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Substitute Preschool Teacher - Immediate Start at Zen Educate

Zen Educate No longer available $22 - $26/hour

Job Description

Limited Positions - Now hiring for the school year. We're hiring multiple full-time preschool teachers to support school districts and private preschool centers. The roles vary from mid-term substitute placements, with you working directly in a classroom Monday through Friday, supporting students and staff on a consistent, daily basis. We also have availability for our daily substitute program, where you can choose which centers / hours work best for you!

Talk to a recruiter today and get hired before the first bell rings.

You'll be stepping into a teaching position at a preschool site, helping to lead activities, manage the classroom, and provide a safe and nurturing environment for children ages 2 -5. You'll follow the school's curriculum and routines while collaborating with other teachers and support staff.

Key Responsibilities:
-Lead daily classroom routines and activities for children ages 2-5
-Create a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment
-Support children's social, emotional, and academic growth
-Collaborate with co-teachers and staff to follow curriculum plans
-Communicate effectively with staff and families
-Maintain classroom organization, safety, and licensing standards

Required Qualifications:
-At least 12 semester units in Early Childhood Education/CHDV or Child Development Permit
-A minimum of 6 months of experience in a licensed childcare center or similar group setting
-Must be reliable, professional, and passionate about early learning
License/Certification:
-12+ CHDV or ECE Units

Physical Requirements:
- Comfortable being on your feet and moving around the classroom throughout the day
- Able to lift up to 20 lbs and safely assist students when needed (kneeling, bending, quick response)
- Additional physical requirements may be requested during your application process

Preferred Qualifications:
-Early childhood education:1 year
-Bilingual in English/Spanish
-Pediatric CPR/First Aid certified

Salary
Pay: $22 - $26 per hour
Schedule: Flexibility of work, Monday through Friday

Benefits:
- Weekly pay
- Paid Sick Leave
- 401K (certain eligibility criteria)
-Supportive team and training provided
-Opportunities to grow with additional assignments or school sites

Why Zen
We believe educators deserve clarity and respect at every step. Zen Educate offers a transparent, streamlined hiring process, fair pay, and ongoing support so you can focus on teaching and making a meaningful impact in classrooms

About Zen
Zen Educate is redefining how educators find their next role. Our platform streamlines the job search process, making it faster and easier for you to find opportunities that align with your skills, goals, and values - all with personalized support.


Ref: OC ECE-February2026-108

$46k - $54k beats the market for Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education nationally

National salary averages
$46k - $54k
↑ 34% vs typical mid-level
Entry
Mid
Senior
This job
$28k Market range (10th-90th percentile) $60k

This is a strong offer—weigh total comp and growth potential.

Strong candidate leverage

Strong hiring activity gives you options. Use competing offers strategically.

Hiring leverage
Lean candidate
Wage leverage
Balanced
Mobility
High mobility

Who this leverage applies to

Stronger for: Senior candidates with options

Where to negotiate

Base salary
Sign-on bonus
Title / level
Remote flexibility
Scope & responsibility
Start date / PTO

Likely Possible Unlikely

Use competing offers and timing to your advantage.

Does this path compound?

Job Growth →
High churn
Growth, flat pay
🚀 Compound
Growth + pay upside
⚠️ Plateau
Limited growth
Specialize
Experts earn more
Pay Upside →
Stable but flat

Steady work, but limited growth in both jobs and pay.

+4%
10yr growth
65,500 openings projected annually—mostly replacing retirees and turnover.
Typical: Associate's degree

Openings come from turnover, not new growth. Differentiate to advance.

Labor data: BLS 2024