The Preschool Teacher I at Patria Church’s Abundant Preschool of Learning (APL) is a qualified early childhood educator committed to creating a safe, nurturing, and Christ-centered learning environment. Abundant Preschool of Learning is a Title 22–licensed early education program dedicated to cultivating each child’s academic, spiritual, and social-emotional development. Through intentional teaching, purposeful play, and faith-based instruction, the program equips children with the confidence and skills needed for a successful transition into elementary school. APL integrates Christian values with a comprehensive curriculum designed around developmental milestones and hands-on learning experiences. The Preschool Teacher I is primarily responsible for classroom instruction and may collaborate with an assistant or associate teacher. Classrooms are intentionally structured to maintain Title 22–approved ratios of one teacher for every twelve students, ensuring personalized attention, active supervision, and an engaging environment that supports each child’s growth and success. This position requires a strong understanding of early childhood education principles, effective classroom management, lesson planning and implementation, and proactive parent engagement. Teachers may be assigned to serve at either the Rancho or Pomona campus as needed. Mileage reimbursement is provided in accordance with church policy for inter-campus assignments. The Preschool Teacher I reports directly to the Preschool Director or a designated member of the preschool administration team.
Educational Philosophy and Program
Abundant Preschool of Learning (APL) reflects the heart of Patria Church, to Seek the Lost, Teach the Found, and Send the Disciples. Our program builds both the mind and the spirit, nurturing each child through intentional teaching, purposeful play, and Christ-centered relationships. Teachers follow a structured curriculum that integrates faith, literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional growth, preparing children for kindergarten and a lifelong journey of learning and faith.
Work Schedule and Daily Rhythm Within a structured, full-time schedule, supporting the complete rhythm of the preschool experience. Teachers guide children through a thoughtfully balanced day that includes worship, Bible, academic instruction, outdoor play, meals, rest, and creative exploration. Each activity is guided by the Abeka and Orange Curriculum to provide structure and intentional learning. Together, these frameworks help keep children engaged, curious, and joyfully discovering their world. In addition to classroom responsibilities, teachers participate in weekly planning meetings with fellow educators, prepare lessons and materials for themed learning units, facilitate parent-teacher conferences, and support special classroom or school-wide events. Each moment of the day is viewed as an opportunity to nurture faith, independence, and curiosity in a Christ-centered environment that reflects the heart and mission of Patria Church.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities Fully embraces and acts in accordance with the vision of Patria Church to Seek the Lost, Teach the Found, and Send the Disciples.
Model the spirit of Patria Church’s guiding scripture, Ephesians 3:14–15, by building a church community that supports and strengthens families. Foster faith, worship, and belonging across every ministry and campus.
Fulfill the four pillars of Patria Church. Christ (Mission Christ-Centered Driven), Community (Diversity Kingdom Driven), Character (Leadership Discipleship Driven), Commitment (Family Driven) church.
Embrace and execute a Neighborhood Groups philosophy of ministry, fostering community, discipleship, and connection across families and campuses.
Curriculum and Instruction:
Implement the APL curriculum, integrating both the Orange Curriculum and Abeka resources to provide a balance of faith-based and academic learning.
Use the Orange Curriculum to teach Bible stories, worship, and age-appropriate faith lessons, reinforcing weekly themes through crafts, sensory play, and hands-on learning.
Use the Abeka Curriculum to strengthen literacy, numeracy, and foundational learning skills through circle time, centers, and structured academic activities.
Lead the daily classroom program with activities that promote creativity, curiosity, and spiritual formation.
Equip children for kindergarten success by nurturing literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional growth through intentional instruction.
Classroom Leadership and Daily Rhythm:
Maintain and lead the daily classroom schedule, ensuring a balance of learning, play, rest, and worship that reflects the mission of Patria Church.
Create smooth transitions between activities that foster calm, cooperation, and readiness for learning.
Encourage exploration and curiosity through structured routines, interactive play, and creative lessons.
Support morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up with professionalism and care to ensure smooth transitions for children and families.
Model time management, organization, and teamwork to maintain classroom excellence and flow.
Family Communication and Engagement:
Maintain ongoing communication with families through the Brightwheel app, sharing photos, updates, and classroom highlights that reflect each child’s learning experience.
