Lead Teacher (Infant, Toddler, Preschool)

About Brella

Brella is on a mission to create a beloved child care experience for today's families and the educators who support them.

We are thrilled to expand the Brella village to the Newport Beach / Orange County area and welcome a new community of children, families, and educators into our story. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a launch team that will help shape the next chapter for the center while creating a warm, thoughtful, and connected experience for families from the very beginning.

At Brella, our educators are at the heart of what we do. We believe great child care starts with caring for the caregiver, which is why we are committed to building an employee experience rooted in belonging, wellbeing, and growth. Teaching at Brella is a great fit for educators who are adaptable, collaborative, and passionate about making a meaningful impact in early childhood education — whether they are growing their skills in the classroom, exploring leadership opportunities, or building a long-term career in ECE.

Where We're Located

Brella has three centers in the Los Angeles area. We are excited to expand our footprint to Newport Beach, located at 2500 West Coast Hwy, Newport Beach, CA 92663 and we anticipate opening in October 2026.

Interview Process

Our interview process for this role will typically include a virtual recruiter interview and an in-person hiring manager interview. While the interview and offer process may move forward earlier, selected new center team members are expected to begin onboarding between mid-September to early October 2026, ahead of the anticipated center opening in October 2026.

About the Role

We are hiring Lead Teachers (Infant/Toddler/Preschool) for our new center in Newport Beach! This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the classroom experience at Brella's newest center from the very beginning. As a Lead Teacher, you will guide the daily flow of your classroom, support co-teachers, partner with families, and bring Brella's play-based curriculum to life. You'll help establish thoughtful routines, build a positive classroom culture, and create a safe, nurturing environment where children, families, and educators feel connected and supported as we bring the Brella village to Newport Beach.

As a Lead Teacher, you will: 

• Create a safe, nurturing, and engaging classroom environment for children ages 3 months to 6 years.
• Guide the daily flow of the classroom, including routines, transitions, curriculum, documentation, and materials.
• Plan and implement Brella's play-based curriculum, making thoughtful adjustments based on children's developmental needs and emerging interests.
• Provide day-to-day guidance, support, and modeling for co-teachers while promoting Brella's expectations for engagement, communication, curriculum, and safety.
• Serve as a primary classroom partner for families by sharing curriculum updates, developmental observations, and child support plan information.
• Collaborate respectfully with co-teachers and center leadership to support a positive team culture and high-quality classroom experience.
• Maintain classroom safety and compliance by following Title 22 requirements and Brella policies, procedures, and guidelines.

Qualifications & Experience 

• At least 18 years of age with a high school diploma or equivalent
• At least 12 units of Child Development and/or Early Childhood Education coursework, as required by Title 22, Section 101216.1; Lead Teachers working in infant classrooms must also have at least three units specific to infant care
• One to two years of Lead Teacher experience in a licensed childcare facility required for external candidates
• Must meet all applicable California Department of Social Services and childcare licensing requirements
• Knowledge of early childhood development, group care settings, and developmentally appropriate practices
• Familiarity with Reggio Emilia, RIE, and/or Montessori principles preferred

Skills & Abilities 

• Patient, calm, and nurturing approach to working with children
• Ability to guide classroom operations, routines, and curriculum implementation
• Ability to provide clear direction, mentorship, and constructive feedback to co-teachers
• Strong family communication and relationship-building skills
• Collaborative approach and ability to communicate respectfully with coworkers and center leadership
• Strong organization and attention to classroom documentation, materials, and safety requirements
• Sound judgment and a solutions-focused approach to classroom challenges
• Ability to receive direction, apply feedback, and adapt to classroom and center needs
• Comfort using technology

Physical Demands

• Demonstrate full range of motion to lift, reach, squat, climb, sit, walk, bend and otherwise fully participate in activities. Standing for long periods of time.
• Ability to physically handle children between 0-5 years of age using appropriate techniques. Ability to lift children up to 50 pounds.
• Maintain mental and physical alertness and an appropriate level of energy to perform essential job requirements.
• Respond immediately and appropriately to multiple or unexpected situations or emergencies.
• Follow state, federal and Brella's guidelines regarding immunizations, employment physical, and required health and safety training and practices.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of work performed, not an exhaustive list of all essential functions and responsibilities. Qualified applicants or employees with a disability must be able to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation. 

Caring for the Caregiver

At Brella, we care for our caregivers through competitive pay, meaningful benefits, paid time off, and opportunities to grow and connect. Full-time educators at Brella are eligible for:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Brella-sponsored life insurance and LTD 
• 401(k) eligibility to contribute after 3 months
• Paid Time Off
• Sick & Safe Time
• Paid Closed Holidays & Holiday Pay Premium
• Wellness Days at tenure milestones
• Access to Stanford FIND professional development
• Opportunities for growth and advancement
• Team celebrations and community connection 

The pay range for this position is $23.00 - $25.00 hourly with final compensation determined based on experience and qualifications.