Assistant Teacher

Title: Assistant Teacher

Department: Child Development Center

Duration: 6 months - End Date: June 11, 2027 (Possible Extension)

Employment Status: Non-Exempt, Part-Time, 29 hours per week

Job Summary

The Assistant Preschool Teacher at Occidental College Child Development Center is responsible for collaborating with Lead Preschool Teachers to implement a play-based, developmentally-appropriate, emergent curriculum which addressed the development of the whole child, for children aged 2-5 years old. The position involves fostering a safe, respectful, and community-oriented classroom environment, forming nurturing relationships with children, and maintaining open communication with parents. The Assistant Preschool Teacher must have the ability to work effectively and collaboratively within a team of early childhood educators, as well as establish and maintain respectful partnerships with parents. Essential qualifications for this part-time role include a minimum of 12 units in Child Development, experience working in a preschool classroom setting, a basic understanding of Child Development theories, and effective communication skills. The role requires a commitment to ongoing professional development and adherence to relevant regulations and policies.

Job Duties

• 35% - Child Supervision and Care: Provide constant supervision of children and attend to their physical and emotional needs; ensure children’s safety and well-being. - (Essential)
• 15% - Collaborate on Curriculum Development: Work closely with Lead Preschool Teachers to plan and implement a developmentally-appropriate, play-based curriculum which: 1) meets the needs of the whole child, 2) is based on the current interests and developmental needs of the children (using an Emergent Curriculum approach), and 3) is in alignment with the Center’s educational philosophy. - (Marginal)
• 20% - Relationship Building and Communication: Form close, nurturing relationships with children, establish collaborative and respectful partnerships with parents, and contribute to a positive, community-oriented classroom environment. Maintain open communication with parents, informing them about their child’s needs and school experience, as necessary. - (Essential)
• 20% - Assist in General Classroom and Center-wide Duties: Share responsibility for completing general classroom and Center-wide duties, including keeping Center clean and safe. Contribute to the smooth operation of the Center and assist teachers and children in other groups, as needed. Respond receptively to direction and mentoring from Lead Preschool Teachers and Director. Assume Lead Preschool Teacher, duties as needed. Complete routine paperwork and administer medications, as needed. Provide support to substitutes, volunteers, new staff, and student workers as needed. - (Essential)
• 5% - Documentation of Children’s Learning and Development: Regularly observe and briefly document children's growth in various developmental areas through the use of notes, photos and/or the Learning Genie app. Share observations with Lead Preschool Teachers for ongoing assessment. - (Marginal)
• 5% - Professional Development: Engage in ongoing professional growth through in-service professional development, workshops, seminars, and additional ECE/CD courses. - (Marginal)

Minimum Qualifications

• A minimum of 12 semester units in Child Development - which must include the 3 core courses of: a basic Child Growth and Development course, a course on Child, Family and Community, and a course on planning Curriculum for young children.
• A minimum of 3 months of experience working in a play-based early childhood education setting.
• Understanding of basic Child Development theories and current best practices in Early Childhood Education.
• Familiarity with developmentally-appropriate, play-based, emergent curriculum models.
• Strong understanding of the specific educational philosophy of the Child Development Center.
• Familiarity with Title 22 Regulations.
• Understanding of procedures for completing routine paperwork procedures (accident/incident reports, sign-in/out, emergency contact, medication administration, etc.).
• Ability to collaborate effectively with Lead Teachers in planning and implementing a play-based, developmentally-appropriate, emergent curriculum.
• Skill in providing educational activities for children which are based on the children’s interests and needs.
• Good observational skills and understanding of appropriate assessment criteria for children aged two to five.
• Documentation skills for recording observations of children's growth and development.
• Clear, effective, and professional communication in English, both oral and written.
• Interpersonal skills to interact and work effectively with children, parents, and co-workers.
• Flexibility to assist in all Center activities, including covering other classrooms, as needed.
• Supervisory ability to ensure the safety and well-being of children throughout the day.
• Ability to adapt curriculum and expectations based on individual children's needs.
• Ability to create and maintain a safe, inviting, and child-centered classroom environment.
• Capacity to form nurturing relationships with children and collaborate with parents.
• Ability to interact positively and work effectively with children, parents, and co-workers.
• Professionalism and ethical conduct, including maintaining confidentiality and refraining from unprofessional behavior. Flexibility to meet the diverse needs of the Center, cover other classrooms when necessary, and assist Center-wide duties, as needed.
• Physical capability to lift children weighing up to 50 pounds and actively engage in play with children.
• Capability to maintain a physically healthy condition to perform assigned tasks.
• Punctuality, dependability, and responsibility in meeting job-related goals.
• Successful completion and maintenance of necessary certifications, including Mandated Reporter Training, criminal background check, health screening, TB test, proof of certain immunizations, and CPR/First Aid Certification.

Preferred Qualifications

• 18 or more units in Child Development - which must include the 3 core courses of: a basic Child Growth and Development course, a course on Child, Family and Community, and a course on planning Curriculum for young children.
• 1 or more years of experience working in a play-based early childhood education setting. Experience working in a program that utilizes an emergent curriculum.

EXPECTED HIRING RANGE: $20.00/hr-#23.00/hr