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 r