Description
CHILD CARE INSTRUCTOR I/II
Five (5) Positions Available
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.
Benefits
This position is a regular position of the City’s SEIU Local 1021 employee group and is eligible to receive benefits including but not limited to:
- MEDICAL | City group health coverage, with the City paying a fixed dollar amount toward the cost of the monthly insurance premium: Employee only: $998.00 | Employee plus one: $1,995.00 | Family: $2,520.00
- DENTAL | Premium fully paid for employee plus eligible dependents.
- VISION | Premium fully paid for employee.
- VACATION LEAVE | 10 days annually, increases after 3 years of service
- SICK LEAVE | 12 days annually
- HOLIDAYS | 12 paid City holidays plus 1 floating holiday per year
- BEREAVEMENT LEAVE | Up to 5 days paid leave
- PAID PARENTAL LEAVE (if eligible) | Up to 300 hours paid leave. SEIU employees also contribute to State Disability Insurance (SDI)
- END OF LIFE CARE LEAVE | Up to 80 hours paid leave
- LIFE INSURANCE & AD&D | $20,000 Life policy and $20,000 AD&D policy
- LONG TERM DISABILITY | 66.67% of salary, up to $1,000 per month
- RETIREMENT | Enrollment in the Marin County Retirement System (MCERA) pension plan, a defined benefit retirement program
- Tier 2 - hired on or after 7/1/2011: 2% @ 55, Average of 3 highest years
- Tier 3 PEPRA - hired on or after 1/1/2013: 2% @ 62, Average of 3 highest years
- GYM MEMBERSHIP REIMBURSEMENT | Up to $198 per year
- BILINGUAL PAY (if eligible) | Up to $250 per month
Special Instructions
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Apply by Friday, June 26, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
Applications will be reviewed as they are received and interviews will be scheduled on a rolling basis.
Positions are expected to begin in July or early August 2026.
It is recommended to submit your application as soon as possible, as the recruitment can close at any time.