Associate Teacher - Infant/Toddler (East Palo Alto)

Kidango • East Palo Alto, CA

6d • Onsite

About The Position

Kidango is an early learning nonprofit dedicated to ensuring every child can thrive in kindergarten and life. As the largest child care provider in the San Francisco Bay Area, Kidango offers thousands of children, particularly those from low-income families, safe, healthy, and nurturing environments. The organization also engages in policy work to drive change in early childhood education at various levels. The Associate Infant Toddler Teacher supports the daily care, supervision, and early learning experiences of infants and toddlers within a state-funded early childhood program. This role involves implementing curriculum, daily routines, child observations, and family engagement practices. The teacher works collaboratively with the Lead Teacher and Center Director to foster a safe, nurturing, healthy, and developmentally appropriate environment that promotes each child's growth and learning. The East Palo Alto Center specifically focuses on a language and literacy program, utilizing innovative portable technology and featuring outdoor classrooms with environmental education and play-based learning. The Associate Infant Toddler Teacher is responsible for creating a welcoming and responsive classroom for children and families, recognizing parents and guardians as the child's primary educators.

Requirements

• Minimum of 12 ECE units required, including 3 Infant/Toddler units as required to meet Title 5 and Title 22 qualifications for an Associate Teacher working in an infant/toddler classroom.
• Associate Teacher Permit from the Department of Education required.
• Immunization records that comply with Senate Bill 792 (immunity for measles, pertussis, and influenza.)
• Required to be a mandated abuse reporter.
• Required CPR/First Aid Training Certification.
• Completion CCL Record Keeping Component; 16 hours of health and safety training which includes 1 hour of nutrition training.
• Ability to work on a variety of tasks simultaneously and able to work Kidango’s core work hours and work schedule as assigned, and a flexible schedule, including some evenings.
• Must pass a health screening and TB test
• Must pass background fingerprint clearance
• Valid Driver License
• Must be 18 years or older
• The ability to lift up to 30lbs may be needed during some job duties
• The employee will be required to use hands for computer work, answering phone calls, etc.

Nice To Haves

• Associate degree or higher in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field is preferred.
• 1 to 2 years working with infants and toddlers in a licensed early childhood program preferred.
• Ability to provide leadership and accept responsibility
• Ability to provide leadership, accept responsibility, work independently and set own goals in a professional manner.
• Bilingual skills are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Support the daily care and supervision of infants and toddlers in a safe, nurturing, clean, and developmentally appropriate classroom environment.
• Comply with California Department of Social Services (CDSS) Community Care Licensing Division regulations (Title 22), California Department of Education (CDE) Early Education Division requirements, including Title 5, and all applicable agency policies and procedures.
• Work with the Lead Teacher and Center Director to implement a high-quality infant toddler program that supports early language, literacy, social-emotional development, and learning through play.
• Assist with planning and carrying out age-appropriate learning experiences and routines, including feeding, diapering, toileting, napping, indoor and outdoor play, and small group activities.
• Build warm, responsive relationships with children and support their individual developmental needs, including children with IFSP goals and other specialized supports.
• Observe children regularly and document their development through notes, photos, and other assigned assessment tools in alignment with program expectations.
• Support curriculum implementation and contribute to classroom environments that encourage exploration, language development, and positive interactions.
• Maintain active supervision of children at all times and follow all health, safety, and licensing requirements.
• Help maintain accurate and up-to-date classroom records, including attendance, meal counts, child observations, and other required documentation.
• Partner with families in a respectful and professional way, sharing information about children’s progress, routines, and needs while recognizing families as the child’s first teacher.
• Participate in staff meetings, training, coaching, and professional development opportunities to strengthen teaching practice and program quality.
• Support classroom cleanliness, organization, and readiness, including materials preparation, sanitizing, and maintaining an engaging learning environment.
• Work collaboratively with teaching team members, center leadership, and support staff to ensure strong classroom operations and continuity of care.
• Follows all Kidango safety policies, active supervision practices, health and safety procedures, and licensing requirements at all times to help ensure a safe and compliant environment for children, families, and staff.
• Maintain confidentiality of children, families, and staff while promoting the mission and philosophy of the organization.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• A comprehensive, industry-leading benefits package
• Opportunities to connect with and learn from colleagues and partners around the world
• An opportunity to improve real lives, solve hard problems, and change the world
• Friendly, supportive, and adventurous environment with a team of engaged colleagues

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree