THE PLAYFUL COTTAGE PRESCHOOL
Teamwork Makes the
Dream Work
Join a team where your passion for early childhood education is celebrated, your voice matters, and every day is filled with purpose, PLAY, and genuine connection.
Who We Are
At The Playful Cottage Preschool, we're building something special—a place where toddler and preschool children experience the magic of play-based learning, and where teachers are valued as the professionals they are.
We're a boutique preschool opening in the Monterey Park / Alhambra area in Fall 2026, built on our PLAY Promise:
✓ Play-Based Learning – Because children learn best through play
✓ Love & Connection – Small classes where connection is nurtured
✓ Active Exploration – Music, STEM, play, creative arts
✓ Your Child Matters – And so do YOU as an educator
We believe:
Teaching preschool is a calling, not just a job
Educators deserve respect, competitive pay, and professional growth
The best learning happens when teachers feel supported and valued
Teamwork creates an environment where everyone thrives
Our Values
What we look for in every team member:
❤️ LOVE FOR CHILDREN: We believe a genuine love for children is the heart of great early childhood education. We find joy in children’s curiosity, energy, and imagination, and we approach each day with patience, warmth, and a sense of wonder.
🤝 COLLABORATION OVER COMPETITION: We believe strong schools are built through teamwork. We support one another, share ideas openly, and celebrate each other’s successes. By working together, we create a positive environment for both teachers and children.
🎓 GROWTH MINDSET: We believe learning never stops—for children or educators. We value reflection, professional growth, and a willingness to try new ideas that strengthen our teaching practice.
🌈 EQUITY & INCLUSION: We believe every child and family deserves to feel welcomed, respected, and valued. We honor diverse cultures, languages, family structures, and learning styles, and we strive to create classrooms where every child belongs.
💪 PROFESSIONALISM: We believe early childhood education is an important and respected profession. We demonstrate professionalism through reliability, clear communication, and a commitment to creating a safe and supportive learning environment.
🎨 CREATIVITY & JOY: We believe childhood should be filled with creativity, play, and joyful discovery. Through music, art, exploration, and imagination, we create learning experiences that spark curiosity and excitement.
🗣️ HONEST COMMUNICATION: We believe open and respectful communication strengthens our community. We encourage thoughtful dialogue, collaboration, and a culture where every team member’s voice is valued.
What Makes Us Different
We're not your typical preschool employer.
🏡 Small & Intentional: We prioritize small class sizes and meaningful relationships. Our teachers truly get to know every child and family, creating a close-knit school community where everyone feels connected.
💰 Competitive Compensation: We value great educators and compensate them accordingly. Our team receives competitive pay, benefits, paid professional development, and annual performance reviews with opportunities for growth.
📚 Professional Growth: We believe in supporting educators throughout their careers. We encourage continued learning, provide professional development opportunities, and support teachers who want to grow as leaders in early childhood education.
🤝 Collaborative Culture: Teaching is a team effort. We foster a supportive environment where teachers collaborate, share ideas, and feel heard. Regular team meetings and dedicated planning time help ensure every educator has a voice.
⚖️ Work-Life Balance: We believe educators deserve balance. Happy and healthy educators show up to do their best work with our students. Our teachers are supported throughout the year-round school year with generous paid time off, benefits, and thoughtful scheduling to help teachers maintain a healthy and sustainable work-life balance.
🎨 Creative Freedom: We provide a strong curriculum framework while giving teachers the flexibility to bring learning to life. Educators are encouraged to follow children’s interests, design engaging activities, and create unique classroom experiences.
🌟 Respect & Recognition: Our teachers are the heart of our school. We strive to create a culture where educators feel valued, supported, and recognized for the important work they do every day.
Joining the Team
If you share our core values, we invite you to submit an application.
🍼 INFANT/TODDLER LEAD TEACHER (18 months - 3 years)
🎨 PRESCHOOL LEAD TEACHER (Ages 3-5)
🤲 TEACHING ASSISTANT / FLOATER
🌟 SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS (On-Call)
🌟 CUSTODIAL STAFF
How to Apply
Email your resume and cover letter to:
theplayfulcottagepreschool@gmail.com
Subject line: [Position Title] - [Your Name]
Example: "Preschool Lead Teacher - Maria Rodriguez"
Include:
Resume/CV
3 professional references
Brief cover letter (doesn't need to be formal—tell us your story.)
Any relevant certifications (ECE transcripts, CPR, etc.)