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CHILD CARE INSTRUCTOR I/II

Salary:  Effective July 1, 2026

• Instructor I:   $3,168 - $3,851 Monthly DOQ/DOE
• Instructor II:  $4,067 - $4,943 Monthly DOQ/DOE

Plus excellent benefits!

Apply by Friday, June 26, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.

Applications will be reviewed as they come in, and interviews will be scheduled on a rolling basis

Positions are expected to begin in July or early August 2026

If you're ready to inspire, encourage, and have fun while helping children grow and thrive, we'd love to meet you!

THE CITY is focused on enhancing our community members’ quality of life through well-designed services and a positive workplace culture. San Rafael is the economic and cultural heart of Marin County, and its high quality of life is centered on its commercial districts, engaged neighborhoods, active lifestyle, and natural environment. San Rafael, with a population of approximately 60,000, is a full-service city with a City Council/City Manager form of government with 12 departments, more than 400 employees, and a fiscal year 2025-2026 annual budget of approximately $193 million. The City’s vision is to be a vibrant economic and cultural center reflective of its diversity. The City Council is engaged and seeks to strengthen the urban and commercial areas as well as sustain the beautiful natural environment. 

San Rafael’s Organizational culture framework is an initiative called “Together San Rafael.” City employees are our greatest asset, and we seek talented individuals with diverse backgrounds who are creative, curious, and excited about a challenge. We are a results-driven team focused on the needs of community members. The Together San Rafael initiative is focused on modernizing City services and increasing the engagement of employees. This initiative recognizes the interconnectedness of the customer and employee experience. 

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

The Library and Recreation Department is comprised of two divisions, Library and Recreation & Childcare, that are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of San Rafael residents. The Department’s mission is to enrich the community through discovery, learning, and play, and strives to maximize the delivery of strategically aligned programs and services to provide the highest value for the community.

The Childcare division offers programs with developmentally appropriate curriculum with a wide variety of activities and experiences that support and enhance children's cognitive, social, emotional and physical growth.  Our professional staff provides a balance of child-initiated and teacher-led activities designed to support children's individual growth and development in a safe and enriching environment.  

THE POSITION

Do you love working with kids, creating fun learning experiences, and making a real impact in your community?  The City of San Rafael Recreation & Childcare Division is looking for five (5) enthusiastic Childcare Instructors to join our amazing team!

We're hiring for the following positions:

• One (1) School-Age (TK-5) Instructor I/II at Mary Silveira Childcare Center
• One (1) Preschool Instructor I/II at Pickleweed Preschool
• Three (3) School-Age (TK-5) Instructor I/II at Glenwood Childcare Center

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (including but not limited to - view the full job spec HERE)

• Assist in planning and implementing age appropriate curriculum, activities and events.
• Provide continuous supervision to children in day-to-day activities; ensures health and safety of children.
• Monitor behavioral patterns and assists with assessment and child development profiles.
• Evaluate needs of children, staff and site in order to maintain a safe and healthy environment for children and staff.
• Schedule parent conferences to discuss children's development and concerns; work with family to devise learning and development strategies as necessary.  
• Maintain accurate attendance and enrollment records; maintain appropriate confidential records.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

We're looking for individuals who are excited to keep learning about best practices in both early childhood and child development and who can also confidently guide children through both structured activities and free play.  The successful candidate will:

• Understand that positive relationships are the foundation of a successful childcare program.
• Create safe, welcoming, and inclusive spaces where every child feels valued.
• Love engaging kids through games, learning activities, arts & crafts, sports, and play.
• Communicate positively and professionally with families and coworkers.
• Stay calm, organized, and adaptable in a dynamic childcare environment.
• Believe learning should be fun - for kids AND staff!

In addition to the above, Instructor II candidates should have experience in:

• Observation skills to continually assess both program and children's needs.
• Planning and leading curriculum and classroom activities.
• Supporting and mentoring staff.
• Communicating with parents about children's needs for additional support.
• Coordinating daily program operations independently.
• Bringing leadership, initiative, and strong judgment to the team

We're looking for People who.....

