Early Childhood Instructor

Early Childhood Instructor

Salary

$66,435.20 - $84,801.60 Annually

Location

CITY OF CARSON, CA

Job Type

FULL-TIME

Job Number

2600005

Department

COMMUNITY SERVICES

Division

Community Services

Opening Date

09/21/2026

Closing Date

10/6/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

THE POSITION

The City of Carson is now hiring for the position of Early Childhood Instructor.

• This recruitment is only open to current Full-time and Part-time City of Carson employees*

The Early Childhood Instructor position provides an opportunity to work directly with preschool-age children and support their learning, growth, and development through engaging, age-appropriate activities. The position focuses on creating a positive learning environment, developing meaningful educational experiences, and partnering with families to support each child's development. ALL qualified candidates must possess the required education and experience.

Vacancy Information:

There is one (1) current full-time (FLSA: Non-Exempt) vacancy working Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Work hours and/or the work schedule may be adjusted based on the operational needs of the City.

Job Summary:

Under direct supervision of Early Childhood Director , provides appropriate educational, developmental and enrichment learning experiences for preschool-age children; develops lesson plans and prepares instructional materials. Educate and inform parents on early childhood development concepts.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

(These functions are representative and may not be present in all positions in the class. Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind related duties and work assignments.)

• Plans, organizes and provides educational and developmental activities and experiences for preschool-age children, including basic concepts, visual and auditory discrimination, physical/motor development, language/literacy, creative arts, social studies, math development and science concepts based on age-appropriate curriculum.
• Prepares and develops lesson plans and instructional materials for classroom use.
• Provides a positive learning environment ; maintains instructional areas in a neat, clean and orderly condition. Observes and inspect program areas to ensure safe and proper use of facilities and equipment.
• Develops and utilizes specialized instructional materials and equipment.
• Meets with parents to evaluate and discuss student progress, behavior and development. Collaborate with parents in providing an individualized educational program as needed their children at home.
• Assesses classroom needs; requisitions supplies, educational materials and equipment in accordance with established guidelines.
• Plans, conducts and supervises students and parent volunteers on educational and enrichment excursions.
• Promotes and participates in a variety of community and classroom activities and events, including parent participation.
• Assists in selecting and training, and supervises classroom assistants.
• Monitors and updates required confidential records of personal information including but not limited to daily attendance, monthly enrollments, progress reports and disciplinary procedures.
• Prepares snacks and serves meals for students as needed.
• Performs related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

A typical way to obtain the requisite qualifications to perform the duties of this class is as follows:

Must possess a valid State of California Child Development Permit at the Teacher level (or higher) and maintain throughout tenure of employment.

• Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education/Child Development (ECE/CD); or if in a related field must include three (3) units of administration and supervision of Early Childhood programs; and completion of twelve semester units of Early Childhood Education or Child Development coursework. Coursework must be completed at an accredited or approved college or university and three (3) units of Child Growth and Development.
• Completion of three semester units of supervised field experience in an Early Childhood Education setting.
• One (1) year of full-time, paid teaching experience in a licensed daycare. Experience and/or education in a related field may be substituted on a year-for-year basis

Knowledge of:

• Early childhood (ages 3, 4, and 5) development theory and practice.
• State laws pertaining to preschool education.
• Principles of supervision and education of preschool children.
• Methods and techniques of developing lesson plans.
• Child abuse reporting laws.
• General recordkeeping practices.
• Utilize computer software programs including, but not limited to: ActiveNet and Microsoft Office .
• Safe work practices.
• Modern office equipment experience: Microsoft Word, Microsoft Outlook, Internet Explorer.

Skill and Ability to:

• Develop, plan, organize and instruct classes for preschool age children.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Effectively communicate both orally and in writing.
• Maintain accurate records and effectively prepare evaluations, surveys, and class assessments.
• Ensure implementation of Department Blue Print Purpose-Driven Program (P.D.P.) method of planning implementing, and evaluating events/programs.
• License and Certificates:

Possession of valid California Class C drivers license. Employees in this classification will be enrolled in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Government Employer Pull Notice Program which confirms possession of a valid drivers license and reflects driving record. Possession of valid Red Cross Standard Certificates in Adult / Child Care First Aid and child CPR. Valid State of California Child Development Master Teacher Permit. Must possess a valid State of California Child Development Permit at the Teacher level (or higher) and maintain throughout tenure of employment. Must pass required pre-employment test and DOJ LiveScan.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Employee accommodations for physical or mental disabilities will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Positions in this class normally require:

• Vision to read small print (which may be corrected).
• Mobility to stand, stoop, reach and bend.
• Ability to stand for long periods.
• Mobility of arms to reach and dexterity of hands to grasp and manipulate small objects.
• Ability to perform lifting, pushing and/or pulling which does not exceed 50 pounds and is an infrequent aspect of the job.
• Is subject to inside and outside environmental conditions.

