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Kidango

Provides preschool and early learning services

Lead Teacher - Infant Toddler

Full-TimeUpdated on 10/27/2026
$39.18
Mid
Associate's
East Palo Alto, CA, USA
In Person
EducationEarly Childhood Education

About the job

Requirements
  • An associate degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field is required.
  • Must meet Title 5 and Title 22 requirements for a Lead Teacher in an infant/toddler classroom, including required Early Childhood Education units and Infant/Toddler units.
  • A Teacher Permit from the Department of Education is required.
  • Immunization records must comply with Senate Bill 792 requirements for measles, pertussis, and influenza immunity.
  • Must be a mandated abuse reporter.
  • Must have CPR/First Aid Training Certification.
  • Must complete the CCL Record Keeping Component and 16 hours of health and safety training, including 1 hour of nutrition training.
  • Must be able to provide leadership and accept responsibility.
  • Must be able to work independently and set goals in a professional manner.
  • Must be able to work on multiple tasks simultaneously and work assigned core hours and schedule, including some evenings.
  • Must pass a health screening and TB test.
  • Must pass background fingerprint clearance.
  • Must have a valid driver license.
  • Must be at least 18 years old.
  • Must be able to lift up to 30 pounds during some job duties.
  • Must use hands for computer work and answering phone calls; reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
Responsibilities
  • Lead the daily care, supervision, and learning experiences of infants and toddlers in a safe, nurturing, clean, and developmentally appropriate classroom environment.
  • Comply with California Department of Social Services Community Care Licensing Division regulations (Title 22), California Department of Education Early Education Division requirements (including Title 5), and applicable agency policies and procedures.
  • Plan and implement a high-quality infant toddler program supporting early language, literacy, social-emotional development, and learning through play.
  • Develop and carry out age-appropriate lesson plans, learning experiences, and daily routines, including feeding, diapering, toileting, napping, indoor and outdoor play, and small group activities.
  • Build warm, responsive relationships with children and support individual developmental needs, including children with IFSP goals and other specialized supports.
  • Observe children regularly and document development through notes, photos, and assigned assessment tools in alignment with program expectations.
  • Lead curriculum implementation and create classroom environments that encourage exploration, language development, positive interactions, and active learning.
  • Maintain active supervision of children and ensure health, safety, and licensing requirements are consistently followed.
  • Maintain accurate, up-to-date classroom records, including attendance, meal counts, child observations, developmental assessments, and other required documentation.
  • Partner respectfully and professionally with families, sharing information about children’s progress, routines, and needs and recognizing families as the child’s first teacher.
  • Provide guidance, modeling, and daily support to Associate Teachers, Teacher Aides, and other classroom support staff to promote strong teaching practices and teamwork.
  • Participate in staff meetings, training, coaching, and professional development opportunities to strengthen teaching practice and program quality.
  • Maintain classroom cleanliness, organization, and readiness, including materials preparation, sanitizing, and maintaining an engaging learning environment.
  • Work collaboratively with center leadership and support staff to ensure strong classroom operations, continuity of care, and high-quality services for children and families.
  • Follow Kidango safety policies, active supervision practices, health and safety procedures, and licensing requirements to help ensure a safe and compliant environment for children, families, and staff.
  • Maintain confidentiality of children, families, and staff while promoting the organization’s mission and philosophy.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
Desired Qualifications
  • Two to three years of experience working with infants and toddlers in a licensed early childhood program is preferred.
  • Experience leading classroom activities, supporting other teaching staff, and helping maintain a high-quality learning environment is preferred.
  • Bilingual skills are a plus.

About the company

Kidango operates preschools and early learning centers in five California counties, serving more than 4,000 children with a focus on education and health supports for all families. Its centers offer age-appropriate curricula, meals, health screenings, and family engagement activities in a nonprofit model that helps subsidize costs and reach more children. Unlike for-profit providers, Kidango emphasizes universal access and equity by delivering education and health services at scale. The goal is to give every child equal opportunities for kindergarten readiness and a lifelong love of learning.

Company Size

201-500

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Fremont, California

Founded

1979

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Kidango’s Toyon Early Learning Center opened June 2026, adding 150 seats in San Jose.
  • California’s 2026-2027 budget preserved early education funding and included a 2.41% COLA.
  • Kidango remains over 500 staff strong, signaling continued operating scale despite layoffs.

What critics are saying

  • Kidango filed 2026 WARN notices cutting 71 workers across Fremont, Hayward, and San Jose.
  • Federal child care funding freezes hit Kidango directly; Scott Moore warned of devastating effects in January 2026.
  • Kidango’s public funding dependence makes Sacramento budget shifts an existential revenue risk.

What makes Kidango unique

  • Kidango serves 4,000 children daily across 54 Bay Area centers, unusually scaled for nonprofits.
  • Kidango opened San Jose’s first multilingual early learning campus with Berryessa USD and libraries.
  • Kidango’s wraparound model targets low-income families, blending preschool, childcare, and family support.

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Benefits

  • Flexible Work Hours