** Internal Use for Early Education Apprentice Program (EEAP) ONLY ** - 2026/2027

About the Role

Apprentice Teacher Assistants support the daily operations of the center by providing high-quality, responsive care to children and families in an inclusive setting for children of all abilities. This role contributes to services aligned with Head Start Performance Standards, California Departments of Education and Social Services regulations, the Child and Adult Care Food Program, and Community Care Licensing.

Apprentice Teacher Assistants provide support in multiple ways, including assisting primary teachers in the classroom, covering staff breaks, and/or supporting Food Service. They must work under the supervision of qualified Teachers until they complete 6 core college units of Early Childhood Education. Within 12 months of hire, they must complete 12 units of early childhood education, tracked and supported by the Workforce Success team.

Responsibilities

• Assist Teachers in planning, preparing, and implementing learning activities that meet curriculum goals for individuals or groups of children.
• Provide guidance and active supervision to children during all program activities.
• Interact with children using intentional and responsive verbal and non-verbal strategies.
• Assist Teachers in collecting photos and anecdotes to document children’s learning.
• Accompany Teachers during Home Visits with families, when requested.
• Cover classroom ratios and supervision during break times, lunch times, and meeting/paperwork time.
• Create warm and welcoming relationships with children and families.
• Assist in maintaining stimulating, safe, and developmentally appropriate classroom and outdoor environments, including daily monitoring and inspection of physical spaces.
• Assist families with accurate sign-in/out procedures and maintain attendance, head count, meal count, and Infant Toddler daily records.
• Provide food, dishes, utensils, and other supplies to classrooms in time for meal service; clean and sanitize dishes and utensils after use.
• Assist with food preparation following the daily menu, adhering to health and sanitation procedures (e.g., handwashing, glove use, sanitizing food prep areas).
• Clean and sanitize materials and equipment, including thermometers before and after every use.
• Attend required meetings and trainings.
• Create and implement a work plan as assigned by supervisor.
• Seek direction from supervisor if unclear about any work assignment.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and talk or hear.
• Often required to stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Must lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Required to work outdoors daily.
• Must have mobility to quickly respond to emergencies.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent, unless enrolled through an academic institution.
• One year of Early Childhood classroom experience preferred (volunteer or paid experience considered).
• Ability to work effectively in a high-stress environment.
• Pre-employment physical examination and TB clearance.
• Proof of immunization for Covid-19, Measles, and Pertussis (Flu vaccination recommended but not required).
• LiveScan fingerprint and criminal record clearance.
• Current certificates for Pediatric First Aid and CPR, including a total of 15 hours of preventative health and safety training or completion within 90 days of hire.
• Must communicate in English with proficiency (bilingual or multilingual preferred).
• Experience working with children and families of diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook, and other computer programs.

Leadership Competencies

• Inclusion
• Communication and Influence
• Emotional Maturity

Measures of Effectiveness

This position has a primary impact on the operations of the ECI Program. Effectiveness is measured by:

• Knowledge and implementation of relevant/required program procedures.
• Sound administration of systems and records that are up-to-date and accurate.
• A healthy and safe workplace and school environment.
• Positive outcomes for children and families aligned with program goals.