Assistant Teacher at Options For Learning – San Gabriel Valley, California

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 more than 9,600 children throughout the San Gabriel Valley.

About this position

The assistant teacher plays an important role in helping children feel safe, supported, and ready to learn. Working closely with the lead teacher, this position helps create a nurturing classroom environment, supports daily activities, and encourages each child’s development — whether they’re building friendships, exploring new ideas, or practicing new skills.

This role is well-suited for someone who enjoys working with children, values collaboration, and wants to make a positive impact in their community each day.

Please note: 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

• Planning and implementing group activities based on program-specific curriculum;
• Supervising and interacting with children in a positive manner;
• Maintaining learning centers that reflect the interests and needs of the children;
• Providing a wide variety of experiences for children, with an emphasis on active learning;
• Using sensitivity and good judgment when interacting with children, parents, and staff;
• Encouraging language development and respect for language diversity in the classroom and community;
• Working effectively with other team members;
• Actively participating in the annual in-service training;
• Planning or participating in planning and implementing parent meetings and activities, including family nights;
• Providing a clean and sanitary facility according to the center-based checklist;
• Accurately completing all assigned paperwork and documentation on a timely basis and according to organization policies and procedures;
• Assisting the site supervisor, teacher, and associate teacher as needed;
• Reading and implementing all organization and program policies and procedures;
• Accomplishing other duties as assigned to ensure a quality program.

What you bring to the table

• Twelve semester units acceptable to licensing in child development, with a minimum grade of C or better OR one year of experience working with children (depending on child age group);
• Current certification in pediatric CPR and pediatric first aid acceptable to Community Care Licensing (Health and Safety Code 1596.866), which must be renewed every two years;
• Health screening and TB clearance, which must be renewed every five years;
• Must present proof of immunization for TDap, MMR, whooping cough, and yearly influenza (waiver may be accepted for influenza);
• Successful background screening;
• Will be required to complete mandated reporter certification training, which must be renewed every two years;
• Command of Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, or Vietnamese (preferred);
• Ability to communicate in written and oral English correctly and effectively;
• A California driver’s license, daily use of an automobile, and automobile liability insurance (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 winter break (all offices and sites closed);
• Dedicated, mission-driven colleagues, and much more!

Job specifications

• Reports to the education supervisor;
• Non-exempt, 10- to 12-month position (winter, spring, and summer breaks may occur depending on site assignment);
• Work hours may vary from part- to full-time (schedule will vary depending on site or classroom assignment);
• Limited evening or weekend hours may be required;
• Employment, responsibilities, compensation and other factors may be affected by changes in governmental regulations, the organization’s contracts, or at the organization’s discretion.

Salary

• $22.57 - $27.67 per hour (Candidates should anticipate receiving an offer within the first quartile of the salary range).