Teacher, Court Program

About the role

Catalyst Community provides unique child care services co-located in multiple court sites across various California counties. Teachers deliver drop-in care for children ages 2.5 or 3 through 16 (depending on county) on a short-term or on-demand basis while parents attend to court business. The Teacher’s primary responsibility is to provide quality care and learning experiences for children of various abilities in mixed-age groups. Strong communication skills, the ability to work in potentially stressful situations, and self-confidence to work independently are essential.

Responsibilities

• Provide care and quality learning experiences for children of multiple ages in the same setting.
• Create appropriate learning environments inclusive of children with special needs.
• Learn and implement adaptive methods and strategies for working with all children.
• Work in a culturally and linguistically sensitive manner with families from diverse backgrounds.
• Plan and prepare materials/curriculum to ensure quality early learning experiences.
• Maintain files on families and record attendance as necessary.
• Develop relationships with point of contact at individual court sites.
• Provide input for program planning and development.
• Refer families to local resources as needed.
• Establish relationships with parents and children utilizing the child care services at the courthouse.
• Maintain active communication with Catalyst Community staff at the corporate office.
• Demonstrate openness to feedback and respond appropriately to internal and external customers with promptness and openness.
• Solicit feedback from parents/guardians and adjust program goals as needed.
• Clearly communicate agreements by collaboratively defining roles, specifying goals, and establishing timelines.
• Model reflective practice strategies while interacting with others.
• Participate in planning all program components with direction from management staff; immediately address planning and organizing issues with the Program Coordinator/Manager.
• Participate in obtaining needed materials for the program.
• Maintain timely records of usage data for monthly court reports.
• Demonstrate the ability to communicate theories into practice while supporting the learning process of others.
• Involve others in problem-solving by gathering accurate information and analyzing suggested solutions.
• Recognize emotion and draw upon facts when determining solutions; maintain and project a calm demeanor while problem-solving with internal and external partners.
• Answer telephones, read emails, and assist staff with inquiries and requests; accurately process messages and relay information effectively.
• Coordinate and maintain appropriate records and related information; maintain confidentiality regarding staff and child matters.
• Communicate with the public, plan, organize and prioritize work assignments, problem-solve, create written communications, and accurately complete assigned tasks.
• Perform additional tasks as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• 1–2 years of experience working with children.
• Experience working with internal and external customers.

Preferred Qualifications

• Child Development Associate Teacher Permit eligibility.
• 3–5 years of experience working in child care settings.
• Experience working with non-English speakers and those from diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Proficiency in Spanish.

Key Competencies

• Ability to observe, plan, and articulate children’s developmental play; knowledge of developmental stages.
• Ability to work effectively with mixed-age groups and collaborate responsively within a team setting.
• Physical and mental capability to interact with children from 6 weeks to 13 years of age, meeting all their needs and ensuring their safety.
• Effective speaking and writing in English.
• Customer service orientation.
• Attention to detail.
• Sensitivity and empathy towards others.
• Reading, writing, language, arithmetic, and social skills sufficient to complete assigned duties and responsibilities.
• Discretion, good judgment, initiative, confidentiality, and ability to work independently with limited supervision.

Working Conditions

• Must be able to work in a formal office setting with no access to yard space.
• Comfortable completing a security screening when entering the worksite.
• More than 50% of daily assignments involve prolonged physical effort.
• Less than 50% of daily assignments involve exposure to unpleasant working conditions.
• Less than 50% of daily assignments involve the potential for accidents and/or occupational risks.
• Travel: Up to 25%, locally between program locations and/or to the regional office as needed.

Schedule

Full-time, onsite Monday–Friday, 8:00 am–5:00 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 learning, growth, and professional development support.