Preschool Associate Teacher

Catalyst Family; Elk Grove (CA); On-site; USD 24,796 - 33,062; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Paid time off

Employee discounts

Professional development

Job summary

Catalyst Family in Elk Grove, CA is seeking an Associate Teacher to support developmentally appropriate activities for children from infants to preschoolers. You will help implement curriculum linked to learning foundations, maintain safe, engaging classrooms, and build strong relationships with families and staff.

The role emphasizes teamwork, communication, and ongoing assessment documentation, with full-time schedule Monday–Friday 6:30 am–3:30 pm.

Qualifications

• 12-24 postsecondary semester units (or equivalent) in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field with grades C- or better.
• Associate Teacher Permit or higher issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.

Responsibilities

• Create and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum linked to learning foundations and child interests.
• Maintain enriched, supportive learning environments and quality experiences suitable for all ages.
• Provide excellent customer service and build authentic, culturally responsive relationships with children, families, schools, and colleagues.
• Ensure children are healthy and safe by supervising, promoting healthy habits, and maintaining compliance with safety protocols.
• Collaborate with staff to connect workplace values, educational content, and experience, delivering high-quality programs.

Skills

Communication with families

Time management

Team collaboration

Bilingual (optional)

Education

12-24 postsecondary units in ECE

Associate Teacher Permit or higher

Job description

Overview

Catalyst teaching staff support the planning and implementation of programs for children ranging from infants to school age, depending on the location. Teachers facilitate age‑appropriate activities, support social‑emotional development, and ensure continuous supervision in a safe environment.

Responsibilities

• Create and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum linked to learning foundations and child interests.
• Maintain enriched, supportive learning environments and quality experiences suitable for all ages.
• Provide excellent customer service and build authentic, culturally responsive relationships with children, families, schools, and colleagues.
• Ensure children are healthy and safe by supervising, promoting healthy habits, and maintaining compliance with safety protocols.
• Collaborate with staff to connect workplace values, educational content, and experience, delivering high‑quality programs.

Work Environment

• Positive interactions with children and youth.
• Maintain kind, respectful, and safe emotional/physical environments.
• Be punctual and present on a scheduled basis.
• Participate in both outdoor and indoor programs.
• Be physically and mentally capable of interacting with children up to 13 years old.
• Implement safety guidelines, report incidents, and stay calm when providing first aid.

Physical & Environmental Conditions

• Assess and mitigate hazards in indoor and outdoor environments.
• Handle occasional loud noise during activities.
• Perform frequent bending, lifting, twisting, reaching, pushing, and pulling.
• Lift or carry objects up to 15 lbs., individually or as a team.
• Work in all weather conditions and on various terrains and heights, as required.
• Adapt to children’s physical levels for activities and problem‑solving interactions.
• Supervise field trips to aquatic parks, beaches, and trampoline parks.

Qualifications & Experience

Associate Teacher members share responsibility for the care and education of an assigned group of children. The role may be shared among multiple teachers within a group.

Education

• 12‑24 postsecondary semester units (or equivalent) in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field with grades C‑ or better, or
• Associate Teacher Permit or higher issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.

Experience & Skills

• 6‑12 months of experience in a group care environment with a consistent age group (preferred).
• Strong problem‑solving, conflict resolution, classroom management, and communication skills with children and families.
• Excellent organization, time management, curriculum development, and assessment documentation (lesson plans, portfolios, anecdotal notes).
• Ability to collaborate with colleagues and maintain a professional team environment.
• Current adult and infant/child CPR & First Aid certification (preferred).
• Bilingual or multilingual capability preferred by individual center needs.

Shift Type

Full Time

Schedule

Monday – Friday, 6:30 am – 3:30 pm

What We Offer

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits
• 401(k) retirement plan and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Personal Health Advocate
• Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays
• Commuter pre‑tax benefit
• Discounted childcare
• Access to the Calm app
• Employee discounts on tickets and other work perks
• Continuous learning and professional growth opportunities

We are proud to be an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V. We maintain a drug‑free workplace.

Equal Opportunity Employer. This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.