Partner with families through parent-teacher conferences, weekly updates, and special classroom or school-wide events.
Child Guidance and Safety:
Model problem-solving, independence, and respect through calm and caring communication.
Supervise children both indoors and outdoors to ensure safety and prevent injuries; respond appropriately when incidents occur.
Instruct children on the proper use of classroom and playground equipment to promote safety.
Conduct daily health checks, maintain confidentiality, and follow APL guidelines for injury reporting and incident documentation.
Administer first aid as needed and immediately report suspected abuse to the Preschool Director or appropriate supervisor.
Partner with families through parent-teacher conferences, weekly updates, and special classroom or school-wide events.
Participate in weekly planning meetings with fellow educators to prepare lessons and materials for themed learning units.
Include prayer and praise in daily routines, modeling gratitude and faith.
Perform other related duties as requested by the Director or another administrator on site.
Character: Demonstrates humility, integrity, and consistency in every area of leadership. Leads by example and sets the spiritual and cultural tone for the team through servant leadership, accountability, and Christ-centered decision-making. Remains teachable and responsive to feedback, modeling personal responsibility in both success and challenge.
Competency: Leads strategically by turning vision into action through effective planning, communication, and collaboration. Builds systems that empower others, manages resources with excellence, and develops individuals toward higher performance and spiritual growth. Operates with ownership and initiative, ensuring excellence without the need for constant oversight.
Convictions: In full alignment with Patria Church’s mission, vision, and values. Leads decisively from conviction, upholds organizational unity, and consistently exemplifies the four pillars of Christ, Community, Character, and Commitment in every setting.
The above summary outlines the primary responsibilities and scope of this position and does not represent an exhaustive list of all tasks that may be assigned. All team members are expected to complete required training, follow departmental procedures, and apply provided resources effectively. Individuals are expected to show initiative in learning, adapting, and contributing to the ongoing improvement of departmental systems and practices. Additional duties may be assigned by the direct supervisor or assigned Executive Leadership to meet operational or ministry needs.
General Requirements
Successfully completes all required background checks and pre-employment screenings.
Demonstrates reliability, punctuality, and consistent attendance.
Reads, writes, spells, and communicates clearly in English.
Demonstrates basic computer skills and the ability to use communication and scheduling systems required for daily operations.
Completes all required onboarding, safety, and role-specific training within established timeframes, including security, compliance, or emergency procedures as assigned.
Communicates clearly and respectfully with staff, volunteers, and supervisors.
Adapts well to changing priorities, event schedules, and ministry needs.
Works well under limited supervision, showing initiative and follow-through.
Maintains confidentiality, discretion, and integrity in all responsibilities.
Represents Patria Church’s mission and values through professionalism, teamwork, and Christlike conduct.
Education, Training, and Experience
Must be at least 18 years of age.
High School Diploma or equivalent required.
Minimum of 12 or more Early Childhood Education (ECE) units; coursework must include child growth and development, child/family/community, and program/curriculum. Minimum of 12 Early Childhood Education (ECE) semester units, which must include the following core courses: Child Growth and Development Child, Family, and Community Program/Curriculum (Principles and Practices of Early Childhood Education) One additional ECE course (such as Health, Safety, and Nutrition; Infant/Toddler Development; or Observation and Assessment).
Minimum of 2–3 years of experience in a Title 22–licensed childcare or early learning environment.
Must provide proof of a current TB test and successfully complete a background investigation and drug screening prior to employment.
Ability to remain calm and respond appropriately in unexpected or emergency situations.
Physically able to meet the demands of the classroom, including standing, bending, and active participation for up to 95% of the workday.
Demonstrated commitment to professionalism, confidentiality, and alignment with the mission and values of Patria Church.
If not already a member of Patria Church, must be able to complete Growth Track within 90 days of employment.
Preferred Education, Training, and Experience
Possession and maintenance of a California Child Development Permit (Associate Teacher or higher).
Completion of an additional 12 semester units in Early Childhood Education or a related field (such as Human Development), which must include at least 3 units in Infant and Toddler Care.