• Are passionate about helping children learn and grow
• Serve as positive and encouraging role models
• Contribute to a supportive team culture
• Are dependable, flexible, and organized
• Handle challenges with patience and consistency
• Bring creativity, enthusiasm, and fresh ideas to activities and curriculum

If you're looking for meaningful work where you can laugh, learn, play, and make a difference every single day, come join us!

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Child Care Instructor I:

• Completion of a minimum of  six (6) units of Early Child Education (ECE) courses and currently working toward the completion of twelve (12) units of ECE courses.
• Six (6) months working with children.
• AA in recreation, education, or related field preferred

Child Care Instructor II:

• Completion of twelve (12) Early Childhood Education (ECE) courses.
• One (1) year working with children in a group setting.
• B.A. in recreation, education, or related field preferred.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Possession of a valid California Driver's License preferred

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must be able to perform physical activities, such as, but not limited to lifting or carrying children or heavy items (up to 40 lbs.) unassisted, reaching, bending, standing, or walking.  The employee is occasionally required to sit, climb or balance, twist, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Child Care Aide

Part-Time/No Benefits Available

$18.19 (No Experience) / $19.10 (With Experience)

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Applications reviewed on a weekly basis

THE CITY is focused on enhancing our community members’ quality of life through well-designed services and a positive workplace culture. San Rafael is the economic and cultural heart of Marin County, and its high quality of life is centered on its commercial districts, engaged neighborhoods, active lifestyle, and natural environment. San Rafael (population 62,000) is a full-service city with a city council/city manager form of government with 12 departments, more than 400 employees, and an annual budget of $172 million. The City’s vision is to be a vibrant economic and cultural center reflective of its diversity. The City Council is engaged and seeks to strengthen the urban and commercial areas as well as sustain the beautiful natural environment.

San Rafael’s Organizational culture framework is an initiative called “Together San Rafael.” City employees are our greatest asset, and we seek talented individuals with diverse backgrounds who are creative, curious, and excited about a challenge. We are a results-driven team focused on the needs of community members. The Together San Rafael initiative is focused on modernizing City services and increasing the engagement of employees. This initiative recognizes the interconnectedness of the customer and employee experience.

The City of San Rafael, Child Care Division is accepting applications for Child Care Aide to work in our School-Age Program.  We are looking for people who are available Monday thru Friday from 2:00 – 6:00 pm.  This is a great part-time position for someone who attends school in the morning.  No weekend work required!

This position performs the following essential job duties (including but not limited to):

• Assist Director and Instructors in planning and implementing activities.
• Assist in the supervision of children at the child care center or on outings/trips.
• Assist in the cleaning and maintenance of equipment and materials.
• Assist in the preparation and cleanup of snacks.
• Other related duties as assigned.

• Child guidance methods.
• Developmentally-appropriate practices and curriculum.

• Accept direction from supervisor.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships.
• Work as scheduled.

• Some experience with school age children, preferably 6 months.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Department of Justice and FBI fingerprint clearance
• Prefer possession of a valid California Driver’s License
• Must have a current TB test clearance

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Must be able to perform physical activities such as but not limited to lifting or carrying children or heavy items (up to 40 lbs.) unassisted, reaching, bending, standing, or walking. The employee is occasionally required to sit, climb or balance, twist, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS:

City of San Rafael application is required. A City of San Rafael application is required. Resumes do not substitute for the City of San Rafael application. Candidates should detail related education and experience on the application since this information will be used to determine who will be invited to participate in the next phase of the examination process. The examination process may include the following: application appraisal and oral board interview examination. The passing point for the oral board examination final score will be 70%. Prior to appointment, the candidate must pass a background check, and fingerprinting. To file an application, go online to www.calopps.org. Select “Member Agencies”. Select “San Rafael”. Follow this link to apply for this position: https://www.calopps.org/san-rafael/job-20650480 

Reasonable Accommodation: The City of San Rafael will make reasonable accommodations in the interview process to accommodate disabled applicants. If you have a disability for which you require accommodation, please contact us at (415) 485-3474 before the test date.

Please call 415-485-3386 for more information