Early Childhood Educator

Job Summary:

Catalyst Kids is seeking a dedicated and passionate Early Childhood Educator to join our team. As a key member of our teaching staff, you will play a vital role in supporting the planning and implementation of our programming for children aged infant to school age. Your primary responsibility will be to facilitate a variety of age-appropriate activities, support children's social-emotional development, and ensure their safety and well-being at all times.

Key Responsibilities:

• Create and implement developmentally appropriate curriculum that promotes positive child development
• Develop and maintain intentional, enriched, and supportive learning environments that cater to the needs of all children
• Provide excellent customer service by establishing authentic connections with children, families, and colleagues
• Ensure children's health and safety by maintaining proper supervision, positive interactions, and healthy habits
• Collaborate with fellow staff to provide high-quality programs and a positive work environment

Work Environment:

As a member of our teaching team, you will be expected to demonstrate behaviors that are essential for successful programs and environments, including:

• Positive interactions with children and colleagues
• Maintaining a kind, respectful, and safe emotional/physical environment for children
• Being on time and present on a regularly scheduled basis
• Being active in outdoor and indoor programs
• Being physically and mentally capable of interacting with children up to 13 years of age
• Being aware of and implementing safety guidelines, reporting any health and safety issues or incidents to management, and remaining calm in emergency situations

Physical & Environmental Conditions:

As a teaching staff member, you will be responsible for various program elements on a daily basis and will be exposed to indoor and outdoor elements. You may be required to:

• Visually inspect the environment for hazards to children and implement preventative actions to maintain a safe environment
• Be comfortable with occasional loud noise during activities
• Be comfortable with frequent bending, lifting, twisting, reaching, pushing, and pulling
• Push, lift, carry, and hold various objects up to 15 lbs. for individual or team effort
• Work inside the classroom or outside in all weather conditions safe for children
• Traverse various terrains and heights depending on the school outdoor environment
• Adapt to the physical level of children for activities and problem-solving interactions
• Supervise field trips to destinations such as aquatic parks, beaches, and trampoline parks

Qualifications & Experience:

As an Associate Teacher, you will be a member of the teaching team responsible for the care and education of an assigned group of children/classroom. You may be required to work with multiple staff members to support the children's needs. Education and permit requirements may vary by center needs/requirements, such as Infant, Toddler, School-Age, Title 5 or Title 22 status. Associate Teacher education/permit requirements include:

• 12-24 postsecondary semester or equivalent quarter units in ECE, CD, or related field with passing grades of C- or better
• Associate Teacher Permit or above issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing

Experience and skills preferred include:

• 6-12 months of experience in a group care environment where care/teaching was provided for a consistent age group
• 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

What We Offer:

Catalyst Kids offers a competitive compensation package, including:

• Vision Benefits
• 401(k) Retirement plan and Employee Assistance Program
• Personal Health Advocate
• Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Discounted childcare (for staff working 25 hours or more per week)
• Access to the Calm app
• Tickets at Work employee discounts
• Opportunities for professional growth and development

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