Preschool Assistant Teacher

About the role

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

Responsibilities

• Support the implementation of developmentally appropriate curriculum connected to children’s interests and promote positive child development
• Maintain intentional, enriched, and supportive learning environments and quality experiences that are age-appropriate for all children
• Provide excellent customer service by establishing authentic, reciprocal, and culturally responsive relationships with children, families, schools, communities, and team members
• Ensure children’s health and safety through proper supervision, positive interactions, healthy habits, and compliance with regulations
• Work collaboratively with staff to align workplace values, education, and experience for high-quality programs and creative workplaces

Work Environment

• Demonstrate behaviors essential for successful programs, including positive interactions with children and maintaining kind, respectful, and safe environments
• Be punctual, present on a regular schedule, and actively participate in both indoor and outdoor programs
• Be physically and mentally capable of interacting with children up to 13 years of age, meeting their needs, and ensuring their safety
• Implement safety guidelines, report health and safety issues, and remain calm during emergencies or while providing first aid

Physical & Environmental Conditions

• Visually inspect environments for hazards and implement preventative actions to maintain safety
• Be comfortable with occasional loud noise inside or outside the classroom during activities
• Frequently bend, lift, twist, reach, push, and pull objects up to 15 lbs., individually or as part of a team
• Work indoors or outdoors in all safe weather conditions for children
• Traverse various terrains (grass, blacktop, dirt) and heights (ladders, playgrounds) depending on the school environment
• Adapt to the physical level of children (e.g., sitting on the floor, kneeling, squatting) for activities and interactions
• Supervise field trips to destinations such as aquatic parks, beaches, and trampoline parks

Requirements

Education

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

Education and permit requirements may vary by center needs or age group (e.g., Infant, Toddler, School-Age, Title 5, or Title 22 status).

Experience & Skills

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

Schedule

Full-time, Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM.

Benefits

• 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
• Tickets at Work employee discounts
• Ongoing training and professional growth opportunities