Assistant Teacher

What You'll Do

Community & Relationship Building

• Interact and connect with children, families, and J Los Angeles partners in ways that support strong relationships, respect, and collaboration.
• Communicate warmly and professionally with families during drop-off, pick-up, and throughout the day, supporting a welcoming and inclusive classroom community.
• Approach conflicts as opportunities to learn and coach children to be creative, confident problem solvers.
• Maintain a positive and cooperative working relationship with Lead Teachers and fellow team members, taking direction from the Lead Teacher in all matters related to classroom management, curriculum, and programming.
• Attend monthly staff meetings and participate as an active and engaged member of the school community.
• Accept responsibility for the well-being of all children and staff in your care during your shift.

Classroom Environment & Daily Support

• Work as part of a co-teaching team to maintain a healthy, safe, and engaging classroom environment for a group of 12–18 preschool-age children (ages 2–5).
• Assist the Lead Teacher in implementing daily routines, transitions, and activities in a consistent, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate manner.
• Support the setup and maintenance of the indoor and outdoor learning environment as directed by the Lead Teacher, including preparation of materials for learning provocations and classroom displays.
• Follow all health, safety, and nutrition protocols in accordance with California Title 22 Community Care Licensing requirements and JLA center policies.
• Assist with daily documentation tasks as assigned by the Lead Teacher, which may include logging attendance, completing daily health checks, and contributing observations for inclusion in parent communications.
• Support the Lead Teacher in daily playground updates, weekly newsletters, and other parent-facing communications as directed – these tasks remain the primary responsibility of the Lead Teacher.

Curriculum & Program Support

• Support the Lead Teacher in fostering a rich, play-based curriculum rooted in Judaic values and traditions, honoring a strong view of preschool-age children as capable learners and thinkers.
• Assist in implementing curriculum activities and learning provocations as planned and directed by the Lead Teacher, including small group activities, circle time, and outdoor play.
• Participate actively in Spanish language routines within the classroom, including circle time songs in Spanish and daily commands and transitions, as established by the Lead Teacher.
• Observe children throughout the day and share relevant observations with the Lead Teacher to inform curriculum planning and family communication.
• Adhere to curriculum themes and programming as prescribed by Teaching Administration and implemented by the Lead Teacher.

Requirements

Education & California Licensing Requirements

This position is classified as a Teacher Aide under California Department of Social Services (CDSS) Title 22, Division 12, §101216.2. The following minimum education and compliance requirements apply to all candidates prior to and following employment:

Minimum Required – Title 22 Teacher Aide (§101216.2):

• Completion of at least 6 postsecondary semester units (or equivalent quarter units) of Early Childhood Education (ECE) or Child Development (CD) coursework from a WASC-accredited or approved institution, completed with passing grades prior to employment; OR active enrollment in an accredited ECE/CD program with a minimum of 2 units completed each semester or quarter following hire until the 6-unit threshold is met.
• Candidates hired below the 6-unit threshold must have on-site supervision by a fully qualified teacher at all times while working with children, until the 6-unit requirement is satisfied.
• Required coursework should be appropriate to preschool-age children (ages 2–5). No specialized infant/toddler units are required for this role.
• Must be 18 years of age or older prior to employment. (Exception: candidates under 18 may be considered only if currently enrolled in an accredited high school or college occupational program in child care, per §101216.2(b).)
• Active compliance with all California CDSS Title 22 background clearance requirements, including a Criminal Record Clearance and Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Index check, completed prior to first day of employment. No exceptions.
• Completion of 16 hours of health and safety training as required under Health and Safety Code §1596.866, including pediatric first aid and CPR, prevention of communicable disease, and child nutrition. Must be completed within the timeframe established by CDSS.
• Current pediatric CPR and First Aid certification, or willingness to obtain prior to first day. Renewal required per CDSS licensing regulations.

Nice to Have

Preferred Qualifications:

• Completion of the full 12-unit ECE/CD coursework requirement, including Child Growth and Development; Child, Family, and Community; Programs/Curriculum; and at least one ECE/CD elective appropriate to preschool-age children.
• Possession of, or active progress toward, a California Child Development Assistant or Associate Teacher Permit issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC).
• Prior experience working in a licensed preschool or early childhood education program with children ages 2–5.
• Familiarity with play-based and inquiry-driven early childhood curriculum approaches.

Professional Skills & Competencies

• Some experience working with young children in a childcare, preschool, or group care setting preferred; entry-level candidates with the required coursework and a genuine passion for early childhood education are encouraged to apply.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate warmly and professionally with children, families, and colleagues.
• Willingness to work as a supportive member of a co-teaching team and follow the direction of the Lead Teacher.
• Reliable, punctual, and able to complete assigned tasks within the scope of the Teacher Aide role.
• Open to learning and ongoing professional development; interest in pursuing additional ECE coursework and credentialing is strongly encouraged.
• Able to meet the physical demands of the position, including caring for active preschool-age children, repetitive bending, lifting, and extended periods of active movement.

Benefits

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Paid Leave
• Sick Leave
• Retirement Plan
• Child Care Discount
• Professional Development
• Union-eligible