By Sara Ballenger
Tiny Tots of Los Altos is putting the call out to all preschool teachers and stay-at-home moms.
The Los Altos Department of Recreation preschool program is looking for three more part-time teachers and a director for its 4-year-old program, before the start of school Sept. 4. The program offers a 3-year-old class and a 4-year-old class.
“The Tiny Tots program is a program the Recreation Department takes a lot of pride in, to meet a critical need in the community,” said Los Altos Recreation Department Director Dave Brees. “We have had a staff turnover and we are looking to recruit outstanding teachers for that program.”
Brees pointed out that he and others at Tiny Tots are working very hard to fill the positions before the beginning of the school year.
“It’s my concern that there is a greater demand for preschool education and fewer people interested in pursuing it as a career,” said outgoing Tiny Tots Director Non Mead. “I am hoping that people take a second look. It’s a wonderful way to spend the morning - children are pretty incredible.”
Mead mentioned another asset of the program - it has a total of only 48 students. “It’s very small. The families get to know each other and feel a part of the students’ families’ lives,” Mead said. “If there is an illness or a new baby, it’s a wonderful support team.”
Mead is hoping that small class size will also prove appealing to potential teachers. “It really becomes your own program; you can develop your own curriculum,” Mead said. “There is a lot more license for creativity.”
The program is looking for enthusiastic and creative teachers. “We would like to have experienced teachers,” Mead said. “We have had lots of wonderful teachers with experience as Sunday school teachers, Music for Minors docents and Scout leaders.”
Mead said the most important qualities a potential teacher could possess are a love of small children and experience working with them in a fast-paced environment.
“Moms make great preschool teachers,” she said. “It’s a bit like a three-ring circus. You have to be easygoing, have a strong sense of fun and be flexible.”
Teachers also have flexibility in scheduling. “You can work two, three or five days a week, mornings and afternoons, and still be out the door by 12:30 p.m. or 2:30 p.m.,” said Mead. “The children are there from 9:30 a.m. to noon.”
Mead said there is also room for teachers to work more hours and add to their salary through the “Lunch and Play” (LAP) program. “It started as a way to supplement income and as a little extended care,” Mead said of LAP, which has 12 students.
“You can still be home by 2:20 to pick up elementary school kids,” Mead said.
Both Mead and Brees hope Tiny Tots will attract quality teachers. “It’s an opportunity to work with kids in a healthy, positive environment,” said Brees.
For more information, or to apply for a position, call Brees at 941-0950, ext. 306.
