Employment Requirements & Career Pathways

At Sunshine Preschool, we believe in supporting growth within the field of Early Childhood Education. Our teaching pathway is designed so that each level builds toward the next:

Intern → Teacher’s Aide → Associate Teacher → Teacher → Master Teacher

While we are not currently hiring, we encourage future applicants to review the requirements below and begin preparing for careers in early childhood education.

General Employment Requirements (All Positions)

All classroom staff must:

  • Be at least 18 years of age

  • Pass background clearance (Live Scan fingerprinting)

  • Maintain current TB clearance and required immunizations (MMR, pertussis, flu)

  • Hold current CPR and First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain upon hire where noted)

  • Be able to lift up to 50 pounds and actively participate in classroom duties, including bending, standing, lifting, and supervising children

  • Be able to speak and write in English effectively

  • Demonstrate strong communication and teamwork skills

New Requirement Beginning in 2026:
Teachers will also be required to complete 3 ECE units in Infant/Toddler Care as part of Sunshine Preschool’s expanding toddler program licensing component.

Preschool Intern

Minimum Requirements

  • High school diploma or GED

  • Currently enrolled in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or Early Education coursework

  • Completion of 3–6 ECE units per semester while employed in the position

  • Willingness to learn child development and age-appropriate practices

  • Ability to work under supervision and follow direction from teaching staff

  • Strong willingness to learn and work collaboratively as part of a team

Preferred Qualifications

  • Previous experience working with children

  • Interest in pursuing a long-term career in Early Childhood Education

Preschool Teacher's Aide

Minimum Requirements

  • High school diploma or GED

  • Completion of at least 6 ECE units

  • Basic understanding of child development and age-appropriate practices

  • Ability to safely supervise and engage with young children in a classroom environment

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience working with children in a preschool or childcare setting

  • Enrollment in an ECE certificate or degree program

  • Bilingual abilities

Preschool Teacher (Fully Qualified Teacher Permit)

Minimum Requirements

To qualify for a fully qualified Teacher position, applicants must meet California Child Development Teacher Permit requirements:

Education

  • 24 semester units in Early Childhood Education/Child Development (ECE/CD), including core coursework in:

    • Child Growth and Development

    • Child, Family, and Community

    • Program/Curriculum

General Education

  • 16 semester units of General Education, including coursework in:

    • English/Language Arts

    • Math or Science

    • Social Science

    • Humanities or Fine Arts

Experience

  • 175 days of instructional experience (minimum 3 hours per day) within the last 4 years

Authorization

  • Qualified to lead a classroom and supervise Associate Teachers

Preschool Associate Teacher

Minimum Requirements

  • Must meet all Teacher’s Aide requirements

  • Completion of at least 12 ECE or Child Development units

  • Minimum of 6 months experience working with children in a licensed childcare or preschool setting

  • Knowledge of child development, curriculum planning, and classroom management

  • Ability to support implementation of developmentally appropriate curriculum and activities

  • Ability to help maintain a safe, nurturing learning environment

Preferred Qualifications

  • Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or Child Development Permit

  • Additional ECE coursework

  • Experience planning and leading classroom activities

  • Bilingual abilities

Preschool Master Teacher

Minimum Requirements

Applicants for Master Teacher positions must meet all Teacher-level requirements plus additional education and experience requirements.

Education

  • 24 semester units in ECE/CD including core coursework

  • 16 semester units in General Education

  • 6 semester units in a specialization area such as:

    • Infant/Toddler Care

    • Bilingual Education

    • STEM

    • Special Needs

Adult Supervision

  • 2 semester units in adult supervision coursework to support mentoring and supervision of teaching staff

Experience

  • 350 days of instructional experience (minimum 3 hours per day) within the last 4 years

  • Minimum of 2 years experience working in a licensed preschool or childcare setting

Additional Expectations

  • Ability to plan and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum

  • Ability to mentor and guide classroom staff

  • Strong leadership and organizational skills

  • Ability to observe, assess, and support children’s developmental progress

Preferred Qualifications

  • Child Development Permit at the Teacher level or higher

  • Additional ECE coursework or degree

  • Experience mentoring or training staff

  • Bilingual abilities