Preschool and School Age Associate Teacher

Catalyst Kids•Tracy, CA

About The Position

Catalyst teaching staff support the planning and implementation of programming for children, with age groups varying by location. Associate Teachers share responsibility with the teaching team for the care and education of an assigned group of children or classroom. They facilitate age-appropriate activities, support children’s social-emotional development, and ensure children are supervised in a healthy and safe environment. More than one Associate Teacher may be assigned to a group of children. The role includes creating developmentally appropriate curriculum connected to children’s interests, maintaining enriched and supportive learning environments, building culturally responsive relationships with children, families, schools, and communities, and collaborating with colleagues to provide high-quality programs. Staff work indoors and outdoors, may supervise field trips, and must adapt to children’s physical level and needs. The scheduled hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Requirements

12–24 postsecondary semester units, or equivalent quarter units, in early childhood education, child development, or a related field, with passing grades of C- or better; alternatively, an Associate Teacher Permit or higher issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
Effective problem-solving, conflict-resolution, classroom-management, and communication skills with children and families.
Effective organization and time-management skills.
Ability to work alongside colleagues and maintain a professional team environment.
Ability to interact physically and mentally with children up to 13 years of age, meet their needs, and ensure their safety.
Comfort working indoors and outdoors in weather conditions safe for children and on varied terrain and heights, depending on the school environment.
Ability to bend, lift, twist, reach, push, and pull frequently; and to push, lift, carry, or hold objects weighing up to 15 pounds, individually or as part of a team.
Ability to adapt physically to children’s level, including sitting on the floor, kneeling, and squatting.
Ability to tolerate occasional loud noise during activities.
Ability to visually inspect environments for hazards and implement preventative actions.
Current adult and infant/child CPR and First Aid certification is preferred.

Nice To Haves

6–12 months of experience in a group-care environment providing care or teaching to a consistent age group.
Current adult and infant/child CPR and First Aid certification.
Bilingual or multilingual language skills, based on individual center needs.

Responsibilities

Create and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum based on learning foundations and children’s interests.
Create, implement, and maintain intentional, enriched, supportive learning environments and age-appropriate experiences.
Build authentic, reciprocal, culturally responsive relationships with children, youth, families, schools, communities, and the center or classroom team.
Provide excellent customer service to children, families, and community partners.
Keep children healthy and safe through proper supervision, positive interactions, healthy habits, and compliance with requirements.
Collaborate with fellow staff to provide high-quality programs and creative workplaces.
Maintain kind, respectful, and safe emotional and physical environments for children.
Be punctual and regularly present for scheduled work.
Participate actively in indoor and outdoor programs.
Identify environmental hazards and take preventative action to maintain a safe environment.
Report health and safety issues or incidents to management and remain calm when providing first aid during an emergency, as needed.
Supervise field trips to destinations such as aquatic parks, beaches, and trampoline parks.
Complete curriculum and assessment documentation, including lesson plans, portfolios, and anecdotal notes.