La Jolla Country Day School’s Lower School is a place where parents are often reminded of the best aspects of their childhood. Lower School is where we lay the foundation for the joy of learning, and our educators play a critical role in that process. The sense of exhilaration present in this age group is something that’s special. Here, children’s natural curiosity and questioning are nurtured alongside a well-balanced educational experience. LJCDS is where the best of classical and progressive education blends.

We are seeking a creative, nurturing assistant educator to join our Lower School team, working with our youngest learners in our Early Childhood Center.

The Early Childhood Center serves children ages 3 to 5 and offers an education that supports the development of the whole child. Children explore and investigate in well-equipped, thoughtfully designed, indoor and outdoor classrooms. The ECC follows a traditional school year calendar (mid August - early June) with closures for holidays, and winter and spring breaks.

Associate educators partner with the lead and associate educator within a classroom.  They support:

• Lead and associate educators in creating a positive, inclusive learning environment by:
  • Assisting in the preparation of classroom materials
  • Assisting in maintaining a classroom environment that supports the learning of students with a wide range of learning profiles
  • Leading group activities and lessons when needed (math, reading, and other intervention and enrichment groups)
  • Maintaining ongoing communication with grade level teams on classroom issues and individual student progress
• Students by:
  • Supporting their academic and social/emotional growth in individual and small group settings
  • Supporting them in upholding the Torrey Traits and all school behavioral expectations

Position Requirements

Candidates for our Early Childhood Center must possess twelve units of coursework in early childhood studies, which include the following classes: 

• Child/Human Growth and Development
• Child, Family, and Community
• Curriculum Development (Reggio Emilia Approach, early childhood art, music and movement, language arts, math, and science)

A bachlor's degree is preferred.  Prior teaching experience or work with children is expected.  In addition, candidates must be able to:

• Model patience, flexibility, kindness, a sense of humor, and a respect for others, and
• Support the School and its mession, maintaining a high degree of professionalism at all times

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have working knowledge of Google Workspace and Microsoft Office, and be able to learn to use other applications and hardware (Blackbaud, Apple TV, On Record, Seesaw, Zoom, etc.). 

The ideal candidates are committed to leading and learning with a high level of engagement in anti-racist education and culturally responsive instructional practices. They will possess or demonstrate the following: a growth mindset, emotional intelligence, self-motivation, positive energy, strong interpersonal skills, a service-oriented and team approach to work, approachability, adaptability, vulnerability, openness to new and divergent ideas, excellent oral and written communication skills, and comfort in an educational setting where children and adults are present.  

All school personnel must successfully complete a fingerprint background check through Live Scan and provide current tuberculosis clearance.

To work with our Early Childhood Center students, a second background check through Live Scan for the Department of Social Services is required. In addition, all Early Childhood Center educators  must meet the specific immunization requirements:

• Influenza (Flu): California Department of Education requires influenza vaccination between August 1 and December 1 of each year, unless an exemption applies

• Pertussis (Whooping Cough)

• Measles

• TDaP (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis)

• MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella)

To be considered for this position, include (1) your current CV/resume, (2) a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and your interest in joining the Country Day community, and (3) a statement sharing your educational philosophy.  At time of interview, transcripts are required to validate the 12 units of early childhood education.

About La Jolla Country Day School

La Jolla Country Day School (LJCDS) is an independent coeducational day school for students in early childhood (age 3) through Grade 12, located in San Diego, California. LJCDS prides itself on identifying students, faculty and staff of exceptional character who possess a strong work ethic and desire to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Consistently named one of the top independent schools in San Diego, LJCDS is San Diego’s only independent school to house students from age 3 to Grade 12 on one campus. This means that every day, students walk by either who they were or who they will become. La Jolla Country Day School’s mission is to prepare individuals for a lifetime of intellectual exploration, personal growth and social responsibility. The school’s core value is dignity—the belief that every human has inherent value and self-worth.

Connections working at La Jolla Country Day School