Learning Assistant (Mandarin Chinese) – Early Years in Menlo Park, California at Silicon Valley International School

Position Summary

The Learning Assistant (Mandarin Chinese) supports the implementation of Silicon Valley International School's Chinese language immersion program within the Early Years division. Working in close partnership with the classroom teacher, the Learning Assistant helps create a safe, nurturing, and engaging bilingual learning environment that supports children's academic, social-emotional, and language development.

This position requires a native Mandarin Chinese speaker who consistently models accurate spoken Mandarin throughout the school day and actively supports students' language acquisition through meaningful interactions, routines, and play-based learning.

This is a full-time, hourly, non-exempt, year-round position reporting to the Director of Licensing & Enrichment Programs.

INTL offers competitive compensation based on education and years of experience. The hourly rate for this position ranges from $31.28 (CO-1) to $46.54 (CO MA-23). Employees holding a Bachelor's degree receive an annual educational stipend of $1,000, while employees holding a Master's degree receive $2,000, paid in accordance with School practices.

The Learning Assistant is expected to:

Student Care & Safety

• Ensure the safety, health, and well-being of students at all times in accordance with California Community Care Licensing regulations.
• Provide active supervision during classroom activities, outdoor play, lunch, transitions, and extended care.
• Foster a warm, respectful, and inclusive classroom community that supports students' social-emotional growth.
• Implement the School's behavior expectations and classroom management practices consistently.

Classroom Support

• Assist the classroom teacher in implementing daily instructional activities and routines.
• Prepare classroom materials, activity centers, and learning environments in advance of instruction.
• Support students individually and in small groups using instructional strategies provided by the classroom teacher.
• Assist with attendance, classroom organization, record keeping, student work displays, snack preparation, and general classroom maintenance.
• Participate in weekly planning meetings with the classroom teacher to prepare upcoming activities and classroom needs.

Language Immersion

• Communicate with students primarily in (Mandarin) Chinese throughout the school day.
• Model accurate and age-appropriate language for young learners.
• Encourage students' language development through songs, stories, conversations, classroom routines, and guided activities.
• Support the School's Chinese immersion philosophy by helping students develop confidence and fluency in the target language.

Collaboration & Professional Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with teachers, administrators, and colleagues in support of student success.
• Maintain confidentiality and demonstrate professionalism, ethical conduct, and cultural sensitivity.
• Participate in professional development, meetings, case conferences, and required in-service training.
• Maintain all certifications required by the School and applicable licensing agencies.
• Communicate student concerns and observations to the classroom teacher and administrators as appropriate.
• In the teacher's absence, assist the substitute teacher by providing classroom orientation and supporting implementation of the teacher's lesson plans. The substitute teacher remains responsible for classroom instruction.

Year-Round Work Schedule

As this position is classified as an academic year-round position, including designated faculty breaks and summer months, Learning Assistants are required to work six (6) of the nine (9) weeks of Mini Camp and/or Summer Camp each academic year.

During Mini Camp and Summer Camp, Learning Assistants will serve in the role of Camp Counselor. In this capacity, they are responsible for planning, organizing, and implementing age-appropriate activities and programs under the direction and supervision of the Director of Licensing & Enrichment Programs.

The Director of Licensing & Enrichment Programs will establish the camp themes and provide guidance and support in the development and coordination of camp activities. Learning Assistants may utilize the week preceding Mini Camp for planning and preparation. In addition, the Summer Camp schedule will include designated time each week for planning, preparation, and program coordination.

Required:

• Native or near-native fluency in Mandarin Chinese with the ability to communicate exclusively in Mandarin with students during instructional time.
• Minimum of 12 Early Childhood Education (ECE) units.
• At least two (2) years of experience working with preschool or early elementary-aged children.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within a multilingual, multicultural educational environment.

Preferred:

• Experience in a language immersion program.
• Experience with the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP).
• Knowledge of inquiry-based and play-based early childhood education.

The employee must be able to:

• Supervise and actively engage with young children throughout the school day.
• Frequently stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, and sit on the floor while interacting with students.
• Move quickly to respond to emergencies or student safety needs.
• Lift and carry up to 35 pounds.
• Work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Communicate effectively with students, families, and colleagues in person and by telephone.
• Maintain the physical stamina and emotional resilience necessary to support an active Early Years classroom.

We’d love to hear from you!

If you are interested in the position, please submit your resume and a detailed cover letter. Please note that priority will be given to applicants who provide a well-crafted cover letter. Please, no phone calls or walk-ins.

If you are unable to complete the application process via our online portal, please email us at es-employee@svintl.org. Thank you for your interest, and we look forward to hearing from you.