Preschool Associate Teacher

Overview

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

• Create and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum supported by learning foundations that are directly connected to children’s interests and promote positive child development.
• Create, implement, and maintain intentional, enriched, and supportive learning environments and quality experiences that are age appropriate for all children.
• Provide excellent customer service by establishing authentic connections and reciprocal, culturally responsive relationships with children, youth, families, schools, communities, and the center/classroom team.
• Keep children healthy and safe by ensuring proper supervision, positive interactions, healthy habits, and excellent compliance.
• Work collaboratively with fellow staff by connecting workplace values, education, and experience to provide the highest quality programs and a creative workplace.

• Positive interactions with children and youth.
• Maintain a kind, respectful, and safe emotional/physical environment for children.
• Be on time and present on a regularly scheduled basis.
• Be active in outdoor and indoor programs.
• Be physically and mentally capable of interacting with children up to 13 years of age, meeting all their needs and ensuring their safety.
• Be aware of and implement safety guidelines; report any health & safety issues or incidents to management, and remain calm if providing first aid (as needed) during emergency situations.

• Visually inspect environment for hazards to children; identify hazards and implement preventative actions (e.g., set up cones to limit play area) to maintain a safe environment for children.
• Be comfortable with occasional loud noise outside the classroom during activities.
• Be comfortable with frequent bending, lifting, twisting, reaching, pushing, and pulling.
• Push, lift, carry, and hold various objects up to 15 lbs. (by individual or team effort) such as equipment carts, emergency backpacks, food coolers, classroom furnishings, and other similar program materials.
• Work inside the classroom or outside the room in all weather conditions that are safe for children.
• Traverse various terrains (grass, blacktop, dirt) and heights (ladders, playgrounds) depending on the school outdoor environment.
• Adapt to the physical level of children (e.g., sitting on the floor, kneeling, squatting) for activities and problem‑solving interactions.
• Supervise field trips to destinations such as aquatic parks, beaches, and trampoline parks.

Education and Permit Requirements

• 12‑24 post‑secondary semester or equivalent quarter units in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field with passing grades of C- or better, OR
• Associate Teacher Permit or higher issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.

Experience & Skills

• 6‑12 months of experience in a group care environment where care/teaching was provided for a consistent age group is preferred.
• Effective problem solving, conflict resolution, classroom management, and communication with children and families.
• Effective organization, time management, curriculum, and assessment documentation (lesson plans, portfolios, and anecdotal notes).
• Ability to work alongside colleagues and maintain a professional team environment.
• Current adult and infant/child CPR & First Aid certification is preferred.
• Bilingual/multilingual language preference based on individual center needs.

Shift Type: Full Time

Schedule: Monday - Friday, 9am - 6pm

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits
• 401(k) Retirement plan and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Personal Health Advocate
• Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Commuter pre‑tax benefit
• Discounted childcare
• Access to the Calm app
• Tickets at Work employee discounts
• Be constantly in a learning and growth process with training and professional growth advisory

We are proud to be an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V. We maintain a drug‑free workplace.

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.