Branches Atelier | Culver City, California
Full-Time | 30 – 40 Hours per Week | Monday–Friday
Branches Atelier is an innovative, dynamic, Reggio Emilia–inspired preschool with a warm, home-like quality, nestled on a beautiful campus in Culver City, California.
We are seeking an energetic, passionate, creative, warm, nurturing, collaborative, and self-motivated preschool teacher to join our learning community. We are looking for an educator who views teaching not simply as a job, but as a profession—someone who is curious about children, committed to lifelong learning, and excited to grow alongside colleagues, children, and families.
About Branches Atelier
At Branches, we believe children are capable, curious, creative thinkers with many ways of expressing their ideas and understanding the world. Inspired by the schools of Reggio Emilia, our teachers work collaboratively to create thoughtful, engaging learning environments where children’s questions, theories, relationships, and creativity are valued.
Teachers are encouraged to observe closely, listen deeply, document children’s learning, reflect with colleagues, and continually develop their own teaching practice.
Professional development is an important part of our school culture. Through classes, conferences, workshops, staff seminars, study groups, and ongoing pedagogical reflection, we provide our educators with opportunities to deepen their understanding of progressive early childhood education.
Our teachers also have unique opportunities to engage with educators connected to Reggio Emilia and to participate in professional development inspired by the educational project of Reggio Emilia, Italy.
The Position
This is a full-time preschool teaching position, beginning at approximately 30 hours per week, Monday through Friday, with the opportunity for up to 40 hours. We would also like candidates to have some flexibility to substitute or provide additional classroom support when needed.
We are seeking someone who enjoys being part of a collaborative community and who brings warmth, professionalism, flexibility, curiosity, creativity, and joy to their work with young children.
Qualifications
Applicants should have:
- A strong background in child development and early childhood education.
- A minimum of two years of preschool or early childhood classroom experience.
- A minimum of 24 Early Childhood Education (ECE) units.
- A current California Child Development Teacher or Master Teacher Permit, or qualifications to obtain the appropriate permit.
- A BA in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Human Development, or a related field is preferred.
- Knowledge of, experience with, or a strong desire to learn about the Reggio Emilia Approach and social constructivist theory.
- Experience observing and documenting children’s learning is highly valued.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Comfort using technology and working on a Mac.
We are also willing to consider an educator who holds an appropriate California Child Development Permit and has two to four years of strong classroom experience.
We Are Looking for a Teacher Who Has
- A genuine passion for teaching young children and for lifelong learning.
- Curiosity about children’s ideas, questions, theories, and ways of thinking.
- An interest in learning and embracing the Branches philosophy, values, and approach to education.
- A commitment to creating a strong, inclusive, and dynamic learning community for children, families, and colleagues.
- An interest in the Hundred Languages of Children and in exploring art and creative materials as languages for thinking and learning.
- An appreciation for beautiful, intentional, and inspiring learning environments.
- Strong collaborative and communication skills.
- A willingness to work as part of a teaching team and contribute to the larger school community.
- Openness to feedback, reflection, and professional growth.
- An innovative, curious, creative, and open mind.
- The ability to be flexible, adaptable, and solution-oriented.
- Warmth, kindness, patience, humor, and a nurturing presence with children.
- A commitment to high-quality early childhood education.
- Enthusiasm for ongoing professional development.
Professional Development
We believe that teachers deserve the same opportunities for curiosity, research, creativity, and growth that we provide for children.
Branches educators participate in ongoing professional development throughout the year, including:
- Reggio Emilia–inspired study and reflection
- Workshops and conferences
- Staff seminars and collaborative study groups
- Exploration of the Hundred Languages of Children
- Observation and documentation of children’s learning
- Hands-on exploration of materials
- Curriculum and environment development
- Opportunities to learn with visiting educators and pedagogical consultants
- Ongoing mentoring and professional reflection
We are looking for someone who is excited not only about what they already know, but also about what they have yet to discover.
Compensation & Benefits
Pay: $19.00–$27.00 per hour, depending on education, qualifications, experience, and permit level.
Expected Hours: 30–40 hours per week
Benefits include:
- 401(k)
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Ongoing training and mentoring
- Opportunities for continued growth within our learning community
How to Apply
Before applying, please visit the Branches Atelier website to learn more about our philosophy, school, children, environments, and approach to learning.
Along with your résumé, please submit a thoughtful cover letter introducing yourself. Rather than sending us a generic employment letter, we would love to learn something about you.
Please tell us:
- Why are you interested in working at Branches Atelier?
- Why did you become a teacher?
- What do you believe about young children and how they learn?
- What interests you about the Reggio Emilia Approach?
- What kind of person and colleague are you?
- What are you curious about?
- What are your interests outside of teaching?
- What brings you joy?
We believe great teachers bring their whole selves—their curiosity, creativity, experiences, interests, and humanity—into their relationships with children and with one another.
We look forward to learning about you.
Please send resume and cover letter to kaylen@branchesatelier.com
Job Type: Full-time
Schedule: Monday–Friday
Location: In person — Culver City, California
Experience: Preschool/Early Childhood Education — 2 years required
Education: Minimum 24 ECE units; BA preferred
Permit: Appropriate California Child Development Permit required
Patricia Hunter McGrath
patricia@branchesatelier.com
Reggio Inspirations 