Preschool and Toddler Teachers

Great early childhood teachers do more than teach colors, numbers, and letters. You help children find their confidence, turn everyday questions into opportunities to explore, and support toddlers and preschoolers as they navigate big feelings, build friendships, and grow.

About the role

The best learning at this age doesn't always look like learning. It looks like paint-covered hands, a favorite story read for the tenth time, building something and knocking it down, singing loudly, exploring outside, and discovering how to take turns, ask for help, and try something new. As part of our teaching team, you'll create those experiences while supporting each child's development through purposeful, play-based learning.

• Create a warm, welcoming classroom where every child feels safe and valued
• Plan and lead engaging, developmentally appropriate activities
• Support cognitive, language, physical, social, and emotional development
• Bring learning to life through art, music, movement, sensory experiences, stories, and outdoor play
• Help children develop independence, confidence, communication, and early learning skills
• Build positive, trusting relationships with families
• Collaborate with fellow educators to create a strong classroom community
• Recognize and celebrate the individual strengths and milestones of every child

Your Experience Matters Here

Early childhood educators deserve to work somewhere that recognizes the skill, patience, creativity, and heart this work requires. Kamaʻāina Kids has been recognized as one of Hawaiʻi's Top Workplaces for five years running, and we're committed to creating an environment where our teachers feel supported by their teams and have opportunities to keep growing.

• Paid professional development
• Company-paid Child Development Associate (CDA) certification
• College tuition assistance
• Opportunities to grow into Lead Teacher and leadership positions
• Hands-on support from experienced early childhood professionals

Pay

• Qualified Preschool Teachers: $22–$25/hour, based on qualifications and experience
• Infant & Toddler Caregivers: $19–$21/hour, based on qualifications and experience
• Teacher Aides: $17–$18.50/hour

Plus: $500 New Hire Bonus

Benefits

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• 401(k) with 6% Company Match
• 50–75% Childcare Tuition Discounts
• College Tuition Reimbursement
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays — including your birthday
• Professional development opportunities
• Career advancement opportunities
• Employee Assistance Program

Schedule

• Monday–Friday | Full-Time Daytime Hours
• No evenings
• No weekends

Requirements

Qualified Teachers

• At least 18 years old
• High school diploma or GED
• CDA, Associate's, or Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education (or related field)
• 6–12 months of experience in a licensed preschool or childcare program

Infant & Toddler Caregivers

• At least 18 years old
• High school diploma or GED
• 12–24 months of experience working with children under age three in a licensed childcare setting
• Infant/Toddler training (or willingness to complete—we'll help!)

About Us

We’re Hawai‘i’s largest locally owned nonprofit childcare provider, proudly recognized as a Top Workplace for five years running. Our mission is to enrich the lives of children and families through quality education and care—and we support our staff with training, structure, and aloha.

Preschools located on O‘ahu and Maui. School-age programs on Kaua‘i, Hawai‘i Island, O‘ahu, and Maui.

Must be eligible to work in the U.S. and reside in Hawai‘i (or have plans to relocate).