Associate Teacher

Options For Learning • West Covina, CA

2h • Onsite

About The Position

Since 1981, Options for Learning has been at the forefront of helping families break the cycle of poverty and improve their lives by providing tools to create a positive foundation for school, social, and life success. Our dedicated and passionate employees have helped our organization become one of Southern California’s most innovative and progressive child development organizations, serving more than 9,600 children throughout the San Gabriel Valley. The associate teacher plays a key role in supporting high-quality learning experiences for children by helping to lead classroom activities, guide daily routines, and create a safe, welcoming environment. Working in partnership with the lead teacher, the associate teacher helps implement curriculum, supervises classroom staff, and builds positive relationships with children and families. This position is ideal for someone who is dependable, enjoys working as part of a team, and is ready to take the next step in their early childhood education career by supporting both learning and leadership in the classroom. Please note: The location for this role will be one of the organization’s specific sites in the San Gabriel Valley. Assignments will be based on program needs.

Requirements

• Child development associate teacher permit
• Current certification in pediatric CPR and pediatric first aid acceptable to Community Care Licensing (Health and Safety Code 1596.866), and to be renewed every 2 years
• Health screening and TB clearance, which must be renewed every five years
• Must present proof of immunization for TDap, MMR, whooping cough, and yearly influenza (waiver may be accepted for influenza)
• Successful background screening
• Will be required to complete mandated reporter certification training, which must be renewed every two years
• Ability to communicate in written and oral English correctly and effectively

Nice To Haves

• Associate degree in child development or a related field
• A California driver’s license, daily use of an automobile, and automobile liability insurance
• Command of Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, or Vietnamese

Responsibilities

• Planning and implementing classroom activities based on program-specific curriculum
• Supervising and interacting with children in a positive manner
• Developing and maintaining learning centers that reflect the interests and needs of the children
• Providing a wide variety of experiences for children, with an emphasis on active learning
• Providing a well-supervised and safe environment
• Creating and implementing lesson plans
• Supervising assistant teachers in the classroom
• Demonstrating sensitivity and good judgment when interacting with children, parents, and staff
• Encouraging language development and respect for language diversity in the classroom and community
• Recruiting, training, and supervising parents and other volunteers
• Collaborating with the teacher in planning, supervision and implementation of the overall program
• Providing a clean and sanitary facility according to the center-based checklist
• Working with site staff and children to maintain a clean environment in the classrooms, playground, lunch courtyard, and any other areas of the campus used by the program
• Coordinating activities with school administration, teachers, and collaborative community partners
• Communicating regularly with the family service specialist regarding the program’s recruitment needs, children’s enrollments and terminations, and site paperwork
• Submitting accurate and complete paperwork and documentation in a timely manner and according to program policies and procedures
• Planning or participating in planning and implementing parent meetings and activities, including family nights
• Accurately completing all assigned paperwork and documentation on a timely basis according to organization policies and procedures
• Reading, following, and implementing all organization and program policies and procedures
• Assisting the teacher and education supervisor as needed
• Working effectively with other team members
• Actively participating in the annual in-service training
• Accomplishing other duties as assigned to create and maintain a quality program
• Performing other duties as assigned

Benefits

• Medical/dental/vision for part- and full-time employees (organization pays up to 95% of employee's premiums; prorated for part-time)
• Organization-paid and matching retirement plan
• Professional growth opportunities, including free child development courses and college reimbursement
• Generous and flexible PTO
• Dedicated, mission-driven colleagues, and much more!

What This Job Offers

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