Toddler Assistant Teacher

Catalyst Family•Tracy, CA

About The Position

Catalyst teaching staff support the planning and implementation of programming for children from infancy through school age, depending on the location. Assistant Teachers facilitate age-appropriate activities, support children’s social-emotional development, and ensure children are supervised at all times in a healthy and safe environment. The Assistant Teacher is an entry-level role supporting classroom needs under the direction and supervision of another staff member. Teaching staff help implement developmentally appropriate curricula connected to children’s interests, maintain intentional and supportive learning environments, build culturally responsive relationships with children, families, schools, and communities, and work collaboratively with colleagues to provide high-quality programs. Staff are expected to be regularly present and punctual, engage actively in indoor and outdoor programs, and respond appropriately to safety concerns and emergencies. The role involves indoor and outdoor work in varying weather and environments, including supervising field trips. Physical activities may include frequent bending, lifting, twisting, reaching, pushing, and pulling, carrying objects up to 15 pounds, traversing varied terrain, and working at children’s physical level.

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. Requirements may vary by center and program.
Effective problem-solving, conflict-resolution, classroom-management, and communication skills with children and families.
Organization, time-management, curriculum, and assessment-documentation skills, including lesson plans, portfolios, and anecdotal notes.
Ability to work alongside colleagues and maintain a professional team environment.
Ability to meet children’s needs and ensure their safety, including adapting physically to their activity level.
Ability to perform frequent bending, lifting, twisting, reaching, pushing, and pulling and to handle objects weighing up to 15 pounds.
Ability to work indoors and outdoors in safe weather conditions and traverse varied terrain.

Nice To Haves

Six 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, based on individual center needs.

Responsibilities

Support implementation of developmentally appropriate curriculum connected to children’s interests and positive development.
Maintain intentional, enriched, supportive learning environments and age-appropriate experiences.
Build authentic, reciprocal, culturally responsive relationships with children, youth, families, schools, communities, and classroom teams.
Help keep children healthy and safe through proper supervision, positive interactions, healthy habits, and compliance with safety requirements.
Collaborate with fellow staff to provide high-quality programs and creative workplaces.
Identify environmental hazards and take preventative 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 children during field trips.