Substitute Associate Teacher

Catalyst Kids•Sacramento, CA

About The Position

Catalyst teaching staff support the planning and implementation of programs for children ranging in age from infants through school age, depending on the location. The Substitute Associate Teacher shares responsibility for the care and education of an assigned group of children or classroom. Teachers facilitate age-appropriate activities, support children’s social and emotional development, and ensure children are supervised in a healthy, safe environment. The role includes creating developmentally appropriate curriculum and supportive learning environments, building culturally responsive relationships with children, families, schools, communities, and colleagues, and maintaining strong health and safety practices. Teaching staff work indoors and outdoors, adapt to children’s physical levels, and may supervise field trips. Substitute schedules are flexible, with a minimum availability of two days per week.

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; or an Associate Teacher Permit or higher issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
Ability to meet education and permit requirements that may vary by center, program, and age group, including applicable Infant, Toddler, School-Age, Title 5, or Title 22 requirements.
Effective problem-solving, conflict-resolution, classroom-management, and communication skills with children and families.
Effective organization and time-management skills, including curriculum and assessment documentation such as lesson plans, portfolios, and anecdotal notes.
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 in weather conditions that are safe for children and traverse varied terrain and heights, depending on the school environment.
Ability to adapt to children’s physical level, including sitting on the floor, kneeling, and squatting.
Availability for a flexible substitute schedule with at least two days of availability per week.

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 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.
Establish authentic connections and reciprocal, culturally responsive relationships with children, youth, families, schools, communities, and the classroom team.
Keep children healthy and safe through proper supervision, positive interactions, healthy habits, and compliance with applicable requirements.
Work collaboratively with colleagues to provide high-quality programs and creative workplaces.
Maintain positive interactions and kind, respectful, and safe emotional and physical environments for children.
Be punctual and regularly present according to the scheduled work arrangement.
Participate actively in indoor and outdoor programs.
Identify environmental hazards and take preventative action to maintain children’s safety.
Implement safety guidelines, 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.