Teacher for Two Year Old ClassAt — Discovery Gardens Fullerton

Discovery Gardens is seeking a warm, patient, and collaborative teacher to join our Twos classroom. This role supports young children through responsive caregiving, play-based learning, and nurturing relationships in our Reggio Emilia–inspired, nature-based program.

Responsibilities include supervising children, assisting with diapering and toileting, maintaining a safe and engaging learning environment, supporting daily routines, observing children's development, documenting learning through photos and written observations, creating meaningful documentation displays, communicating with families, and collaborating with the teaching team. The ideal candidate values child-led learning, enjoys spending time outdoors, and is committed to fostering children's curiosity, independence, and social-emotional growth while maintaining a safe, nurturing classroom.

Tasks:

-Observe and assess children's development using objective observation techniques.
-Plan, implement, and evaluate developmentally appropriate learning experiences and provocations aligned with children's interests and developmental needs.
-Document children's learning through written observations, photographs, learning stories, and classroom displays to inform curriculum planning.
-Support the implementation of a Reggio Emilia–inspired, play-based curriculum, including preparing engaging indoor and outdoor learning environments.
-Apply positive guidance strategies and social-emotional learning practices to support children's behavior, relationships, and self-regulation.
-Maintain active supervision and implement health, safety, and licensing practices in accordance with California Community Care Licensing regulations.
-Collaborate with mentor teachers during curriculum planning, classroom reflection, and team meetings.
-Participate in professional development opportunities, staff meetings, and reflective discussions to strengthen teaching practice.
-Communicate professionally with colleagues and, when appropriate, support positive interactions with families.
Reflect on teaching practices, receive constructive feedback, and incorporate feedback into ongoing professional growth.

Routine classroom responsibilities, such as preparing materials, assisting with classroom organization, meal support, and maintaining learning environments, may be included but will serve as a supplement to the student's primary professional learning experiences.

Training:

Students will receive a comprehensive orientation to Discovery Gardens' policies, procedures, philosophy, and health and safety practices prior to working with children. Throughout the internship, students will be paired with an experienced mentor teacher and/ or director who will provide coaching, regular feedback, and opportunities for reflection through scheduled check-ins.

Interns will begin by observing experienced educators and gradually assume greater responsibility as their skills develop. They will receive training in classroom management, active supervision, child development, curriculum planning, Reggio Emilia–inspired practices, documentation of children's learning, and professional communication with families and staff.

Additional learning opportunities include participation in staff meetings, professional development workshops (when available), collaborative curriculum planning, review of classroom documentation examples, and guidance on creating observations and documentation panels. Ongoing feedback and reflection will help interns connect theory to practice while developing confidence and competence in the early childhood classroom.

Learning Outcome:

-By the end of the academic internship, the student will be able to implement developmentally appropriate, play-based learning experiences that support the cognitive, social-emotional, physical, and language development of children ages 2–6.
-By the end of the academic internship, the student will be able to observe, document, and reflect on children's learning using written observations, photographs, and documentation panels to inform curriculum planning.
-By the end of the academic internship, the student will be able to demonstrate effective classroom management and supervision techniques while maintaining a safe, nurturing, and inclusive learning environment.
-By the end of the academic internship, the student will be able to build positive relationships and communicate professionally with children, families, and colleagues while working collaboratively as part of an early childhood education team.
-By the end of the academic internship, the student will be able to apply Reggio Emilia–inspired practices by designing meaningful provocations, supporting child-led inquiry, and encouraging exploration through natural materials and the outdoor learning environment.