Assistant Teacher, Rayitos de Sol Childcare

• NOTE: We are currently seeking part time staff who are comfortable working with infants up to five year olds. Our program is open 6:00 am–6:00 pm Monday–Friday. Shifts available are primarily from 2:30-6:00 Monday–Friday, with occasional opportunities to work more hours. Starting September 2.

Purpose:

• Support and collaborate with other staff to implement age-appropriate bilingual educational activities that promote children's love of language, culture, learning, and collaborative play.
• Create a safe, caring and respectful environment where children are able to express themselves.
• Build relationships with children and families in order to make students and families feel welcome and supported.
• Enhance, strengthen, and support the child and family as a whole in their home and community.

Outcomes:

• All children experience learning and relationship-building opportunities where they feel welcome, safe, supported, and connected to others. Families feel welcomed and celebrated in program spaces.
• Bilingual activities demonstrate and value diversity in language and cultures.
• Every child experiences books, music, dance, songs, poems, games, celebrations, and cultural traditions from various perspectives, making learning fun and engaging.
• Families feel connected to their child's learning with regular communication.

Responsibilities:

Relationships with Children and Families

• Supervise, nurture, and care for children in the classroom(s) assigned to for the day.
• Monitor children during outdoor activities and interact with the children to enhance their learning.
• Use positive guidance techniques to help children develop internal control of their behaviors.
• Develop and maintain mutually supportive relationships with individual parents that enable both parents and teaching staff to meet each child's individual needs.
• Support implementation of community outreach activities to maintain and promote positive community relationships.

Learning Environment Support

• Collaborate with other staff to design and lead activities that support children's language and cultural development.
• Attend to the daily needs of the children such as assisting with meal preparation, feeding, cleaning, diaper changing, and toilet training.
• Assist with maintaining a clean, warm, and safe environment (indoors and outdoors) that is orderly and maintains a predictable routine.
• Work collaboratively with other staff and families to help improve, suggest, and make changes as needed.
• Participate in ongoing professional development to ensure continuous quality improvement including training and growth in racial equity and social justice.

Facility Support

• Execute the cleaning routine throughout the day to keep all of the interactive areas cleaned, organized and safe. Arrange learning spaces to support children's ages and developmental needs, and in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
  • Tasks include: organizing classroom, outdoor, and storage spaces daily; cleaning and disinfecting all areas of classrooms and bathrooms, including equipment and toys; loading and operating washing machines and dishwashers daily as needed.
  • Note: *Extra disinfecting is done when illnesses/diseases have been present in the classroom/center. *Floors are not mopped or vacuumed while children are present.
• Adhere to quality standards in accordance with state and local requirements and regulations. Recommend ideas that may lead to a QRIS star level increase.
• Communicate equipment repairs as needed.

Staff and administrative support

• Assist with maintaining progress records on individual children.
• Support in other classrooms as needed in the event of staff absences.
• Attend all staff training sessions, meetings, and programs sponsored by the center.
• Collaborate with fellow staff, take direction, and be eager to learn from peers.

Collaboration and Supervision:

Assistant Teachers will receive regular support and feedback from their supervisor, the Childcare Director. They will connect with other staff members on a regular basis in a group and individually. This role will not supervise staff.

Mano en Mano values the perspectives all staff bring to their roles, and expects that collaboration, support, and feedback can be shared between staff at every level.

Qualifications and Hiring Information:

• Values: Must demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to Mano en Mano's mission and vision. Ideal candidates for this position will demonstrate experience that reflects a commitment to equity and social justice, as well as strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Experience: One to three years of relevant experience demonstrating a range of skills relevant to early childhood education, or work in childcare settings is preferred. Preference for applicants who demonstrate: experience working with Spanish and English-speaking children and an understanding of trauma-informed practices.
• Skills: Highly flexible and adaptable with the ability to work independently and as a team.
• Language: Strong Preference for bilingual (English and Spanish) speakers; qualified monolingual staff encouraged to apply.
• Education: Associates in Early childhood degree or higher preferred. Strong preference for applicants with teacher certification or 60 hours of MRTQ training. Minimum high school diploma plus two or more years of related experience working with children may be considered for candidates committing to the child care apprenticeship program or pursuing a degree.
• Physical Requirements: Lifting boxes or children occasionally, up to 50 pounds.
• Pay Range: Starting at $16.50 per hour depending on language fluency and certification.
• Expected Hours (Part Time): 15-20 hours per week, depending on program needs. Center hours are from 6:00 am–6:00 pm. Shifts available 2:30pm-6:00pm Starting September 2.

Disclaimer: this job description is subject to change and responsibilities may be expanded to meet the needs of the child care.