About Occidental College
Founded in 1887, Occidental is a nationally recognized, private
college of the liberal arts and sciences, dedicated to providing a
gifted and diverse group of students with a total educational
experience of the highest quality -- one that prepares them for
leadership in an increasingly complex, interdependent and
pluralistic world.
What makes Occidental special? An intellectually rigorous academic
environment. Small classroom settings where students collaborate
with professors and their peers while pursuing or discovering their
passion. A beautiful residential campus that offers students
hands-on engagement with the cultural and intellectual resources of
Los Angeles. A community open to stimulating conversation and
divergent points of view. Some 2,100 students from 46 states and 28
countries choose from 41 majors and minors and participate in one
the country’s top undergraduate research programs. Oxy students
routinely win top awards and fellowships; its first Rhodes Scholar
was named in 1907. Dedicated to excellence and equity, Occidental
also is one of the country’s most economically diverse campuses,
according to the New York Times. Some 71 percent of Oxy students
receive some form of financial aid; 20 percent are Pell Grant
recipients; and 19 percent are the first in their family to attend
college
Title: Assistant Teacher
Department: Child Development Center
Duration: 6 months - End Date: June 11, 2027 (Possible
Extension)
Employment Status: Non-Exempt, Part-Time, 29 hours per
week
Job Summary
The Assistant Preschool Teacher at Occidental College Child
Development Center is responsible for collaborating with Lead
Preschool Teachers to implement a play-based,
developmentally-appropriate, emergent curriculum which addressed
the development of the whole child, for children aged 2-5 years
old. The position involves fostering a safe, respectful, and
community-oriented classroom environment, forming nurturing
relationships with children, and maintaining open communication
with parents. The Assistant Preschool Teacher must have the ability
to work effectively and collaboratively within a team of early
childhood educators, as well as establish and maintain respectful
partnerships with parents. Essential qualifications for this
part-time role include a minimum of 12 units in Child Development,
experience working in a preschool classroom setting, a basic
understanding of Child Development theories, and effective
communication skills. The role requires a commitment to ongoing
professional development and adherence to relevant regulations and
policies.
Job Duties
- 35% - Child Supervision and Care: Provide constant supervision
of children and attend to their physical and emotional needs;
ensure children’s safety and well-being. - (Essential)
15% - Collaborate on Curriculum Development: Work closely with
Lead Preschool Teachers to plan and implement a
developmentally-appropriate, play-based curriculum which: 1) meets
the needs of the whole child, 2) is based on the current interests
and developmental needs of the children (using an Emergent
Curriculum approach), and 3) is in alignment with the Center’s
educational philosophy. - (Marginal)
20% - Relationship Building and Communication: Form close,
nurturing relationships with children, establish collaborative and
respectful partnerships with parents, and contribute to a positive,
community-oriented classroom environment. Maintain open
communication with parents, informing them about their child’s
needs and school experience, as necessary. - (Essential)
20% - Assist in General Classroom and Center-wide Duties: Share
responsibility for completing general classroom and Center-wide
duties, including keeping Center clean and safe. Contribute to the
smooth operation of the Center and assist teachers and children in
other groups, as needed. Respond receptively to direction and
mentoring from Lead Preschool Teachers and Director. Assume Lead
Preschool Teacher, duties as needed. Complete routine paperwork and
administer medications, as needed. Provide support to substitutes,
volunteers, new staff, and student workers as needed. -
(Essential)
5% - Documentation of Children’s Learning and Development:
Regularly observe and briefly document children's growth in various
developmental areas through the use of notes, photos and/or the
Learning Genie app. Share observations with Lead Preschool Teachers
for ongoing assessment. - (Marginal)
5% - Professional Development: Engage in ongoing professional
growth through in-service professional development, workshops,
seminars, and additional ECE/CD courses. - (Marginal)
Minimum Qualifications
- A minimum of 12 semester units in Child Development - which
must include the 3 core courses of: a basic Child Growth and
Development course, a course on Child, Family and Community, and a
course on planning Curriculum for young children.
- A minimum of 3 months of experience working in a play-based
early childhood education setting.
- Understanding of basic Child Development theories and current
best practices in Early Childhood Education.
- Familiarity with developmentally-appropriate, play-based,
emergent curriculum models.
- Strong understanding of the specific educational philosophy of
the Child Development Center.
- Familiarity with Title 22 Regulations.
- Understanding of procedures for completing routine paperwork
procedures (accident/incident reports, sign-in/out, emergency
contact, medication administration, etc.).
- Ability to collaborate effectively with Lead Teachers in
planning and implementing a play-based,
developmentally-appropriate, emergent curriculum.
- Skill in providing educational activities for children which
are based on the children’s interests and needs.
- Good observational skills and understanding of appropriate
assessment criteria for children aged two to five.
- Documentation skills for recording observations of children's
growth and development.
- Clear, effective, and professional communication in English,
both oral and written.
- Interpersonal skills to interact and work effectively with
children, parents, and co-workers.
- Flexibility to assist in all Center activities, including
covering other classrooms, as needed.
- Supervisory ability to ensure the safety and well-being of
children throughout the day.
- Ability to adapt curriculum and expectations based on
individual children's needs.
- Ability to create and maintain a safe, inviting, and
child-centered classroom environment.
- Capacity to form nurturing relationships with children and
collaborate with parents.
- Ability to interact positively and work effectively with
children, parents, and co-workers.
- Professionalism and ethical conduct, including maintaining
confidentiality and refraining from unprofessional behavior.
Flexibility to meet the diverse needs of the Center, cover other
classrooms when necessary, and assist Center-wide duties, as
needed.
- Physical capability to lift children weighing up to 50 pounds
and actively engage in play with children.
- Capability to maintain a physically healthy condition to
perform assigned tasks.
- Punctuality, dependability, and responsibility in meeting
job-related goals.
- Successful completion and maintenance of necessary
certifications, including Mandated Reporter Training, criminal
background check, health screening, TB test, proof of certain
immunizations, and CPR/First Aid Certification.
Preferred Qualifications
- 18 or more units in Child Development - which must include the
3 core courses of: a basic Child Growth and Development course, a
course on Child, Family and Community, and a course on planning
Curriculum for young children.
- 1 or more years of experience working in a play-based early
childhood education setting. Experience working in a program that
utilizes an emergent curriculum.
EXPECTED HIRING RANGE: $20.00/hr-#23.00/hr
