Associate Teacher - Infant/Toddler (East Palo Alto)

A little about us… Kidango ( kidango.org ) is an early learning nonprofit committed to setting every child on a path to thrive in kindergarten and in life. We believe that all children can reach their full potential if they and their families have access to the right opportunities and resources. As the largest child care provider in the San Francisco Bay Area, we provide thousands of children, especially those from low-income families, with safe, healthy, nurturing environments and relationships. Through our policy work, we aim to take our expertise beyond the children and families that we serve, and drive change in early childhood education at the local, state and federal levels. Our goal is to make sure all children have the social, emotional, and academic skills they need to learn, grow and realize their potential.

About The Role

The Associate Infant Toddler Teacher supports the daily care, supervision, and early learning experiences of infants and toddlers in a state-funded early childhood program. This role helps implement curriculum, daily routines, child observations, and family engagement practices, and works closely with the Lead Teacher and Center Director to provide a safe, nurturing, healthy, and developmentally appropriate environment that supports each child’s growth and learning.

Our East Palo Alto Center supports a specialized language and literacy program and features the use of innovative portable technology to capture adult and child verbal interactions. In addition, the center will feature outdoor classrooms that incorporate environmental education and play-based learning. The Associate Infant Toddler Teacher helps create a welcoming and responsive classroom environment for all children and families while honoring parents and guardians as the child’s primary educators.

What You’ll Be Doing

Support the daily care and supervision of infants and toddlers in a safe, nurturing, clean, and developmentally appropriate classroom environment.

Comply with California Department of Social Services (CDSS) Community Care Licensing Division regulations (Title 22), California Department of Education (CDE) Early Education Division requirements, including Title 5, and all applicable agency policies and procedures.

Work with the Lead Teacher and Center Director to implement a high-quality infant toddler program that supports early language, literacy, social-emotional development, and learning through play.

Assist with planning and carrying out age-appropriate learning experiences and routines, including feeding, diapering, toileting, napping, indoor and outdoor play, and small group activities.

Build warm, responsive relationships with children and support their individual developmental needs, including children with IFSP goals and other specialized supports.

Observe children regularly and document their development through notes, photos, and other assigned assessment tools in alignment with program expectations.

Support curriculum implementation and contribute to classroom environments that encourage exploration, language development, and positive interactions.

Maintain active supervision of children at all times and follow all health, safety, and licensing requirements.

Help maintain accurate and up-to-date classroom records, including attendance, meal counts, child observations, and other required documentation.

Partner with families in a respectful and professional way, sharing information about children’s progress, routines, and needs while recognizing families as the child’s first teacher.

Participate in staff meetings, training, coaching, and professional development opportunities to strengthen teaching practice and program quality.

Support classroom cleanliness, organization, and readiness, including materials preparation, sanitizing, and maintaining an engaging learning environment.

Work collaboratively with teaching team members, center leadership, and support staff to ensure strong classroom operations and continuity of care.

Follows all Kidango safety policies, active supervision practices, health and safety procedures, and licensing requirements at all times to help ensure a safe and compliant environment for children, families, and staff.

Maintain confidentiality of children, families, and staff while promoting the mission and philosophy of the organization.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Preferred qualifications

Minimum of 12 ECE units required, including 3 Infant/Toddler units as required to meet Title 5 and Title 22 qualifications for an Associate Teacher working in an infant/toddler classroom; Associate degree or higher in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or a related field is preferred.

1 to 2 years working with infants and toddlers in a licensed early childhood program preferred.

Associate Teacher Permit from the Department of Education required.

Immunization records that comply with Senate Bill 792 (immunity for measles, pertussis, and influenza.)

Required to be a mandated abuse reporter.

Ability to provide leadership and accept responsibility

Required CPR/First Aid Training Certification.

Completion CCL Record Keeping Component; 16 hours of health and safety training which includes 1 hour of nutrition training.

Ability to provide leadership, accept responsibility, work independently and set own goals in a professional manner.

Ability to work on a variety of tasks simultaneously and able to work Kidango’s core work hours and work schedule as assigned, and a flexible schedule, including some evenings.

Bilingual skills are a plus.

Compensation

$36.34 — $36.34 USD

Additional Requirements

Must pass a health screening and TB test

Must pass background fingerprint clearance

Valid Driver License

Must be 18 years or older

The ability to lift up to 30lbs may be needed during some job duties

The employee will be required to use hands for computer work, answering phone calls, etc.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions

Video Surveillance Notice

Kidango may use video surveillance in classrooms and common areas at its centers to help maintain the safety and security of children, staff, families, and facilities. Employees working at these locations may be recorded as part of these safety measures.

Perks

An opportunity to improve real lives, solve hard problems, and change the world

Friendly, supportive, and adventurous environment with a team of engaged colleagues

A comprehensive, industry-leading benefits package

Opportunities to connect with and learn from colleagues and partners around the world

Drug-Free Workplace

We believe every employee has the right to work in an environment that is free from all forms of unlawful discrimination. Consistent with applicable laws, Kidango makes all decisions involving any aspect of the employment relationship without regard to race, color, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, citizenship, the presence of any physical or mental disability of someone otherwise qualified, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status or characteristic protected by local, state, or federal law, other than those positions which are deemed ministerial in nature. Discrimination and/or harassment based on any of those factors are inconsistent with our philosophy of doing business and will not be tolerated. This policy of non-discrimination applies to all aspects of application procedures, hiring, advancement, transfers, reductions in force, discharge, compensation, training, or other terms, conditions and privileges of employment.

EEO

A diverse and inclusive workplace where we learn from each other is an integral part of Kidango’s culture. We actively welcome people of different backgrounds, experiences, abilities and perspectives. We are an equal oppor