Completion of 16 General Education units, including coursework in: English/Language Arts, Math or Science, Social Sciences, Humanities or Fine Arts
A minimum of 175 days of classroom experience, with 3 or more hours per day, within a four-year period.
Demonstrated commitment to continued professional growth through the completion of at least 21 hours of ongoing training annually, in alignment with Title 22 and Title 5 requirements.
Possession and maintenance of the following certifications: Child Abuse Mandated Reporter Certificate, San Bernardino County Food Handler’s Card, Adult/Child/Infant First Aid, CPR, and AED Certification
Possession and maintenance of Adult/Child/Infant First Aid/CPR/AED Certification.
Prior experience in a faith-based or Christian early education environment is strongly preferred.
Job Skills, Knowledge, Abilities
Strong understanding of early childhood development principles and ability to design and deliver developmentally appropriate activities for preschool-aged children.
Demonstrated skill in classroom management, fostering a positive, respectful, and nurturing environment.
Knowledge of age-appropriate teaching strategies that promote growth in cognitive, social-emotional, spiritual, and physical development.
Ability to plan and implement engaging, faith-based lessons that reflect the APL curriculum and the mission of Patria Church.
Maintains confidentiality and professionalism in all interactions with students, staff, and families.
Adapts well to change and demonstrates flexibility, composure, and problem-solving skills in dynamic classroom settings.
Exercises sound judgment and quick decision-making in both routine and unexpected situations.
Works collaboratively as a member of a team-oriented, ministry-focused environment, demonstrating humility, communication, and dependability.
Builds positive relationships with children, families, and colleagues while maintaining clear and consistent boundaries.
Demonstrates strong organizational and time-management skills, ensuring lessons, transitions, and activities are executed efficiently.
Eager to learn, receive feedback, and implement innovative ideas that strengthen teamwork and overall classroom excellence.
Committed to ongoing professional growth and continuous improvement in both educational practice and spiritual leadership.
Be willing to learn, eager to implement innovative ideas, and be a key contributor to enhance teamwork/ collaboration within APL.
Abundant Preschool of Learning provides all training required to ensure employee safety.
Organizational and Spiritual Requirements
Always demonstrate Christ-centered behavior by treating people with dignity, respect, compassion, and integrity.
Fully embraces and acts in accordance with the Christian standard of living as outlined in the polices of Patria Church.
APL teachers and staff members must successfully complete Patria Church’s Growth Track class. Upon successful completion of Patria Church’s Growth Track class, all APL teachers and staff members are required to volunteer/serve at a minimum of one (1) holiday/event service. This would include Easter, Christmas, Woman’s events, etc.
APL teachers and staff members must attend at least one (1) Patria Church service per quarter.
APL strives to provide a physical environment that is safe, clean, and stimulating to foster the five selves of development: cognitive, social-emotional, speech and language, fine motor, and gross motor development.
All teachers are encouraged to create memorable experiences that enhance the learning environment for each developmental stage.
APL staff members are required to act in accordance with Title 22 regulations and create a loving environment where children feel safe.
APL provides children with an atmosphere that enables them to learn.
Signed acknowledgment of the Patria Church’s Statement of Faith.
Ability to interpret and adhere to Patria Church’s policies, procedures, and employee handbook.
Be self-motivated and goal oriented, use good judgment, and be flexible and innovative.
Professional attitude and demeanor.
Physical Requirements
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. This position requires prolonged periods of sitting, computer use, and repetitive motions associated with keyboarding, data entry, and document handling. Individuals must also be able to walk, stand, bend, reach, and move throughout indoor office or campus environments to retrieve materials, attend meetings, support ministry needs, or assist with routine tasks. This role may occasionally require light physical activity such as preparing rooms, moving office supplies, transporting materials, or assisting with basic event-related setups. Individuals must be able to lift, carry, push, or pull items up to 25–30 pounds with or without assistance. Sufficient vision, hearing, and mobility are required to communicate effectively, maintain awareness of surroundings, and complete assigned responsibilities safely.
Patria Church provides all training required to ensure employee safety.
CLASSIFICATIONS: Full-Time | Non-Exempt, Hourly
This posting provides a general overview of the role and responsibilities and does not constitute a guarantee or offer of employment.
Employment with Patria Church is at-will and subject to the completion of standard onboarding procedures.