Early Education Assistant Teacher (Infant/Toddler/Twos)

University of California, Santa Cruz; California; On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision Care Plans

UC Retirement Plans

Group Term Life Insurance

Legal Insurance

Pet Insurance

Paid Holidays plus accrued vacation &

Job summary

University of California, Santa Cruz is seeking an Assistant Teacher for the Early Education Center. The role supports the Site Supervisor and Director in implementing developmentally appropriate programs for infants to school-age children, with emphasis on safety, licensing compliance, and family communication.

The position participates in staff meetings, professional growth, and collaborates with teachers and aides.

Qualifications

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of children’s developmental needs in social, emotional, cognitive, and physical areas.
• Ability to implement a developmentally appropriate program, including curriculum and environment.
• Ability to keep children physically safe.
• Ability to interact with diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Proficiency in word processing.
• Eligibility for a Child Development Permit at the Assistant Teacher level within 12 months of employment (12 postsecondary semester units or equivalent in ECE/child development).

Responsibilities

• Provide care and developmentally appropriate activities for children, promoting cognitive, social, emotional, and motor development.
• Establish and maintain a safe, functional learning environment.
• Ensure licensing compliance and support teachers in maintaining a clean, safe environment.
• Organize and supervise field trips on and off campus.
• Assist with curriculum planning aligned with state requirements and accreditation.
• Conduct assessments (DRDP) and document information for developmental support.
• Participate in assessments and contribute to program evaluation and planning.
• Maintain regular communication with families and facilitate transitions for children.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Child development knowledge

Curriculum planning

Observation & assessment (DRDP)

Education

ECE/Child development coursework (12 postsecondary units)

Infant & Toddler Development (Title 22)

Job description

Assistant Teacher

Job Summary: The Assistant Teacher is an entry‑level position in the Child Development Center series at the Early Education Center (EEC). The Assistant Teacher works under the supervision of the Site Supervisor and Director of Early Education Center and is responsible for the general supervision and implementation of developmentally appropriate curriculum for infants, preschoolers, and school‑age children (ages 3 months to 12 years). The role includes: supervising all children in attendance, maintaining safety and compliance with Department of Social Services licensing requirements, and fostering effective communication with families. The Assistant Teacher participates actively in staff meetings, professional growth activities, and collaborates with teachers and aides as needed.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental & Vision Care Insurance Plans
• UC Retirement Plans
• Group Term Life Insurance
• Legal Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• Paid Holidays plus accrued vacation and sick leave

Job Duties

1. Child Development and Education (75%)

• Provide care and developmentally appropriate activities for children, promoting cognitive, social, emotional, and motor development.
• Establish and maintain a safe, functional learning environment that encourages self‑control, self‑esteem, and positive relationships.
• Ensure compliance with licensing requirements and Title 5 regulations; support teachers in maintaining a clean and safe environment.
• Organize and supervise field trips on and off campus.
• Assist with curriculum planning consistent with California Department of Education and Department of Social Services standards and National Association for the Education of Young Children accreditation requirements.
• Conduct assessments (DRDP), make observations of individual children, and document information for developmental assessment and curriculum support.
• Participate in Desired Results Assessments, complete anecdotal notes, reports, and support overall program evaluation and goal planning.

2. Collaborative Relationships with Families (15%)

• Maintain regular respectful verbal and written communication with parents, informing families of their child’s day and center activities.
• Facilitate children’s transitions between home and center and encourage family involvement; attend quarterly family meetings.

3. Teamwork and Professional Growth (10%)

• Attend scheduled staff meetings, contribute as a team member, and engage in cooperative problem‑solving.
• Participate in staff development, workshops, conferences, and other professional growth activities, including necessary training to renew the California Child Development Permit.
• Assist teachers in planning and conducting parent meetings and social events.

Required Qualifications

• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of children’s developmental needs in social, emotional, cognitive, and physical areas.
• Ability to implement a developmentally appropriate program, including curriculum, assessment, and environment.
• Ability to keep children physically safe.
• Ability to interact effectively with children and adults from a broad range of backgrounds.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Word processing skills.
• Eligibility for a Child Development Permit at the Assistant Teacher level within 12 months of employment (12 postsecondary semester units or equivalent in early childhood education or child development, including core courses and Infant & Toddler Development as defined by Title 22).

Preferred Qualifications

• Work experience in a licensed infant, toddler, or preschool setting with children 3 months–5 years of age.
• A minimum of three semester units (or equivalent) related to the care of infants that meet Title 22 licensing requirements.

Special Conditions of Employment

• Required background check and employment misconduct disclosure.
• Proof of a current negative TB test and completed Health Screening Report within 7 days of hire.
• Current Pediatric CPR and First Aid Certificate.
• Ability to move materials weighing up to 25 lbs. with or without accommodation.
• Compliance with current Early Education Center employee health and safety requirements.
• Completion of mandatory training within established time frames, including UC compliance training.
• Compliance with the University of California Vaccination Policy.
• Mandated Reporter responsibilities under the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA). The selected candidate will be required to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect and sign a Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse prior to commencement of employment.

EEO/AA

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti‑Discrimination Policy. It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti‑discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.