EC Aide - $21/hr

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.  Starting Pay Rate: $21/hr OVERVIEW OF POSITION: The Aide, Early Childhood (EC) supports the classroom teaching team in providing developmentally appropriate care and education to young children. This position is designed as an entry point into the early childhood education profession, providing a structured pathway toward becoming a fully permitted Early Childhood Teacher in California. This role is expected to actively pursue the educational requirements necessary to obtain a California Child Development Assistant Teacher Permit and progress toward a Teacher Permit within an established timeframe. 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…