Easterseals Southern California transforms lives every day. For over a century, Easterseals has championed inclusion and independence—delivering essential services like early childhood programs, autism services, employment and independent living support to more than 29,000 people each year. Through advocacy and education, we break barriers and create opportunities for the one-in-four Americans with disabilities. 

OVERVIEW OF POSITION:

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Assists Early Childhood Educators in implementing developmentally appropriate curriculum in accordance with Head Start Performance Standards, California Department of Education requirements, and Easterseals Southern California policies.
• Supports the classroom teacher in maintaining a safe and engaging learning environment for young children.
• Provides additional assistance to children with disabilities, atypical behaviors, or specialized developmental needs.
• Serves as a caregiver for assigned children and supports their developmental, social, and emotional growth.
• Assists with classroom organization, supervision, and routine classroom cleanliness and sanitation activities.
• Participates in required professional development, training, and mentorship provided by classroom teachers and program leadership.
• Collaborates with teaching staff to support family engagement and communication.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION:

• High School graduate or GED.
• Pediatric (infant/toddler) CPR and First Aid certification (or ability to obtain within required timeframe).
• Professional Development Requirement: Enrollment in Early Childhood Education (ECE) coursework within 90 days of hire.
• Complete a minimum of six (6) ECE units within six months of hire, meeting the educational requirements for eligibility for a California Child Development Assistant Teacher Permit.
• Continue coursework toward a Teacher Permit (24 ECE units) within an established professional development plan inclusive of 6 infant/toddler units.
• Failure to demonstrate ongoing progress toward permit requirements, in accordance with the established professional development plan, may impact continued employment in this classification.

EXPERIENCE:

• Prior childcare experience or exposure to a preschool or infant/toddler classroom setting preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

• Ability to communicate effectively and work cooperatively with staff, families, and community partners.
• Willingness to pursue professional development in early childhood education.
• Knowledge of child development principles or willingness to learn.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-based classroom environment.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, plan, establish and meet timelines.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and to reach, bend, stoop, and squat as required in a classroom environment.
• Ability to use fine manual dexterity and to push, pull, talk, and hear; visual requirements include near and far acuity, depth perception, color vision, and field of vision.
• Ability to maintain compliance with applicable regulations including Head Start Performance Standards, Title 5, and Title 22.
• Ability to obtain fingerprint clearance per Easterseals Southern California and/or program requirements.
• Ability to pass post-offer medical examination and test for tuberculosis.
• Must pass all drug testing required by ESSC.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS IN ACCORDANCE WITH ADA:

• Carrying/Lifting:

Occasional / Up to 40 lbs.

• Standing:

Occasional / Up to 3 hours per day.

• Sitting:

Occasional / Up to 3 hours per day.

• Walking:

Occasional / Up to 3 hours per day.

• Travel:

None.

• Repetitive Motion/Activity:

Keyboard activity, telephone use, writing. 

• Visual Acuity:

Ability to view computer monitor and read newsprint.

• Environmental Exposure:

Regular exposure to unpleasant or hazardous working conditions (noise, heat, dust, bodily fluids, etc.) more than 50% of work time.