Windmill School- Early Childhood Educator

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Portola Valley, US Until 9/22/2026 First posted July 24, 2026 Last posted July 24, 2026
Job description

Early Childhood Educator

Windmill School | Portola Valley, CA
Full-Time (40 hrs) & Part-Time (30 hrs) Available
$30–$34/hour (non-exempt, based on experience)

About our client:

Founded in the 1950s, Windmill School is a nonprofit preschool rooted in curiosity, connection, and respect for each child. Our nature-rich campus and emergent, play-based philosophy support children in becoming confident, capable learners—while fostering a strong sense of community among families and educators.

About the Role

Windmill School is a play-based, community-centered preschool seeking warm, collaborative educators to join our team. We offer positions in both our Infant/Toddler (12–24 months, caregiver participation) and Preschool (ages 2–5) programs.

Our approach is rooted in emergent curriculum, following children’s interests to nurture curiosity, creativity, and meaningful learning. If you value connection, reflection, and joyful classrooms, you’ll feel at home here.

What You’ll Do

  • Create a safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate classroom environment
  • Support children’s social-emotional growth with gentle guidance
  • Plan and implement play-based, interest-driven activities
  • Observe and document children’s learning to inform curriculum
  • Collaborate with co-teachers and contribute to a strong team environment
  • Build positive, respectful relationships with families
  • Supervise children indoors and outdoors
  • Support daily routines (snack, toileting, transitions)
  • Maintain an organized and inviting classroom

Qualifications

  • Minimum 12 ECE units required
  • Preschool teaching experience required
  • Understanding of child development and play-based learning
  • Strong communication and teamwork skills
  • Experience with observation and documentation preferred
  • Must meet California Community Care Licensing requirements

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
  • Ability to actively engage with young children throughout the day

Schedule

  • Monday–Friday between 8:00 am–5:30 pm
  • 30-hour and 40-hour positions available

Compensation & Benefits

  • $30–$34/hour (non-exempt), based on experience
  • Paid holidays
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Retirement plan options
  • Paid time off (for eligible employees)
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Supportive, collaborative work environment

Apply Today

We’d love to meet you! Please submit your resume and a brief introduction.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Windmill School is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, or any other protected status.

About this role

Summary

Create safe, engaging classrooms; support social-emotional growth; plan interest-driven activities

Job title

Early Childhood Educator

Experience level

preschool teaching experience

Industry

education

Location requirements

Portola Valley, US; on-site work only

Salary

$30–$34/hour (non-exempt, based on experience)

Management role

No

Skills & keywords

Required skills

ECE unitspreschool experiencechild developmentcommunicationteamwork

Preferred skills

observationdocumentation

Specializations

child developmentplay-based learningearly childhood
Locations

Structured locations inferred from the posting.

Portola Valley, CA, USA

On-site City