Early Childhood Assistant Teacher

Westcliff Early Learning; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental, Vision, 401k

Tuition discount

Professional growth opportunities

Job summary

Westcliff Early Learning in Irvine seeks a nurturing Infant Assistant Teacher to support the healthy development of infants (12 weeks–18 months). Collaborate with the Lead Teacher to create a safe and developmentally appropriate environment grounded in Montessori philosophy. Ideal candidates should have minimum 6 ECE units, prior experience preferred, and a passion for child development. Join for a collaborative environment and professional growth opportunities including health benefits.

Qualifications

• Prior experience working with infants in a licensed childcare or early learning setting preferred.
• Strong understanding of infant development, safe sleep practices, and responsive caregiving.
• Experience or interest in Montessori, Reggio Emilia, or nature-based education preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist in maintaining a clean, safe, and organized infant environment.
• Support the holistic development of each infant with nurturing care.
• Collaborate closely with the Lead Infant Teacher and classroom staff.

Skills

Responsive infant caregiving and observation

Strong organizational and multitasking abilities

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Patience, adaptability, and positive attitude

Education

Minimum 6 ECE units including 3 in infant/toddler coursework

Job description

Description

Westcliff Early Learning Academy (WELA) is seeking a nurturing and attentive Infant Assistant Teacher to support the healthy development of our youngest learners (12 weeks–18 months). Working closely with the Lead Infant Teacher and Director, the Infant Assistant Teacher helps create a safe, warm, and developmentally appropriate environment grounded in Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and nature-based philosophy.

About Westcliff Early Learning Academy (WELA)

Westcliff Early Learning Academy is a child care center that integrates Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and nature-based educational philosophies to foster self-directed, experiential learning. WELA is part of Westcliff University’s educational ecosystem, grounded in over 30 years of academic excellence.

Westcliff Early Learning Academy: www.westcliffearlylearning.com

Westcliff University: www.westcliff.edu

Early Childhood Assistant Teacher

Key Responsibilities

Classroom Environment & Care

• Assist in maintaining a clean, safe, organized, and developmentally appropriate infant environment
• Ensure all materials, equipment, and supplies are safe, sanitized, and in good repair
• Follow all daily routines including feeding, diapering, napping, and sensory play schedules
• Document daily care activities including feeding times, diaper changes, and sleep logs

Child Development & Supervision

• Support the holistic development of each infant – physical, cognitive, social, and emotional
• Provide responsive, nurturing care that builds secure attachment and trust
• Monitor and report any changes in behavior, health, or development to the Lead Teacher or Director
• Ensure infant safety at all times in compliance with licensing and WELA policies

Team Collaboration

• Collaborate closely with the Lead Infant Teacher and classroom staff
• Participate in staff meetings, training sessions, and professional development
• Assist with school-wide events and community activities

Family Communication & Engagement

• Greet families warmly at drop-off and pick-up and share daily updates
• Support open communication between families and the Lead Teacher
• Maintain confidentiality of all families and children enrolled

Administrative & Compliance

• Maintain accurate attendance and complete required documentation in a timely manner
• Ensure compliance with Title 22 licensing and safety regulations
• Participate in fire, earthquake, and lockdown drills

Qualifications

• Minimum 6 ECE units including at least 3 units in infant/toddler coursework
• Prior experience working with infants in a licensed childcare or early learning setting preferred
  • Strong understanding of infant development, safe sleep practices, and responsive caregiving
  • Experience or interest in Montessori, Reggio Emilia, or nature-based education preferred

  Core Skills

  • Responsive infant caregiving and observation
  • Strong organizational and multitasking abilities
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with children, parents, and staff
  • Patience, adaptability, and a positive attitude toward all children

  Additional Preferred Skills

  • Bilingual (Vietnamese a plus)
  • Experience in a licensed infant or childcare setting

  Why Join Us?

  • Collaborative, child-centered learning environment
  • Opportunities for professional growth and continuing education
  • Supportive leadership and team culture
  • Meaningful work shaping early childhood development
  • WELA employees participate in Westcliff University benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, 401k, tuition discount, and other benefits.

  By their hire date, teachers must be up to date on all State of California requirements with current TB, immunizations, medical and criminal record clearance and current CPR certification.

  LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER

  The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. All job requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with Federal and State Laws. Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Continued employment remains on an at-will basis, unless otherwise contractually bound.

  Westcliff Early Learning Academy / Westcliff University is an Equal Opportunity Employer