Associate Teacher (38026)

Description

Position: Associate Teacher

Location: Hamilton Children Center

Reports to: Site/Area Manager

Department: Children & Family Services

Pay Rate: $27.17-$31.84

Expected Schedule: 10:00am-6:00pm

The Associate Teacher supports the planning and implementation of developmentally appropriate activities and learning experiences for children under the guidance of the Site or Area Supervisor. In the absence of the Teacher, the Associate Teacher assumes full responsibility for the classroom. This role promotes the physical, emotional, and educational development of children in a nurturing, inclusive, and engaging environment.

Demonstrate CAM Core Competencies

• Equity Mindset - Respect and advocate for equitable access for all children and families.
• Expertise - Commit to continuous learning and development in early childhood practices.
• Cultural Humility - Reflect on and challenge biases; approach all families with respect.
• Client Orientation - Serve children and families with empathy and commitment.
• Reliability - Follow through on tasks and responsibilities with consistency.
• Kindness & Empathy - Promote compassion in all interactions with children, families, and colleagues.
  
  

Classroom Environment & Child Supervision

• Build positive, trusting relationships with children while attending to their physical, emotional, and developmental needs.
• Ensure active supervision and safety of children at all times.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized classroom in accordance with health and licensing guidelines.
• Support daily routines, including meals, toileting, transitions, and cleaning responsibilities.
• Follow health protocols including daily health checks, sanitizing procedures, and universal precautions.
• Complete and submit incident reports when necessary.
  
  

Curriculum & Instruction

• Implement Creative Curriculum and enhance it using strategies such as SEAL, GLAD, and Teaching Pyramid.
• Observe and document children’s development to support planning and individualized instruction.
• Assist in the use of DRDP online for child assessment.
• Support completion of classroom assessments such as ECERS, ITERS, or SACERS.
  
  

Positive Guidance & Social-Emotional Support

• Use a variety of positive behavior guidance techniques including redirection, logical consequences, and problem-solving support.
• Reinforce positive behavior and encourage children’s self-expression.
• Provide nurturing verbal and physical support to children during transitions and routines.
  
  

Family Engagement

• Develop warm, respectful relationships with families and communicate regularly about children’s development.
• Refer parent concerns to the Teacher or Supervisor as needed.
• Support parent involvement through home-to-school activities, volunteerism, and participation in events.
  
  

Diversity, Inclusion & Individualization

• Create an inclusive, welcoming environment for all children and families.
• Use classroom materials that reflect cultural and linguistic diversity.
• Support the inclusion of children with disabilities and implementation of IFSP/IEP goals.
  
  

Team Collaboration

• Participate actively in team responsibilities including meal prep, cleanup, and classroom routines.
• Engage in open communication and shared problem-solving with team members.
• Attend and contribute to team meetings, training sessions, and site events.
• Support and orient substitute teachers and classroom volunteers.
  
  

Professionalism & Compliance

• Follow all agency policies, Head Start Performance Standards, CDE guidelines, and licensing requirements.
• Maintain confidentiality and professional relationships with families, staff, and the community.
• Accurately complete required documentation such as sign-in sheets and in-kind reports.
• Adhere to work schedules and demonstrate reliability in attendance and punctuality.
• Follow CAM’s Code of Ethics and health/safety procedures, including lifting practices and handwashing.
  
  

Qualifications

Education: As a CAM Requirement all applicants must possess a High School Diploma or equivalent (GED)

• Minimum of 12 college level semester or equivalent quarter units including courses on general areas of child growth and development, family and community, and curriculum. 
• Associate level Permit issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. 
• Valid CDA credential with the appropriate age level endorsement. 
  
  

Experience

• Minimum six months of experience in a licensed child care or group care setting.
• Experience working with low-income families preferred.
  
  

Skills And Abilities

• Ability to read, write, and speak English proficiently. Bilingual in English/Spanish or another language may be required for some positions.
• Basic mathematical skills. 
• Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards preferred. 
• Pediatric First Aid and Infant/Child CPR or obtain within first two weeks of employment. 
• A strong commitment to social justice, equity and the agency’s mission to provide high-quality programs to serve low-income individuals and families.
• Deep understanding – and ability to articulate – the role equity, inclusion, and diversity plays in our work.
  
  

Software

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, Internet Explorer, SharePoint).
  
  

Other: 

• Successful completion of background and criminal record checks.
• Proof of physical exam, MMR and TDAP immunizations, and negative TB test.
• Ability to provide proof of required credentials and educational documents.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality.
  
  

Confidential And Sensitive Information

• Ability to maintain the highest level of confidentiality.