Teacher, Court Program

Catalyst Community provides unique child care services, which are co-located in multiple court sites in various California Counties. As part of this program, Teachers provide drop-in care for children ages 2.5 or 3 years through 16 (depending on County) on a short-term or on-demand coverage. The primary role of the Teacher is providing quality care and learning experiences for children of various abilities in mixed age groups while parents are attending to court business.

This position requires strong communication skills, ability to work in potentially stressful situations, and self-confidence to work independently.
Key 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 relationship with point of contact at individual court site.
• Provide input for program planning and development.
• Refer families to local resources as needed.
• Establish relationships with parent and children utilizing the child care services at the courthouse.
• Maintain active communication with Catalyst Community staff located at the corporate office.
• Demonstrate a genuine openness to hearing what others think and feel and respond appropriately; respond to both internal and external customers with promptness and openness.
• Solicit feedback from parents/guardians utilizing services and adjust program goals as needed.
• Clearly communicate agreements by collaboratively defining roles, specifying agreed upon goals and establishing timelines.
• Demonstrate an understanding of one's own strengths and outline needs to do best work.
• Model reflective practice strategies while interacting with others.
• Participate in planning of all program components with direction from management staff. Immediately address areas and issues related to planning and organizing directly with the Program Coordinator/Manager.
• Participate in obtaining needed materials for program.
• Maintain timely records of usage date for monthly court reports.
• Demonstrate the ability to communicate theories into practice while supporting the learning process of others.
• Involve others in problem solving situations by gathering accurate information and analyzing suggested solutions.
• Recognize emotion yet draw upon facts and information 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 effectively relay information to staff.
• Coordinate and maintain appropriate records and related information, maintain confidentiality with regard to staff and child matters as appropriate.
• Communicate with the public, plan, organize and prioritize work assignments, problem solve, create written communications, accurately complete tasks as assigned.
• Additional tasks as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• HS Diploma or GED equivalent
• 1-2 years' experience working with children
• Experience working with internal and external customers

Preferred Qualifications:

• Child Development Associate Teacher Permit eligible
• 3- 5 years' 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, ability to work collaboratively and responsively within a team setting
• Be physically and mentally capable of interacting with children from 6 weeks to 13 years of age, meeting all their needs and ensuring their safety
• Demonstrate ability to effectively speak and write in English
• Customer service oriented
• Attention to detail
• Demonstrate sensitivity and…