Substitute Assistant Teacher

Catalyst Family Inc.; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking dedicated Assistant Teachers to support the development of children from infancy through school age. This role involves implementing developmentally appropriate curricula, fostering positive relationships with families, and ensuring a safe learning environment. Ideal candidates will possess a passion for early childhood education, effective communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues. With flexible scheduling and a commitment to professional growth, this position offers a rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful impact on children's lives while enjoying various perks such as paid time off and education reimbursement.

Benefits

401(k) Retirement plan

Employee Assistance Program

Paid vacation

Sick time

Holidays

Education Reimbursement Program

Discounted childcare

Access to the Calm app

Employee discounts

Professional growth advisory

Qualifications

• Entry-level position supporting classroom needs under supervision.
• 6 months experience in group care preferred.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate age-appropriate activities and ensure child supervision.
• Maintain a safe and healthy environment for children.

Skills

Problem solving

Conflict resolution

Classroom management

Communication with children and families

Time management

Education

6 postsecondary semester units in Early Childhood Education

Regional occupation program certificate in child care

Tools

CPR & First Aid certification

Calm app

Job description

Catalyst teaching staff support the planning and implementation of Catalyst's programming for children ranging in age from infant, toddler, pre-school, kinder, and school age depending on the location. Assistant Teachers must be able to facilitate a variety of age appropriate activities, support children's social emotional development, and ensure children are supervised at all times in a healthy and safe environment.

Essential Functions:

• Support the implementation of developmentally appropriate curriculum supported by learning foundations that are directly connected to their interests and promote positive child development.
• Support and maintain intentional, enriched, and supportive learning environments and quality experiences that are age appropriate for all children.
• Provide excellent customer service by establishing authentic connections and reciprocal, culturally responsive relationships with children, youth, families, schools, communities, and center/classroom team.
• Keep children healthy and safe by ensuring proper supervision, positive interactions, healthy habits, and excellent compliance.
• Work collaboratively with fellow staff by connecting work place values, education, and experience to provide the highest quality programs and creative workplaces.

All teaching staff are expected to demonstrate behaviors that are essential for successful programs and environment including the following:

• Positive interactions with children and youth.
• Maintain kind, respectful, and safe emotional/physical environments for children.
• Be on time and present on a regularly scheduled basis.
• Be physically and mentally capable of interacting with children up to 13 years of age, meeting all their needs and ensuring their safety.
• Be aware of and implement safety guidelines; report any health & safety issues or incidents to management, and remain calm if providing first aid (as needed) during emergency situations.

Physical & Environmental Conditions:

Teaching staff are responsible for various program elements on a daily basis and will be exposed to indoor and outdoor elements. Staff hired in the Assistant Teacher position may be required to:

• Visually inspect environment for hazards to children; identify hazards and implement preventative actions (i.e. set up cones to limit play area) to maintain a safe environment for children.
• Be comfortable with occasional loud noise in or outside the classroom during activities.
• Be comfortable with frequent bending, lifting, twisting, reaching, pushing, and pulling.
• Push, lift, carry, and hold various objects up to 15 lbs. - by individual or team effort - such as equipment carts, emergency backpacks, food coolers, classroom furnishings, and other similar program materials.
• Work inside the classroom or outside the room in all weather conditions which are safe for children.
• Traverse various terrains (grass, blacktop, dirt) and heights (ladders, playgrounds) depending on the school outdoor environment.
• Adapt to the physical level of children (i.e. sitting on the floor, kneeling, squatting) for activities and problem-solving interactions.
• Supervise field trips to destinations such as aquatic parks, beaches, and trampoline parks.

Qualifications & Experience:

Assistant Teachers support the needs of the classroom under direction/supervision of another staff. In general, the Assistant Teacher position is intended as an entry level role. Center teaching staff qualifications include education, specialized training and job experience.

Education:

• 6 postsecondary semester or equivalent quarter units in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or related field with passing grades of C- or better OR
• Regional occupation program certificate of training in child care issues and accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Experience & Skills:

• 6 months of experience in a group care environment where care/teaching was provided for a consistent age group is preferred.
• Effective problem solving, conflict resolution, classroom management, and communication with children and families.
• Effective organization, time management, curriculum, and assessment documentation (lesson plans, portfolios, and anecdotal notes).
• Ability to work alongside colleagues and maintain a professional team environment.
• Current adult and infant/child CPR & First Aid certification is preferred.
• Bilingual/multilingual language preference based on individual center needs.

Shift Type: Full Time / Part Time

Schedule: Flexible Substitute Schedule with minimum two days availability per week.

Compensation: $16.50 - $24.12 hourly.

What We Offer:

• 401(k) Retirement plan and Employee Assistance Program.
• Personal Health Advocate.
• Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays.
• Education Reimbursement Program.
• Discounted childcare (for staff working 25 hours or more per week).
• Access to the Calm app.
• Tickets at Work employee discounts.
• Be constantly in a learning and growth process with training and professional growth advisory.

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