Preschool Associate Teacher

Catalyst Family•Elk Grove, CA

About The Position

Catalyst teaching staff support the planning and implementation of programming for children ranging from infants to school-age, depending on location. The Preschool Associate Teacher shares responsibility with the teaching team for the care and education of an assigned group of children or classroom. The role involves facilitating age-appropriate activities, supporting children’s social-emotional development, and maintaining children’s health, safety, and supervision. Associate Teacher education and permit requirements may vary according to center needs and the age group served.

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, time-management, curriculum, and assessment-documentation skills.
Ability to work alongside colleagues and maintain a professional team environment.
Ability to meet children’s needs and ensure their safety, including children up to 13 years of age.
Physical and mental capability to interact with children in indoor and outdoor programs.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Create and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum connected to children’s interests and supportive of positive child development.
Create, implement, and maintain intentional, enriched, supportive, and age-appropriate learning environments and experiences.
Build authentic, reciprocal, and culturally responsive relationships with children, youth, families, schools, communities, and classroom teams while providing excellent customer service.
Keep children healthy and safe through proper supervision, positive interactions, healthy habits, and compliance with applicable requirements.
Collaborate with fellow staff to provide high-quality programs and creative workplaces.
Maintain positive interactions and kind, respectful, and safe emotional and physical environments for children.
Attend work on time and regularly, and actively participate in indoor and outdoor programs.
Implement safety guidelines, identify and report health and safety issues or incidents to management, and remain calm when providing first aid during emergencies as needed.
Inspect environments for hazards and take preventative action to maintain children’s safety.
Supervise field trips to destinations such as aquatic parks, beaches, and trampoline parks.
Document curriculum and assessments, including lesson plans, portfolios, and anecdotal notes.