Associate Teacher - Preschool (Part-time)

Company Description

Background

Since 1976, St. Joseph Center has been meeting the needs of low-income and homeless individuals and families in Venice and throughout Los Angeles County.  The Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community organization that assists people without regard for religious affiliation or lack thereof through 20+ programs in four pillars of service: Outreach and Engagement, Housing Services, Mental Health, and Education and Vocational Training.  St. Joseph Center serves more than 10,000 people each year. 

Brief Description of Principal Activities

Multifaceted intervention, prevention, mental health, and housing assistance is offered through street outreach and 9 service sites throughout Los Angeles County. St. Joseph Center also provides on-site services at five permanent supportive housing developments, and will provide services at an additional six more sites in the coming year.  St. Joseph Center’s total holistic approach to services provide our clients with the help they need to regain their stability.

Job Description

Under the supervision of the Early Learning Center Director and guidance of the Lead/Master Teacher, the Associate Teacher will work as a member of the classroom team providing a full day program for a classroom of either toddlers or pre-school age children. Always adhering to professional conduct while carrying out the mission, vision, and values established by agency’s Executive Leadership and Board Members.  This position will assist in providing a stimulating, safe, and developmentally appropriate educational environment where toddlers and preschool children can develop cognitive, social, emotional, and physical skills. This role will help with implementing daily lesson plans for early childhood education classrooms.      

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

 Key Areas of Responsibility:

• Work with small and large groups of children in a variety of age-appropriate developmental activities both an indoor and outdoor environment according to the planned schedule
• Uses best practices with the guiding principle of a dual immersion program for children ages 18 months to 5 years old.
• Always adhere to professional conduct, such as proper tone and language use in the classroom, respectful, proper for children, parents and peers always.
• Comply with all State Licensing regulations; provide state mandated reporting, as necessary, to the ELC Director and/or appropriate authorities.

Essential Duties:

• Support classroom management in accordance with the program philosophy.
• Help with decor, appearance and learning environment of the classroom under the direction of the Lead Teacher and/or Director.
• Supervise children and share responsibility for promoting classroom dynamics.
• Assist with opening, closing center activities and with classroom activities and schedule, including:
  • Assist with complete daily health checks regarding hygiene, safety, and overall well-being of children.
  • Assist with capturing children’s developmental progress.
  • Serve food and participate in mealtime activities.
  • Assist with clean-up responsibilities and end of the day classroom set- up, maintaining a safe and creative environment.  
• Communicate any changes in children’s behavior that might affect their growth and development to the Lead Teacher, and the Director.
• Maintain confidentiality of program participants.
• Participate in all staff training during the year.
• Participate in local community events or meetings.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.  

Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned. The duties and responsibilities listed are designed to provide typical examples of the work performed; not all duties and responsibilities assigned are included here, nor is it expected that all similar positions will be assigned every duty and responsibility.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Fluency in Spanish/English language required. Bilingual (Spanish/English)
• Must be a team player with the ability to handle the responsibilities and routine stress often associated with providing childcare services.
• Some knowledge of Title 22 Regulations, compliance with all state licensing requirements
• The ability to react calmly and effectively.

Experience:

• Minimum of 6 months experience working in an early childhood education setting preferred.

Education:

• Preferred: Enrolled in an associate degree (AA) program in early childhood education, child development or a related field OR
  • Preferred Minimum: Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential