Job Description

About PLN

Founded on Skid Row in 1980, Para Los Niños (PLN) partners with more than 10,000 children, youth, and families each year through integrated education, wellness supports and advocacy, addressing individual and systemic barriers to create pathways to success. In addition to operating early education centers, charter elementary and middle schools, youth workforce development sites and family services, PLN is the only children’s mental health provider in the Skid Row neighborhood. In addition, PLN's community transformation work brings together community members, community-based organizations, city and county agencies, elected officials, and businesses to tackle issues that impact PLN families. Ninety-three percent of families served by PLN live in areas with the highest levels of food insecurity and homelessness in L.A. County

Position Overview

Para Los Ninos is hiring Associate Teachers for our Expanded Learning program at both our Charter Elementary and Charter Middle Schools. Under the supervision of the Area Supervisor, the Associate Teacher is responsible for leading and supervising both large and small group activities that foster students' academic, social, and emotional growth. Through engaging, developmentally appropriate lessons, the Associate Teacher will implement the program’s goals by creating intellectually, physically, and creatively stimulating experiences. Supporting the Area Supervisor in all aspects of program administration, the Associate Teacher ensures a structured yet dynamic learning environment, particularly in an afterschool setting. With a strong passion for working with children, the Associate Teacher thrives in a collaborative, diverse environment and is committed to maintaining a positive and supportive atmosphere. Adaptability is key, as the role requires flexibility in responding to changing schedules, student needs, and program activities while upholding high standards of organization and professionalism.

The Associate Teacher follows a structured weekly schedule with designated subject areas, including Math on Mondays, Literacy on Tuesdays, Science on Wednesdays, and Diversity on Thursdays. Additionally, club components on Tuesdays and Thursdays provide engaging, hands-on learning opportunities for students. Curriculum and training are provided, allowing the Associate Teacher to follow established plans or incorporate their own creativity. Opportunities for professional growth are available through mentoring, training, and leadership development. Those interested in additional hours can participate in enrichment camps during Fall, Winter, and Spring Breaks, which consist of three consecutive eight-hour days. There are also opportunities to work in the three-week summer program in June, offering full-day instructional experiences. The Associate Teacher plays a vital role in making these programs enriching and memorable for students, reinforcing the impact of afterschool education in underserved communities.

Duties

Associate Teachers perform a full range of duties, including, but not limited to the following:

Climate, Culture, and Curriculum

• Support daily expanded learning programs, including afterschool, weekend, and intersession activities.
• Assist teachers with implementing innovative, content-focused instruction and developing age-appropriate curriculum that nurtures students’ social, cognitive, and cultural growth.
• Provide homework assistance, tutoring, and academic enrichment while regularly assessing students to refine instruction.

Classroom Management

• Maintain a clean and organized classroom, ensuring a safe and structured environment.
• Complete documentation for incidents, accidents, and behavioral concerns while reinforcing school-wide rules and expectations.
• Work collaboratively with teachers to develop student behavior goals and support positive interactions on campus.

Supervision and Student Support:

• Provide active supervision and care for students during both classroom and outdoor activities.
• Ensure appropriate student-to-staff ratios and report any concerns to supervisors.
• Conduct health and safety checks, complete incident reports, and follow mandated protocols for reporting child abuse.

Administrative Duties:

• Maintain attendance records, emergency forms, lesson plans, and student development profiles.
• Assist in parent orientations and conduct parent conferences following student assessments.
• Participate in weekly staff meetings to discuss program updates, announcements, and schedules.

Professional Growth and Additional Opportunities:

• Engage in regular professional development, collaborative meetings, and training.
• Gain additional hours through enrichment camps during Fall, Winter, and Spring Breaks, as well as summer programming.
• Take advantage of opportunities to develop teaching skills and grow within the organization.

Qualifications for CES Associate Teacher

• Option 1: A minimum of 60 units in Child Development or related fields, including Recreation (art, music, dance), Physical Education (indoor and outdoor sports), Human Services and Social Welfare (nursing, psychology, home economics), or coursework toward an elementary or middle school teaching credential.
• Option 2: Must hold a current State of California Child Development Associate Teacher Permit or meet the eligibility requirements for immediate application. The permit must be maintained and kept up to date.
• Compensation Range: $ 21.22-$22.90 per hour.

Qualifications for the CMS Associate Teacher

• A minimum of 60 units in Child Development or related fields, including Recreation (art, music, dance), Physical Education (indoor and outdoor sports), Human Services and Social Welfare (nursing, psychology, home economics), or coursework toward an elementary or middle school teaching credential. Other fields may also be considered.
• Compensation Range: $22.00-$25.60 per hour.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Characteristics

• One year of experience working with students in a formal or informal setting.
• Strong written and oral communication skills in English are required, and we celebrate linguistic diversity, valuing the unique perspectives and strengths that multilingual team members bring to our organization.
• Computer literate with hands-on experience in MS Word, MS Excel, ZOOM, share drive and data management systems.
• Must be organized, adaptable, and detail-oriented.
• Strong judgment and decision-making skills are essential.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Proven ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks effectively.

Physical Requirements

To perform this job the individual must be able to carry out all essential functions satisfactorily.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

• Approximately 50% of time is spent sitting, while frequently required to walk, stand and bend.
• Must be able to speak and hear well.
• Good vision is imperative.
• Occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.
• Employee will be required to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds without assistance .
• TB test clearance to be renewed every two years.
• Verification of Immunizations required by the California Department of Health (Pertussis, Measles and Influenza).

This job description does not encompass all essential functions and responsibilities. Para Los Niños reserves the right to modify or add to the typical duties of a position at any time.

Expectations for All Para Los Niños Staff

Candidates for employment at Para Los Niños, regardless of position, will consistently demonstrate the following:

• Unwavering belief in and commitment to fulfill the mission of Para Los Niños.
• Deep commitment to the success of all PLN students and families.
• Commitment to excellence and high standards -- for self, students, and colleagues.
• Continuous learning by engaging in reflection, self-assessment, and individual professional development.
• Use of data to inform decisions and drive continuous improvement.
• Ability to thrive as a member of a collaborative team.
• Self-motivation and initiative with solutions-oriented disposition.
• Belief in and ability to develop respectful relationships with families and children informed by the students’ cultural and socioeconomic characteristics.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to effectively handle challenging situations.
• Comfort with basic Microsoft Office applications and a curiosity and propensity to push own adoption of new technology and approaches.
• Regular, punctual attendance and professional appearance.

Para Los Niños is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

It is the established policy of Para Los Niños (PLN) to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without discrimination with regard to race, religious belief (including dress or grooming practices), color, sex, sex stereotype, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions (including breast feeding), age, national origin (including possessing a driver’s license issued under Vehicle Code § 12801.9), ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identification and expression, transgender status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic characteristics, genetic information, family care, marital status, enrollment in any public assistance program, status as military, a veteran or qualified disabled veteran, status as an unpaid intern or volunteer, or any other classification protected by law. PLN also prohibits discrimination based on the perception that anyone has any of those characteristics or is associated with a person who has or is perceived as having any of those characteristics.