Infant/Toddler Teacher

About our organization

Since 1981, Options for Learning has been at the forefront of helping families break the cycle of poverty and improve their lives by providing tools to create a positive foundation for school, social, and life success. Our dedicated and passionate employees have helped our organization become one of Southern California's most innovative and progressive child development organizations, serving nearly 9,000 children throughout the San Gabriel Valley.

About this position

This position is responsible for planning and implementing the infant and toddler program, based on the High Scope curriculum. The location for this role will be one of the organization’s specific sites in the San Gabriel Valley. Assignments will be based on program needs.

What you’ll be doing

• Preparing and implementing individual daily plans for each child based on daily child observations;
• Frequently lifting or carrying children up to 45 pounds;
• Supervising and interacting with children in a positive manner;
• Developing and maintaining a learning environment which reflects the interests and needs of the children enrolled in the program;
• Providing a variety of experiences for infants and toddlers, with an emphasis on active learning;
• Providing a well-supervised, safe and nurturing environment;
• Reading and implementing all organization and program policies and procedures;
• Participating in monthly site staff meetings;
• Planning and implementing parent meetings, conferences, home visits, and activities;
• Actively participating in the in-service training;
• Demonstrating sensitivity and good judgment when interacting with children, parents, volunteers and staff;
• Accomplishing other duties, as assigned, to create and maintain a quality infant/toddler program;
• Encouraging language development and respect for language diversity in the classroom and community;
• Working effectively with other team members;
• Providing a clean and sanitary facility (inside and out) on a daily basis, according to Options for Learning's center-based cleaning;
• Recruiting, training and supervising parents and other volunteers;
• Promoting full enrollment, and participating in recruitment of children as directed;
• Accurately completing all assigned paperwork and documentation, on a timely basis, according to organization policies and procedures;
• Assisting in the transitioning of children into Head Start and other child care programs;
• Assisting the site director as needed;
• Performing other duties as assigned.

What you bring to the table

• Child development teacher permit;
• Eighteen months work experience in a licensed infant/toddler or preschool center;
• Six semester units related to Infant and Toddler development, acceptable to licensing with a passing grade of “C” or better (minimum three semester units related to Infant and Toddler development to apply; possible tuition reimbursement if extra class is required to meet qualifying six units).
• Current certification in Pediatric CPR (yearly), Pediatric First Aid (yearly) and Preventive Health which is acceptable to Community Care Licensing (Health and Safety code 1596.866);
• Ability to effectively communicate in written and oral English;
• A California Driver’s License, daily use of an automobile and automobile liability insurance (preferred);
• Command of Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, or Vietnamese (preferred).

What we can offer you

• Medical/dental/vision for part- and full-time employees (organization pays up to 90% of employee's premiums; prorated for part-time);
• Organization-paid and matching retirement plan;
• Professional growth opportunities, including free child development courses and college reimbursement;
• Generous and flexible PTO;
• Organization-wide shutdown from Christmas through New Year’s Day;
• Dedicated, mission-driven colleagues, and much more

Job specifications

• Expected start date: January 2024;
• Reports to the site director and/or education supervisor;
• Ten-to-twelve-month approximate work year;
• Requires some evening and weekend work hours;
• Employment, responsibilities, and other factors may be affected by changes in governmental regulations, the organization’s contracts, or at organization discretion.

Salary

• $24.84 - $29.63 (Effective December 1, 2023)
• Additional 5% pay deferential for working with infants/toddlers;
• 12.5% cost of living adjustment (Effective July 1, 2024).