Head Start Associate Teacher

 While this position is not currently open, we are always happy to connect with passionate individuals. We welcome applications year-round and will reach out to qualified candidates as soon as the position becomes available.

To be considered, candidates must upload copies of their transcripts and a valid teaching permit at the time of application.

POSITION: Associate Teacher

REPORTS TO: Head Teacher

FLSA STATUS: Full-time, Non-Exempt

Summary: The Associate Teacher is responsible for the academic, social and emotional growth and development, and supervision of children. In partnership with the Teacher, the Associate Teacher assists with the design and integration of classroom goals and objectives; and helps the Teacher implement all components of the curriculum, to provide a quality early educational experience that is responsive to the interest, needs, and strengths of the enrolled children.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following (additional responsibilities may be assigned):

Planning and Program Implementation

• The Associate Teacher assists the classroom teacher in preparing lesson plans and outlines for assigned areas; and submits draft materials to the classroom Teacher for review and modification prior to implementation.
• Assists in the implementation of the Individualized plans for the children in the classroom.
• Assists in ensuring that indoor and outdoor activities are consistent with educational/developmental goals.
• Provides basic evaluative information to the classroom Teacher on the progress and development status of the children in the classroom
• Assists with screening and assessment functions.
• Assists in ensuring the implementation of safe and supervised indoor and outdoor activities of children.
• Assists children during snack and mealtime; and helps demonstrate appropriate dental and personal hygiene.
• Set up and put away nap cots daily and perform nap duty assignments as scheduled.
• Attend to health and hygiene of children including diaper changing, washing, and potty training.
• Conducts daily inspections of indoor and outdoor facilities and reports and removes hazards.
• Conduct morning environmental checks of both outdoor and indoor spaces.
• Assists teachers in preparing and maintaining attendance records.
• Assist with Spanish translation in classroom and with parents whenever appropriate (conversations, meetings, telephone calls, papers/notes, etc.)
• Attend and participate in staff meetings, team meetings, and in-service training as requested.
• Accompanies the classroom Teacher on home visits.
• Supports recruitment and enrollment activities.
• Plans and supervises field trips.
• Engage in professional conduct at all times

Community Care Licensing

• Maintains ratio at all times.
• Ensures the safety and supervision of children at all times.
• Completes and reports any symptoms of child abuse to supervisor and/or the Child Abuse Hotline.
• Completes daily health check regarding hygiene, safety, and overall well-being of children

Qualifications

• Minimum of 6 months experience as a student intern, tutor, or instructional assistant working in an early childhood educational setting
• A valid California Child Development Associate Teacher Permit or higher
• 12 or more units of postsecondary semester education or equivalent quarter units in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field from an accredited college or university is required.
• Candidates with at least six (6) semester units in early childhood education will be considered if they can commit to completing an additional six (6) units within two (2) years of employment.
• Preferred: an AA Degree or higher in early childhood education, child development, or a related field OR be enrolled in a program leading to an Associate’s Degree or higher.
• Head Start Associate Teachers will be required to complete training on curriculum, instruction, teaching practices, CLASS, and DRDP within six months of hire (training is provided).
• First Aid and CPR certification is required (provided if needed).
• Knowledge of Creative Curriculum preferred
• Bilingual preferred (Spanish/English).

Other Requirements

• Must possess and maintain criminal background clearance.
• Must meet immunization requirements including pertussis, measles, flu, and Covid-19 vaccination, clear health exam, and proof of TB clearance.
• Understanding of and ability to use technology and other agency required programs.

Physical Requirements

To perform this job the individual must be able to carry out all essential functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Early Education Staff must be able to perform the following physical activities:

• Observe, see, hear, and respond to children’s needs, emergencies, and conflicts that may occur in the early education center or on the playground.
• Lift 30 pounds from the floor to a waist-high table when necessary.
• Reach a child 20- 30 feet away within 30 seconds without endangering the staff person’s health.
• Crouch to a child’s height, maintain eye contact at the child’s level, sit on the floor and stand tall enough to reach children on the highest piece of equipment.
• Be aware of the cognitive, social, and physical needs of children.
• Verbal and written communication in English to the degree that children, parents, and other staff members are able to understand and respond.
• Handle the responsibilities and routine stress often associated with providing early childhood services.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Blind Children’s Center is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.