Substitute Associate Teacher (CDC)

The Associated Students, Inc. (ASI) is a 501(c)3 not for profit corporation which serves as an auxiliary of the California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH) with approximately 15,000 students.  CSUDH is one of 23 campuses in the California State University system.  The campus is an urban, comprehensive public university serving the extended South Bay area of the Los Angeles basin.  The campus attracts students who represent the cultural and ethnic diversity of the area.  As the student government organization, the ASI represents the concerns of the students.  Through their membership representation on various University committees and groups, the ASI has a substantial influence on many important decisions.  The ASI also provides programs and services to the student body.  The ASI Children’s Center is one of these programs offered by the ASI.

Position Description

To support the mission of ASI and the philosophy of the Child Development Center, a Substitute Associate Teacher works with the Lead Teacher under the supervision of the Program Director in the absence of the regular Associate Teacher. The primary focus of Substitute Associate Teacher is to assist the classroom teaching staff in providing a healthy, safe, and age appropriate environment and program where young children (2 to 5 years of age) have the opportunity to develop social emotional, language, and cognitive skills.  The Substitute Associate Teacher works collaboratively with the Lead Teacher in planning and implementation of classroom learning experiences and the environment; assesses children through observation and written documentation; and assumes responsibility in the absence of the regularly assigned Lead Teacher.

Description of Duties and Responsibilities

• Assists the Lead Teachers and Program Director in the general supervision (at all times by sight and sound), development and education of the children of the CDC in compliance with Title 22 and Title 5 regulations, and according to the Children’s Center Policy and Procedure Manual.
• Maintain punctuality with scheduled hours of work.
• Adhere to emergency procedures and policies.
• Maintain confidentiality for children, families, and staff.
• Observe children closely enough to be aware of any changes in behavior and health, and report any changes to Lead Teacher and/or Program Director.
• Promote good hygiene through appropriate hand washing and sanitation techniques according to Children’s Center Policy and Procedure Manual.
• In collaboration with the Lead Teacher, plan and set up learning centers to create thoughtful and engaging, age appropriate activities, indoor and outdoor.
• Maintain and submit accurate documents, records, and assignments (documentation of children’s work, anecdotal notes, attendance records, incident reports, CACFP reports, DRDPs, Developmental Reports, etc.).
• Understand and use positive behavior techniques that help each child to develop self-regulation and pro-social skills.
• Understand the adult role in play by engaging in activities that the children are interested, and physically being at their level.
• Promoting language development through storytelling, music, conversation, book reading, and pretend play.
• Participate in culturally responsive practices in the classroom environment that reflects the backgrounds and experiences the children bring to center, such as speaking in shared home language.
• Help the children during routines and transitions, including toileting and naptime.
• Model and engage in professional behavior with staff, parents, and children at all times.
• Complete daily general tasks to maintain a clean and organized environment to support the health and safety of the children.
• Prepare and serve meals, and help in post meal clean up.  Participate in mealtimes, sitting and modeling family style eating and sound health and nutrition practices.
• Attend and participate in mandatory monthly staff meetings, weekly team meetings, trainings and other professional growth opportunities.
• Communicate and work effectively with other staff members, children, families, and campus community members.

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum of 12 Units in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or Child Development (CD) core courses – Child Growth and Development, Child/Family/Community, and Programs/Curriculum.
• Qualify or hold an Associate Teacher permit issued by State of California.
• One year teaching preschool teaching experience with children ages 2 to 5 within the last three years
• Current certification of Pediatric and Adult CPR and First Aid. (preferred)
• Must successfully pass background check, fingerprinting and health screening (including negative TB test and verification of immunizations) prior to employment or initial presence in the facility.
• Must be flexible to work in different classrooms with ethnically diverse and culturally pluralistic children, families, college students, and staff.
• Must possess effective verbal, writing, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Enthusiastic about working with young children, 2 to 5 years old

Physical Requirements

• Regularly required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; climb; balance; stoop; kneel; visually scan environment to insure child safety indoors and outdoors; sit; and use hands.
• Daily set up of large motor equipment outdoors.
• Use of office machines and facility equipment.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds.

This position is employed by the Associated Students, Inc. and is subject to related personnel policies and procedures.  This position serves at will and does not receive tenure or permanency. In accordance with CSU policy, a background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with the ASI. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current ASI employees who apply for the position.

The Associated Students, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity, Title IX Employer.  In addition to meeting fully its obligations under federal and state law, Associated Students, Inc. is committed to creating a community in which a diverse population can live and work in an atmosphere of tolerance, civility and respect for the rights and sensibilities of each individual, without regard to economic status, ethnic background, political views, sexual orientation, or other personal characteristics or beliefs.