EC Aide - $21/hr

Easterseals Southern California; New York (NY); On-site; USD 24,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Easterseals Southern California provides essential early childhood services and a structured path for an entry-level Aide, Early Childhood role. You will support the classroom team while pursuing required ECE coursework to qualify for a California Child Development Assistant Teacher Permit.

You will work toward a Teacher Permit with a clear development plan, gain hands-on experience, and contribute to inclusive programs for children.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required.
• CPR and First Aid certification required or ability to obtain.
• Enrollment in ECE coursework within 90 days of hire is required.
• Complete a minimum of six ECE units within six months to be eligible for the Assistant Teacher Permit.
• Continue coursework toward a Teacher Permit (24 ECE units) within an established plan.
• Ongoing progress toward permit requirements is expected.

Responsibilities

• Assist Early Childhood Educators in implementing curriculum per Head Start and California standards.
• Support a safe, engaging learning environment for young children.
• Provide additional help to children with disabilities or developmental needs.
• Serve as caregiver and support developmental, social, and emotional growth.
• Assist with classroom organization, supervision, and sanitation.
• Participate in professional development and mentorship from staff.
• Collaborate with teaching staff to support family engagement and communication.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Effective communication

Team collaboration

Professional development

Knowledge of child development

Judgment and planning

Stand for long periods

Fine motor dexterity

Regulatory compliance

Fingerprint clearance readiness

Drug screening readiness

Education

High School diploma or GED

CPR and First Aid certification

Enrollment in Early Childhood Education coursework within 90 days

Complete six ECE units within six months

Continued coursework toward Teacher Permit (24 ECE units)

Progress toward permit per plan

Job description

Easterseals Southern California transforms lives every day. For over a century, Easterseals has championed inclusion and independence—delivering essential services like early childhood programs, autism services, employment and independent living support to more than 29,000 people each year. Through advocacy and education, we break barriers and create opportunities for the one-in-four Americans with disabilities.

Starting Pay Rate: $21/hr

OVERVIEW OF POSITION:

The Aide, Early Childhood (EC) supports the classroom teaching team in providing developmentally appropriate care and education to young children. This position is designed as an entry point into the early childhood education profession, providing a structured pathway toward becoming a fully permitted Early Childhood Teacher in California. This role is expected to actively pursue the educational requirements necessary to obtain a California Child Development Assistant Teacher Permit and progress toward a Teacher Permit within an established timeframe.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Assists Early Childhood Educators in implementing developmentally appropriate curriculum in accordance with Head Start Performance Standards, California Department of Education requirements, and Easterseals Southern California policies.
• Supports the classroom teacher in maintaining a safe and engaging learning environment for young children.
• Provides additional assistance to children with disabilities, atypical behaviors, or specialized developmental needs.
• Serves as a caregiver for assigned children and supports their developmental, social, and emotional growth.
• Assists with classroom organization, supervision, and routine classroom cleanliness and sanitation activities.
• Participates in required professional development, training, and mentorship provided by classroom teachers and program leadership.
• Collaborates with teaching staff to support family engagement and communication.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION** :**

• High School graduate or GED.
• Pediatric (infant/toddler) CPR and First Aid certification (or ability to obtain within required timeframe).
• Professional Development Requirement: Enrollment in Early Childhood Education (ECE) coursework within 90 days of hire.
• Complete a minimum of six (6) ECE units within six months of hire, meeting the educational requirements for eligibility for a California Child Development Assistant Teacher Permit.
• Continue coursework toward a Teacher Permit (24 ECE units) within an established professional development plan inclusive of 6 infant/toddler units.
• Failure to demonstrate ongoing progress toward permit requirements, in accordance with the established professional development plan, may impact continued employment in this classification.

EXPERIENCE:

• Prior childcare experience or exposure to a preschool or infant/toddler classroom setting preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

• Ability to communicate effectively and work cooperatively with staff, families, and community partners.
• Willingness to pursue professional development in early childhood education.
• Knowledge of child development principles or willingness to learn.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-based classroom environment.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, plan, establish and meet timelines.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and to reach, bend, stoop, and squat as required in a classroom environment.
• Ability to use fine manual dexterity and to push, pull, talk, and hear; visual requirements include near and far acuity, depth perception, color vision, and field of vision.
• Ability to maintain compliance with applicable regulations including Head Start Performance Standards, Title 5, and Title 22.
• Ability to obtain fingerprint clearance per Easterseals Southern California and/or program requirements.
• Ability to pass post-offer medical examination and test for tuberculosis.
• Must pass all drug testing required by ESSC.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS IN ACCORDANCE WITH ADA:

• Carrying/Lifting:

Occasional / Up to 40 lbs.

• Standing:

Occasional / Up to 3 hours per day.

• Sitting:

Occasional / Up to 3 hours per day.

• Walking:

Occasional / Up to 3 hours per day.

• Travel:

None.

• Repetitive Motion/Activity:

Keyboard activity, telephone use, writing.

• Visual Acuity:

Ability to view computer monitor and read newsprint.

• Environmental Exposure:

Regular exposure to unpleasant or hazardous working conditions (noise, heat, dust, bodily fluids, etc.) more than 50% of work time.