Recruitment Process:

This recruitment is open until October 6, 2026, at 11:59 pm. To be considered, please submit an online application and required attachments. Applications that fail to include all necessary documents will be considered incomplete and will not be taken into consideration. Applications will be reviewed for depth and breadth of experience, and for level and relatedness of education. The most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the recruitment process, which will consist of the following sections:

• Supplemental Questionnaire, no weight
• Oral exam, weighted at 100%
• Final Selection Interview

The Human Resources Department reserves the right to adjust, modify, delete and/or change the above exam types and/or weights. Supplemental questionnaires are used to evaluate applicant's indicated abilities with the ideal candidate profile. The Human Resources Department reserves the right to invite those amongst the highest scoring to the next phase of the recruitment.

Appointment:

Any offer of employment, or acceptance of an employment offer, is contingent upon passing pre-employment physical, background check and other required tests. All new employees are required to take a loyalty oath.

Other Information:

The City of Carson is an Equal Opportunity Employer, dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We believe in the strength that comes from different perspectives and experiences, and we are committed to building a workforce that reflects the vibrant diversity of our community. This commitment is embraced at all levels of our organization, from our management staff to our policymakers. We partner with our staff and community organizations to ensure our policies and practices remain transparent and equitable. As part of this commitment, we regularly publish updated demographic information on our workforce, including data on diversity and pay equity by race and gender.

In accordance with the California Fair Chance Act, the City of Carson will consider all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history. Applicants are not required to disclose their criminal history or undergo a background check until receiving a conditional job offer. If any concerns arise from a background check, and the conviction is directly related to the role, applicants will have the opportunity to provide context, present mitigating evidence, or dispute the reports accuracy. For more information about the Fair Chance Act, please visit https://calcivilrights.ca.gov/fair-chance-act.

The City of Carson intends to provide reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. If you need a special accommodation during the recruitment process or would like this information in an alternative format, please contact Human Resources at (310) 952-1736.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: This recruitment is Promotional and Internal

CURRENT CITY OF CARSON EMPLOYEES: Please do not use your City of Carson email address as part of this application. You must indicate a personal email address in order to receive communication and/or notices from Human Resources throughout the recruitment process.

For more information, please click on the link below.

AFSCME 809 MOU

01

The following supplemental questions will be used to assist us in screening your application. You are required to answer each of the following questions truthfully and completely. This questionnaire will be used to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for this job. Your responses to this questionnaire may also be used to evaluate your qualifications beyond the minimum requirements, as part of the application screening process. As such, please take the time necessary to answer the questions thoroughly. Applications submitted without a completed supplemental questionnaire, or those that say see resume or application, may not be considered. It is imperative that your responses to the questionnaire provide a true and accurate reflection of your background. Additionally, your answers MUST be supported by the information you have entered in your general application. Responses which cannot be substantiated by information contained in your application will be deemed invalid. Falsification, exaggeration and misrepresentation will result in your disqualification. Your responses will be evaluated as submitted. Do you agree to answer the following questions truthfully and completely AND understand that falsification or overstatement of your qualifications is grounds for disqualification of your application?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you currently possess a valid California Child Development Permit at the Teacher level or higher?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you currently possess valid Red Cross Standard Certificates in Adult/Child Care First Aid and Child CPR?

• Yes
• No

04

Do you meet the minimum education and coursework requirements for the Early Childhood Instructor position? Proof of education and required coursework must be attached to your application at the time of submission.

• Yes - I have a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education/Child Development (ECE/CD).
• Yes - I have a Bachelor's Degree in a related field that includes the required 3 units of Early Childhood program administration and supervision, 12 semester units of Early Childhood Education/Child Development coursework, and 3 units of Child Growth and Development.
• Yes - I have completed the required coursework and 3 semester units of supervised field experience in an Early Childhood Education setting.
• No - I do not currently meet the education and coursework requirements.

05

How many years of experience do you have working with preschool-age children?

• Less than 1 year
• 1-2 years
• 3-5 years
• More than 5 years

06

What is your knowledge and experience with California State licensing requirements, regulations, and standards related to early childhood education and preschool programs?

07

How would you create a safe, positive, and engaging learning environment for preschool-age children while maintaining effective communication with parents and families?

08

Why are you interested in becoming an Early Childhood Instructor, and what skills or experience would you bring to the position?

Required Question

Employer City of Carson

Address 701 E. Carson Street

Carson, California, 90745

Phone (310) 952-1736

Website http://ci.carson.ca.us