School Age Teacher

Catalyst Family•Irvine, CA

About The Position

Catalyst teaching staff support the planning and implementation of programming for children from infant through school age, depending on the location. Teachers facilitate age-appropriate activities, support children’s social-emotional development, and ensure continuous supervision in a healthy and safe environment. This School Age Teacher creates developmentally appropriate curriculum and enriched learning environments, builds culturally responsive relationships with children, youth, families, schools, and communities, and collaborates with classroom teams to provide high-quality programs. The role involves indoor and outdoor programming and regular interaction with children up to 13 years of age. Teachers are expected to maintain safe, respectful environments, follow safety guidelines, report health and safety concerns, and remain calm when providing first aid during emergencies. The position includes a Monday–Friday schedule from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Requirements

Meet applicable education and permit requirements, which may vary by center and program. Qualifying options include: 24 postsecondary semester units (or equivalent quarter units) in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field with grades of C- or better, plus 16 general education units; an AA degree or higher in ECE, CD, or a related field from a nationally accredited college; or a Teacher Permit or higher issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
Be physically and mentally capable of interacting with children up to 13 years of age, meeting their needs, and ensuring their safety.
Demonstrate effective problem-solving, conflict resolution, classroom management, and communication with children and families.
Demonstrate effective organization, time management, and curriculum and assessment documentation skills, including lesson plans, portfolios, and anecdotal notes.
Work alongside colleagues and maintain a professional team environment.
Comfortably perform frequent bending, lifting, twisting, reaching, pushing, and pulling.
Push, lift, carry, and hold objects weighing up to 15 pounds, individually or as part of a team.
Work indoors or outdoors in weather conditions considered safe for children, traverse varied terrain and heights depending on the school environment, and adapt to children’s physical level during activities and interactions.
Be comfortable with occasional loud noise during activities.

Nice To Haves

Two years of experience in a group care environment providing care or teaching to a consistent age group is preferred.
One year of experience supervising adults or equivalent adult supervision units is preferred.
Current adult and infant/child CPR and First Aid certification is preferred.
Bilingual or multilingual language skills, based on individual center needs, are preferred.

Responsibilities

Create and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum connected to children’s interests and positive child development.
Create, implement, and maintain intentional, enriched, supportive, and age-appropriate learning environments and experiences.
Establish authentic connections and reciprocal, culturally responsive relationships with children, youth, families, schools, communities, and classroom teams.
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 positive interactions and kind, respectful, safe emotional and physical environments for children and youth.
Be punctual and present on a regular schedule, 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 actions to maintain children’s safety.
Supervise field trips to destinations such as aquatic parks, beaches, and trampoline parks.