OVERVIEW:

The Carey School is a Preschool to Grade 5 independent school located in San Mateo, California, operating on two campuses. The Carey School is committed to being an inclusive environment that supports the social-emotional growth of all constituents and seeks candidates who value this endeavor. At Carey, we work to create classroom communities that support students in becoming lifelong learners—engaged, joyful, thoughtful, and metacognitive learners who can make their thinking visible.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Carey School seeks an early childhood educator for a temporary Preschool and Extended Care Support position to provide maternity leave coverage. This is a full-time role (35 hours per week) that will run mid-May through June 2026, pause for the summer months, and resume in the fall (exact dates TBD).

During the summer, this individual will have the option to transition into a full-time role with our summer camp program, providing continuity of employment for candidates interested in year-round work.

This position supports preschool classrooms and daily operations during the school day and assists with the transition into the Extended Care program. This person works closely with teachers and Extended Care staff to support a smooth, consistent experience throughout each student’s day. The role reports to both the Director of Auxiliary Programs and the Preschool Director.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

• Supporting preschool teachers with daily activities, including classroom routines, behavior guidance, and transitions.
• Assisting with lunch and snack routines, including supervision and clean-up.
• Reinforcing consistent expectations and routines across the preschool day and Extended Care, in accordance with school safety and behavioral procedures.
• Supporting afternoon transitions and helping facilitate communication between the school day and Extended Care.
• Collaborating with Preschool and Extended Care staff to support smooth daily operations.
• Communicating thoughtfully and effectively with students, parents, and colleagues.
• Assisting with the implementation and supervision of activities and programming.
• Maintaining organization and cleanliness of classrooms, Extended Care spaces, and materials.
• Notifying supervisors of supply needs to help keep the program well-stocked.
• Demonstrating professionalism at all times by upholding the school’s values and contributing positively to the team.
• Operating in a friendly, flexible, and cooperative manner with all members of The Carey School community.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to provide a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment for young children.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with children, families, and colleagues.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise groups of children and support positive behavior.
• Dependable, responsible, flexible, and able to work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Ability to ensure compliance with school policies, procedures, and licensing requirements.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum of 2+ years working with preschool-aged children in a childcare or educational setting.
• Minimum of 6 Early Childhood Education (ECE) or Child Development units required (12+ units preferred).
• Interest in play-based learning and early childhood education.
• Proactive and team-oriented, with the ability to anticipate needs and support the group.

About The Carey School

Specializing in elementary education, The Carey School inspires curious, confident and joyful learners and celebrates childhood in an inclusive, diverse community that nurtures kindness, respect and personal responsibility.

Connections working at The Carey School