School Age Assistant Teacher

Catalyst Kids•Tracy, CA

About The Position

Catalyst teaching staff support the planning and implementation of programs for children, with age groups varying by location. Assistant Teachers facilitate age-appropriate activities, support children’s social-emotional development, and ensure children are supervised in a healthy and safe environment. This is generally an entry-level role supporting classroom needs under the direction and supervision of another staff member. The role includes supporting developmentally appropriate curriculum and enriched learning environments, building culturally responsive relationships with children, youth, families, schools, communities, and classroom teams, and maintaining children’s health and safety. Staff are expected to collaborate with colleagues and contribute to high-quality programs and a professional workplace. Teaching staff work indoors and outdoors and may supervise field trips. The role involves frequent movement and lifting or carrying program materials weighing up to 15 pounds, adapting to children’s physical level, and working in varied weather conditions when safe for children.

Requirements

At least 6 postsecondary semester units, or equivalent quarter units, in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field, with grades of C- or better; alternatively, a Regional Occupation Program certificate of training in child care issues accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Education and permit requirements may vary based on center needs and program status.
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 be physically and mentally capable of interacting with children up to 13 years of age, meeting their needs, and ensuring their safety.
Ability to work indoors and outdoors, adapt to children’s physical level, traverse varied terrain and heights, and perform frequent bending, lifting, twisting, reaching, pushing, and pulling.
Ability to push, lift, carry, and hold objects weighing up to 15 pounds, individually or with a team.
Comfort with occasional loud noise during activities.
Be on time and present on a regularly scheduled basis.
Be active in indoor and outdoor programs.
Be aware of and implement safety guidelines.

Nice To Haves

Six months of experience in a group care environment providing care or teaching to a consistent age group is preferred.
Current adult and infant/child CPR and First Aid certification is preferred.
Bilingual or multilingual ability is preferred based on individual center needs.

Responsibilities

Support implementation of developmentally appropriate curriculum connected to children’s interests and positive development.
Maintain intentional, enriched, supportive, and age-appropriate learning environments and experiences.
Establish authentic, reciprocal, and culturally responsive relationships with children, youth, families, schools, communities, and the classroom team.
Ensure children are properly supervised and support positive interactions, healthy habits, and compliance with health and safety requirements.
Collaborate with fellow staff to provide high-quality programs and contribute to a creative, professional workplace.
Identify environmental hazards and take preventive action to maintain a safe environment for children.
Report health and safety issues or incidents to management and remain calm when providing first aid during emergencies, as needed.
Supervise field trips to destinations such as aquatic parks, beaches, and trampoline parks.
Complete or support curriculum and assessment documentation, including lesson plans, portfolios, and anecdotal notes.