Job Overview

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Compensation

Hourly
Range $20.50 - $29.09
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Benefits

Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Paid Time Off
Retirement Plan
Employee assistance program
Professional development opportunities
flexible scheduling

Job Description

Easterseals Southern California is a renowned nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming the lives of individuals with disabilities and other special needs. For over a century, Easterseals has been a leader in championing inclusion and independence, offering a diverse range of essential services that empower people across Southern California. The organization supports more than 29,000 individuals annually through its comprehensive programs, which include early childhood education, autism services, employment assistance, and independent living support. Easterseals is deeply committed to breaking down barriers and creating opportunities through advocacy, education, and innovative service delivery, making it a trusted name in the disability services sector.

At Easterseals Southern California, the role of Associate Teacher is a vital component of their Early Head Start/Head Start program, which focuses on delivering high-quality, developmentally appropriate education to young children, including those with disabilities. This position offers an opportunity to work in an inclusive and supportive environment where educators are empowered to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families. The role involves planning, implementing, and evaluating educational curricula that adhere to rigorous Head Start Program Performance Standards and Easterseals' own standards of conduct. Associate Teachers operate under limited supervision but play a crucial part in supporting children's development, supervising classroom activities, and fostering an inclusive learning atmosphere.

Employment at Easterseals Southern California as an Associate Teacher offers a salary range based on qualifications and educational achievements. For those holding an Associate Teacher Permit plus a Bachelor of Arts degree, hourly wages range from $24.52 to $29.09 depending on experience. Candidates with an Associate Teacher Permit and an Associate of Arts degree can expect compensation between $22.12 and $26.68 per hour. Those with an Associate Teacher Permit and a high school diploma may earn between $20.50 and $24.28 per hour, also depending on experience. This clear pay scale underscores the organization’s commitment to rewarding educators based on their credentials and contributions.

The role requires an individual who is passionate about early childhood education and dedicated to fostering a nurturing and inclusive learning environment. In addition to classroom teaching, the Associate Teacher also acts as a Site Supervisor when designated, overseeing the educational program's daily operations. Responsibilities include collaborating with families through home visits and parent conferences, maintaining meticulous records such as lesson plans and child assessments, and coordinating training and workshops for parents and staff. This position demands a multifaceted skill set, blending educational expertise with strong communication, organizational abilities, and a commitment to service excellence.

Moreover, Associate Teachers at Easterseals Southern California are expected to support prenatal education and provide resources on breastfeeding and health, showcasing the program’s holistic approach to family support. The role embodies the organization's mission to cultivate an environment where children and families receive comprehensive support tailored to their unique needs, ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive. Candidates must also comply with necessary certifications and training, including pediatric CPR and first aid, food handling, child abuse reporting, and pesticide safety, ensuring safety and compliance across all program facets.

Joining Easterseals Southern California means becoming part of a storied institution dedicated to improving lives through service, compassion, and empowerment. The Associate Teacher position is not just a job but a calling to nurture the developmental potential of young children, support families, and contribute to an inclusive society where all individuals can achieve their full potential.

Job Requirements

  • B.A. degree in early childhood education, child development and/or related field
  • Must possess and maintain a Child Development Teacher Permit
  • Experience teaching in a preschool or infant/toddler classroom setting
  • Must possess and maintain current pediatric CPR and first aid certificate
  • Must possess a food handler's certificate
  • Must complete California-mandated Child Abuse Reporter Training
  • Must complete Pesticide Safety Training
  • Ability to communicate effectively
  • Must relate well to children and families
  • Ability to pass a physical examination and a TB test
  • Ability to obtain and maintain criminal record and fingerprint clearance
  • Must have sex offender index clearance

Job Qualifications

  • B.A. degree in early childhood education, child development and/or related field
  • Must possess and maintain a Child Development Teacher Permit
  • Must meet ongoing educational requirements to qualify for child development permit/CDA requirements
  • Experience teaching in a preschool or infant/toddler classroom setting including 350 days of 3+ hours per day within 4-year period
  • Must possess and maintain current pediatric (infant/toddler) CPR and first aid certificate as well as a food handler's certificate
  • Demonstrated proficiency with MS Office applications such as Outlook, Excel, Skype
  • Ability to develop knowledge of infant and toddler development, safety issues in infant and toddler childcare settings
  • Must complete California-mandated Child Abuse Reporter Training as well as Pesticide Safety Training prior to beginning work
  • Ability to properly interpret and implement regulations of the California Department of Education, Funding Terms and Conditions (Title 5), Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing (Title 22), Head Start Performance Standards, and Easterseals policies and procedures
  • Ability to communicate effectively through oral and written skills and work cooperatively with a variety of individuals and groups
  • Must relate well to children and families and maintain a positive effect
  • Ability to exercise sound judgment, plan, establish and meet timelines
  • Ability to pass a post-offer physical examination and a TB test
  • Ability to provide any/all current immunizations as required by the State of California for child development centers and staff
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a criminal record/fingerprint clearance from the Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation per Easterseals Southern California and/or program requirements
  • Must have sex offender index clearance

Job Duties

  • Perform as an educator for assigned children in the classroom throughout the child's enrollment in the program
  • Support primary care-giving in meeting the personal care of children, including safety and visual supervision
  • Plan, implement and supervise a developmentally appropriate and inclusive educational curriculum for young children in accordance with Head Start Program Performance Standards, policies and procedures and Easterseals Southern California standards of conduct
  • Conduct home visits and parent conferences within required timelines
  • Ensure individual child goals are created and implemented with parent input
  • Maintain weekly lesson plans, progress and anecdotal notes, and current paperwork
  • Complete child screenings and assessments within required timeframe
  • Coordinate and conduct bi-monthly classroom unit meetings
  • Provide input to evaluate volunteers and college interns
  • Actively participate in staff meetings, parent meetings, and in-service training
  • Participate in planning associate and parent training activities, parent meetings and workshops
  • Coordinate parent education, training and support for pregnant women including prenatal education, breast-feeding information, and other health resources
  • Perform other duties as assigned

Job Criteria

Experience

Entry Level (1-2 years)


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