Oak Grove School, a small pre-K through 12th-grade progressive college preparatory school in Ojai, California, is seeking an experienced and accomplished Preschool Teacher. 

Our preschool program serves children 3-5 years old, five days a week. We are a play-based program and draw on a variety of modalities including Reggio, Montessori, Piaget, Waldorf, Anti-bias Education, and RIE. Special attention is given to creating indoor and outdoor environments that act as the third teacher, rich with open-ended provocations and natural materials. The curriculum is emergent, and teachers and children create experiences together that inspire discovery and exploration while also building independence and essential skills. Through observing children closely, teachers determine their needs, temperament, and readiness for the next steps.

There is a special emphasis on social-emotional development in our preschool program, based on the values of community and empathy. We see children as capable and competent and support them in developing the tools and skills needed to participate in cooperative interactions, to resolve conflicts peacefully, to stand up for themselves and others, and to be active, responsible members of a group.

At Oak Grove, we are committed to fostering in children the sense of well-being and confidence that enables them to appreciate others and instills real understanding across cultures. We offer an inclusive, integrated, caring, and explorative experience that also reflects the philosophical underpinnings of the school as expressed in the Arts of Living and Learning (inquiry; communication; academia; engagement; aesthetics; and care/relationship to self, others, the environment, and the world).

Responsibilities and Duties

• Create and maintain a nurturing, inspiring, and safe learning environment for 3-5 year olds
• Work alongside a co-teacher to supervise a cohort of 12-14 students in a full-day program
• Design and implement daily provocations for play-based learning
• Build strong partnerships with parenting adults and caregivers
• Support students with conflict resolution and social-emotional growth and development.
• Document student experiences and create portfolios for each student
• Assist with parenting adult meetings with an emphasis on child development 
• Attend regular staff meetings, professional development in-services, training, and special events. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required

• Experience or familiarity with the Reggio Emilia philosophy and approach to learning 
• Skills in creating documentation and portfolios
• Experience or familiarity with anti-bias curriculum 
• Strong skills in supporting social-emotional growth and facilitating conflict resolution with students and being in respectful partnership with parents
• Familiarity with the philosophy of the school (among other things, an inquiry-based approach to education in a non-competitive atmosphere) and an understanding of progressive education
• Self-motivated, self-disciplined, professional, and energetic
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with students, parents, and colleagues
• Ability to work as part of a close-knit team.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 12 ECE units
• Minimum of 2 years teaching experience in preschool or equivalent
• Associate or Bachelor's Degree preferred

About Oak Grove School

Oak Grove School is a Pre-K through 12th grade, progressive day and boarding school in Ojai, California. The mission of Oak Grove School is to assist students in developing those qualities of mind, heart, and body that will enable them to function with excellence, care, and responsibility in the modern world. In addition, it is the intention of the school to offer a place where the whole community can inquire together into the perennial questions of humankind and explore an approach to life that is whole, mindful and intelligent.

Connections working at Oak Grove School