramount.
• Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion—both in curriculum content and in hiring practices.
• Supportive administration that values work‑life balance, offering remote coordination tools for administrative tasks when appropriate.
• Celebrations of milestones—monthly “Family Art Showcases,” seasonal festivals, and community volunteer events that reinforce the program’s communal ethos.

Compensation, Perks & Benefits

While the exact hourly rate depends on experience (ranging from $17‑$25 per hour), our total rewards package includes:

• Competitive Hourly Wage with regular performance‑based reviews.
• Paid Time Off for holidays, personal days, and professional development.
• Health & Wellness resources, including access to city employee health plans, employee assistance programs, and wellness workshops.
• Retirement Savings opportunities through the City of Walnut Creek’s 401(k) matching program.
• Employee Discounts on city‑run cultural events, museum passes, and community recreation programs.
• Uniform/Materials Stipend to cover classroom supplies or personal teaching accessories.

Application Process – How to Take the Next Step

Ready to become part of a forward‑thinking, arts‑infused preschool community? Follow these steps to submit a complete application:

1. Prepare Your Documents: Update your resume, craft a cover letter that highlights your passion for play‑based learning and your relevant experiences, and ensure you have a current copy of your CPR/First Aid certification.
2. Complete the Online Application: Visit our official application portal (link provided below) and fill out all required fields. Attach your resume, cover letter, and any supporting certifications.
3. Submit Your Application: Click “Submit” and you’ll receive an automated confirmation email.
4. Screening & Interviews: Qualified candidates will be invited to a virtual or in‑person interview, which may include scenario‑based questions and a brief classroom observation.
5. Background & Health Clearance: Upon a conditional offer, you’ll undergo the required fingerprinting, background check, vaccination verification, TB screening, and Mandated Reporter training.
6. Onboarding: Once cleared, you’ll attend an orientation session, receive your classroom materials, and be introduced to your Lead Teacher and team.

All applicants will be notified by email regarding their status. If you need any accommodations during the selection process, please inform our Human Resources Department in advance; we are committed to providing an accessible and inclusive hiring experience.

Join Us – Make a Difference Today

Imagine the pride of watching a child’s eyes light up as they experiment with paint, weave a story, or solve a problem through hands‑on discovery—all under your nurturing guidance. At Community Arts Preschool, your role is pivotal in shaping those moments of wonder. If you are a compassionate educator who believes that learning should be joyous, creative, and child‑driven, we invite you to apply now.

Click the link below to start your application and begin a rewarding journey with the City of Walnut Creek’s vibrant early‑learning family.

Apply Now – Become a Preschool Co‑Teacher

Apply Now