Infant Assistant Teacher

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

JOIN OUR TEAM | Assistant Teacher

Are you a caring, curious educator who thrives in a classroom where children lead the way? Training and Research Foundation (TRF) is looking for an Assistant Teacher to help create a joyful, responsive learning environment where infants and toddlers feel safe, seen, and supported every single day.

If you are passionate about early childhood education and believe every child deserves a nurturing, stimulating start in life, we want to hear from you.

ABOUT TRF

Training and Research Foundation is a California nonprofit dedicated to delivering high-quality early childhood education to families who need it most. Operating under Title 22 and Title 5 regulatory frameworks, TRF serves children and families across Los Angeles, Orange, and Riverside Counties with a commitment to excellence, equity, and community partnership.

WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS ROLE

• You'll make a lasting impact during one of the most formative stages of a child's development.
• You'll be part of a mission-driven team that values people, integrity, and excellence.
• You'll support an emergent curriculum that follows each child's lead and honors their individual needs, interests, and pace.
• You'll build meaningful relationships with families and serve as a trusted, consistent presence in their children's lives.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

Curriculum & Learning Environment

• Assist in implementing an emergent curriculum grounded in CDE Standards for CCTR classrooms, with weekly lesson plans that include indoor and outdoor activities, multicultural materials, and individualized approaches based on each child's needs and interests.
• Contribute to organizing the classroom by developmental levels, with well-defined learning centers that rotate materials regularly to maintain a stimulating and engaging environment.
• Ensure infant and toddler classrooms are home-like, safe, sanitary, and free of clutter, with thoughtful arrangements that support emotional security, sensory exploration, self-awareness, autonomy, and motor development.
• Support diaper changing and toilet training in a safe, sanitary, and developmentally appropriate manner.
• Apply California Department of Education Desired Results and ITERS/ECERS standards to guide classroom practice.

Child Care & Development

• Build secure, consistent relationships with assigned infants and toddlers through primary and continuity of care practices.
• Engage with children in a calm, nurturing, and responsive manner, responding to all cries, babbles, and communication, using appropriate guidance techniques at all times.
• Supervise children at all times throughout the day.
• Observe children and maintain anecdotal records, individual and group checklists, and assist with developmental screenings as assigned.
• Provide age-appropriate meals and snacks and implement family-style dining in accordance with program policies and CDE Standards.

Family & Community Engagement

• Greet families warmly and ensure smooth, positive daily transitions into the center.
• Maintain ongoing professional communication with parents through a variety of methods and send home activities that extend learning and support the emergent curriculum.
• Involve parents in all aspects of the classroom and encourage participation in workshops, training, and program activities.
• Document volunteer activities and parent communications as required.

Program Operations

• Maintain accurate attendance records, food reports, in-kind reports, and all other required documentation.
• Monitor classroom supply needs and submit requests to the supervisor when additional items are needed.
• Participate in staff meetings, program training, and all program activities with a positive attitude.
• Report to work on time and perform all duties in a professional and timely manner.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• A genuine passion for working with infants and toddlers and supporting their earliest development.
• Knowledge of California Department of Education standards, Desired Results, and ITERS/ECERS.
• Experience with or willingness to learn emergent, child-centered curriculum approaches.
• Strong observational skills and attention to detail in documentation and record keeping.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to engage professionally with children, families, and colleagues.
• A warm, patient, and nurturing approach to working with very young children and their families.

OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU

At TRF, we believe the people who serve our families deserve to feel respected, supported, and valued. We are committed to a workplace culture built on kindness, collaboration, and shared purpose. Every member of our team plays a critical role in advancing our mission to ensure that all children have access to a strong start in life.

Training and Research Foundation is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in all aspects of employment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES)

• A minimum of 12 Units in Early Childhood Education, including 3 Units in Infant/Toddler and an Assistant Teacher Permit issued from CCTC.
• Previous experience working with Infants and Toddlers ages Birth-36 Months
• Ability to read, write, and communicate using proper English grammar
• Good oral and written communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal and conflict resolution skills
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with wide range of individuals, including, staff and parents

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Complete a physical examination (LIC 503), and provide proof of immunization for the following: influenza, Tdap, MMR, and a Current TB test
• Submission of satisfactory proof of your identity and your legal authorization to work in the United States. If you fail to submit this proof, federal law prohibits us from hiring you.
• Complete Child Abuse Mandated Reporter (AB1207)
• Criminal Record Clearance (DOJ/FBI/CACI)

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands or finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Compensation: $19 to $23 per hour