Floater Teacher

Title: Floater Teacher

Reports To: Center Director

Department: Children & Family Services

Location: Antioch, CA

Schedule: Monday through Friday

Travel: Local, including fieldtrips, occasional home visits and required training sessions

Employee Status: Regular, Full-time, Non-Exempt

Union: SEIU 1021

Supervises: N/A

Benefits

Three weeks of paid vacation a year, 10 sick days, 14 holidays, medical and dental benefits on the first of the month following 30 days of employment, life insurance policy at no cost to employee (with the option of increasing policy amount), flexible spending account for medical and dependent care costs, commuter benefits, 403(b) with employer match, and other benefits. We foster a joyful workplace and offer opportunities for professional development and growth. 

Agency Summary

The Unity Council is a non-profit Social Equity Development Corporation with an over 60-year history in the Fruitvale neighborhood of Oakland. Our mission is to promote social equity and improve quality of life by building vibrant communities where everyone can work, learn, and thrive. 

Our programs aim to provide the community with the tools, knowledge, and resources to transform their lives and ultimately achieve their long-term educational, career, and financial goals. These holistic programs and services reach more than 10,000 individuals and families annually in five languages. Programs include: early childhood education, youth mentorship and leadership development, employment services, career readiness training, housing and financial stability, senior citizen services, affordable housing and neighborhood development, and arts and cultural events. Our work expands beyond the Fruitvale district and now reaches across Oakland and Contra Costa County. The Unity Council employs a diverse workforce of more than 300 people who reflect the linguistic, cultural, and ethnic identity of the communities we serve.

Program Summary

The Children and Family Services programs include Head Start, Early Head Start, State Pre-Kindergarten, Home Based Services, and Developmental Play Groups. Over 900 children birth through kindergarten entry and 32 expectant parents and their families receive child development and comprehensive family services through the Unity Council. The programs are diverse, multilingual, developmentally appropriate, culturally responsive, and individualized for each child and family services are provided in seven centers and one home based program throughout Oakland and Contra Costa County.

Position Summary

Under the guidance of the Center Director, the Floater Teacher provides quality care giving for preschool aged children and/or infants and toddlers in a safe and supervised early care and education setting. Promotes the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development of children enrolled in the program.

Responsibilities

• The duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:
• Provides breaks for teachers in the classroom as scheduled by Center Director;
• Substitutes as a teacher in the classroom as needed, including supporting during teacher prep time;
• Fills in as a classroom teacher as needed for extended absences, including completion of paperwork assigned to teachers; 
• Assists in implementing daily activities that are focused on the child’s interests and needs; 
• Maintains effective and professional relationships with enrolled families;  
• Assists in utilizing classroom materials and routines to promote an environment conductive to appropriate levels of development, interests, and specific needs of the children; 
• Assists in maintaining a safe and healthy classroom environment in accordance with Head Start Program Performance Standards, Title 5, and Title 22 Regulations; 
• Attend regular staff meetings as scheduled by Center Director and Management;  
• Complete a minimum of 21 hours of Professional Development annually, including college courses towards a Teacher Permit as determined by the Professional Development Coordinator;
• Supports with daily sanitizing and laundry at the site following health and safety protocols;
• Perform additional duties as assigned by Center Director and Management. 

Qualifications   

• Ability to work harmoniously in a multi-cultural team;
• Caring, compassionate approach to working with children and families as well as maintaining an open, friendly and cooperative relationship with each child’s family;
• Bilingual Spanish/English or Asian Language/English preferred; 
• Awareness of safe lifting techniques for lifting children, supplies and furnishings and commitment to using preventive health measures in the classroom to prevent the spread of disease.

Requirements

• Associate Teacher Permit preferred or Assistant Teacher permit and currently enrolled in coursework leading up to an Associate Teacher Permit;  
• 6-12 units in ECE, including core courses (Child, Family and Community, Child Growth and Development, and Curriculum);
• 6 Infant/Toddler units preferred; or willingness to obtain 6 Infant/Toddler units within first year of hire.

Physical Requirements

Must be able climb stairs, reach, bend, lift 20-30 pounds, crawl, kneel, stoop, twist, grasp with hands and fingers materials, use arms and legs, able to walk, climb ladders if applicable.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Physical exam
• TB test
• Background/fingerprint clearance
• MMR and Tdap vaccinations,
• CPR
• Child Abuse Mandated Reporter Training

This description is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities or requirements for the position. This position may change or assume additional duties at any time.

*** Please submit your cover letter and resume. **** 

The Unity Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer.