Teacher Assistant, Early Childhood Education

Assistant Teacher – Early Childhood Education Program

Location:

Main Campus – Berkeley | Full Time | Position

The Early Childhood Education Program (ECEP) serves over 260 children (3 months through pre‑kindergarten) and is supported by over 60 career FTE, plus substitutes and student assistants. The Assistant Teacher works under general supervision to support a play‑based, emergent curriculum in low adult‑to‑child ratio settings.

• Provides caregiving functions such as diapering, napping, feeding, and nurturing.
• Maintains appropriate child‑to‑adult ratios and ensures child safety throughout the shift.
• Models intentional learning and supportive emerging literacy practices in all interactions.
• Helps prepare materials and classroom opportunities aligned with children’s emerging interests, stimulating curiosity and supporting social‑emotional, fine‑motor, gross‑motor, language, pre‑literacy and other foundational skills.
• Participates in meetings with Teachers to discuss concerns, curriculum planning, and program updates.
• Supports NAEYC best practices and follows the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct.
• Observes and interacts with children, sharing observations with staff and providing written and verbal feedback to teachers.
• Provides input to teachers in support of parent/teacher conferences.
• Uses respectful language and positive guidance when addressing children’s behavior, maintaining a positive learning atmosphere inclusive of all developmental levels, cultural backgrounds, and languages.
• Attends all required meetings, trainings, and performance reviews as scheduled.
• Represents ECEP professionally, responding to parents and colleagues with care and confidentiality.
• Develops collaborative relationships with peers, supervisors, and managers; addresses conflicts promptly and involves appropriate leadership when necessary.
• Adheres to all ECEP policies, including health and safety, program philosophy guidelines, and the NAEYC Code of Ethical Conduct.
• Performs other duties assigned by supervisor within classification and collective bargaining agreement.

• Basic computer use: keyboard, mouse, data entry, email, and internet search.
• Proficiency with basic MS Word.
• Ability to safely manage multiple children within established ratios and provide engaging activities that promote learning and social‑emotional development.
• Proofread own work for accuracy.
• Patience, tact, sensitivity, and diplomacy to work with diverse clientele.
• Experience teaching and working independently in a center‑based child care program.
• Knowledge of developmental needs and appropriate learning experiences for children aged 3 months to 5 years.
• Familiarity with child development theory and practice.
• Physical ability: lift up to 50 lb, stand/walk up to 4 h, bend/squat at child’s eye level.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• High School Diploma or GED (or equivalent experience/training).
• Minimum 12 ECE units, including 3 Infant and Toddler units, for infant/toddler room assignments.

• State of California Child Development Associate Teacher Permit or higher level.

• Full‑time career position eligible for full UC benefits.
• Hourly rate within the range $25.61–$26.79 (steps 4‑6).
• Full UC benefits package (see Compensation & Benefits website).

• Maintain Pediatric First Aid and CPR certification within three months of hire.
• Provide proof of TB clearance, measles vaccination, health screening, and state/UC Berkeley requirements.
• Complete blood borne pathogen training annually, upon hire.

• Required fingerprinting and background check; clear background maintained while employed.

• Position requires mandated reporting of suspected child abuse or neglect to appropriate agencies.

• Final candidate must disclose any misconduct or disciplinary proceedings within the last seven years.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.