Preschool Associate Teacher

EastLake Church (Chula Vista, CA)

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EastLake Children’s Center is a vibrant Christian preschool committed to nurturing young minds and hearts. We provide a Christ-centered, developmentally appropriate curriculum that fosters spiritual, academic, and social growth. We’re seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated Preschool Associate Teacher who has a passion for early childhood education and a strong commitment to biblical principles. This role involves creating a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment where children thrive and develop a lifelong love of learning.

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SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Reports to Lead Teacher and Preschool Director

SCOPE & DIMENSIONS:

Supports the Lead Teacher in a licensed Christian preschool classroom by helping provide care, supervision, and developmentally appropriate learning experiences for preschool-aged children. The Associate Teacher works collaboratively with the teaching team and interacts regularly with children, parents, and staff to support each child’s emotional, physical, intellectual, and spiritual growth. This role helps maintain a safe, organized classroom environment, follows health and safety and licensing requirements, and contributes to the mission of EastLake Church through early childhood education.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist the lead teacher in creating and maintaining a safe, welcoming, and developmentally appropriate classroom environment.
• Support the lead teacher in creating and maintaining a safe, welcoming, and developmentally appropriate classroom environment.
• Assist with preparing classroom materials and learning centers.
• Engage children in daily activities that encourage curiosity, independence, and social development.
• Use positive guidance and follow the center’s behavior and discipline policies.
• Assist with children’s personal care needs, including toileting, diapering, and changing clothing when necessary.
• Help maintain active supervision of children at all times, both indoors and outdoors.
• Observe children and share relevant information with the lead teacher or Director.
• Maintain a clean, organized classroom and assist with routine housekeeping tasks.
• Provide classroom coverage when qualified and when the lead teacher steps out of the room.
• Participate in staff meetings, professional development, and required training.
• Follow all center policies, health and safety practices, and licensing requirements.
• Support the preschool’s faith-based environment, including classroom activities that may incorporate prayer, Bible stories, or Christian values.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Meet California Community Care Licensing requirements for an Associate Teacher.
• Minimum 12 semester units in Early Childhood Education or Child Development from an accredited college.
• Eligible for or hold a Child Development Associate Teacher Permit issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
• CPR and Pediatric First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain upon hire).
• Live Scan fingerprint clearance, TB clearance, and required immunizations in accordance with California licensing regulations.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise and engage young children in a safe, nurturing learning environment.
• Personal commitment to the Christian faith and a lifestyle consistent with the teachings of Jesus Christ, supporting the mission and values of the preschool ministry.

WORKING CONDITIONS / PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Working in early childhood education requires active engagement and physical movement throughout the day.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally (children, equipment, or supplies).
• Ability to sit on the floor or child-sized furniture, stand for extended periods, bend, squat, and reach.
• Frequent indoor and outdoor supervision of children.
• Work in a busy, active environment with multiple activities occurring simultaneously.
• Possible exposure to common childhood illnesses; staff must follow health and safety precautions.
• Ability to respond appropriately to emergencies or unexpected situations while maintaining supervision of children.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• As a staff person at Eastlake Community Church, I agree to abide by all the provisions of the Employee Handbook.
• The Church reserves the right, at any time, with or without notice, to alter or change job responsibilities, reassign or transfer job positions, or assign additional job responsibilities.
• This position is classified by the Church as a Full-Time paid position and is Non-Exempt from the overtime provisions, as stated in Employee Handbook.