About the Organization
Family Connections is a community-based organization that partners with families who are expecting or have children from birth through age five to support early learning, family well-being, and mental health. We provide high-quality early childhood education, caregiver support, and integrated mental health services at no cost, ensuring that all families have access to the resources they need to thrive.
Through a family-centered, trauma-informed approach, we support caregivers as their child’s first teacher and most important advocate, while strengthening the systems and communities that surround young children. Our programs are delivered in partnership with community organizations and in settings that are accessible and familiar to families, ensuring services are responsive to the unique strengths and needs of the communities we serve.
The Associate Early Learning Teacher works in partnership with the Lead Early Learning Teacher to deliver high-quality, play-based early learning experiences for children ages 1 to 5 within Family Connections’ caregiver-participation model.
This role contributes directly to classroom learning, caregiver engagement, and family support, helping to create a safe, engaging, and inclusive environment for children and caregivers. The Associate Teacher builds positive relationships with families, supports caregiver participation, and contributes to children’s social-emotional and developmental growth.
The Associate Early Learning Teacher works in partnership with the Lead Teacher to implement classroom activities and caregiver-supported learning experiences within established program models.
This role facilitates classroom activities, caregiver engagement, and documentation, ensuring that daily classroom practices and family interactions are carried out consistently and effectively.
The Associate Teacher participates in key family engagement activities, including Welcome Meetings and developmental screenings, independently or in partnership with the Lead Teacher, Early Learning Coordinator or Director of Programs.
The Associate Teacher collaborates with program staff, Family Support Specialists, and the Mental Health Team to support children’s development and family engagement.
The Associate Teacher independently carries out key classroom and family engagement responsibilities, while the Lead Teacher maintains overall responsibility for coordination, quality, and completion of required activities.
● Nurturing Families: Children ages 1–3, meets twice weekly
● Preschool: Children ages 3–5, meets three times weekly
● Classes are offered in East Palo Alto, Redwood City, and Daly City
Classroom Environment & Instruction
● Help maintain a safe, clean, organized, and engaging classroom environment
● Ensure the safety and well-being of all children at all times
● Support the implementation of play-based, developmentally appropriate activities for children ages 1–5
● Maintain active engagement with children and caregivers throughout class time
● Support classroom routines, transitions, and overall flow of the day
● Support children’s social-emotional development through responsive, relationship-based interactions
Caregiver Engagement & Family Partnership
● Facilitate Welcome Meetings with families to orient them to the program, build relationships, and review expectations, in coordination with the Lead Teacher
● Assist in planning, organizing, and facilitating caregiver engagement activities throughout the year to familiarize families with the classroom environment, program model, and expectations for caregiver participation
● Facilitate check-in meetings with families to review child progress, engagement, and emerging needs
● Build positive, respectful relationships with caregivers
● Reinforce classroom expectations, including attendance and caregiver participation
● Support and encourage caregiver involvement in classroom activities and events
Child Development & Screening
● In partnership with families, administer developmental screenings (ASQ-3 and ASQ:SE-2) for all enrolled children
● Meet with families to share screening results, provide developmentally appropriate strategies, and discuss referrals when needed, in coordination with Lead Teacher and other Early Learning Program staff
● Use classroom observations to support understanding of child development
● Collaborate with the Lead Teacher, Family Support Specialists, and the Mental Health Team to support coordinated care when needed
Documentation & Attendance Monitoring
● Support accurate and timely documentation, including attendance, screening records, and case notes
● Assist in maintaining child portfolios and classroom documentation
● Support data entry and record maintenance in required systems
Family Support & Service Coordination
● Support referrals to internal services in coordination with members of the Early Learning team
● Participate in multidisciplinary meetings, as appropriate
● Support distribution of family resources (e.g., food, diapers)
Program Enrichment & Community Building
● Support field trips and family engagement events
● Assist in facilitating supplemental child and caregiver groups
● Contribute to a positive, inclusive classroom community
Team Collaboration & Professional Growth
● Collaborate with the Lead Teacher and program staff to support effective classroom implementation
● Participate in team meetings and professional development activities
● Seek feedback and opportunities for growth in early childhood practice
Additional Responsibilities
● Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned, aligned with the scope, level, and priorities of the role and the needs of the program
● Minimum of 1 year of experience working in an early childhood education setting (2+ years preferred)
● Completion of at least 12 Early Childhood Education (ECE) units preferred (or actively working toward completion)
● Basic understanding of play-based, developmentally appropriate practices
● Experience working with children and families from diverse cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic backgrounds
● Ability to build positive, respectful relationships with children, caregivers, and colleagues
● Ability to support child-centered and caregiver-inclusive learning environments under the guidance of a Lead Teacher
● Strong verbal communication skills in English and Spanish; ability to support communication with families in both languages
● Ability to support communication with caregivers in a warm, respectful, and strengths-based manner
● Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
● Comfort using technology and willingness to learn systems for documentation and communication
● Ability to adapt to changing classroom needs and respond effectively in dynamic environments
● Collaborative team member with the ability to take direction and contribute to shared goals
● Commitment to trauma-informed, relationship-based, and family-centered approaches to early learning
● In-person role, with limited opportunities for remote work
● Ability to work a consistent weekly classroom schedule, with flexibility for occasional evenings and weekends (e.g., family events, outreach)
● Ability to sit, stand, bend, and actively engage with young children throughout the day
● Ability to lift up to 25 pounds as needed
● Successful completion of background clearance (DOJ/FBI) and TB clearance
● Up-to-date immunization records
● Valid California Driver’s License, reliable vehicle, and current auto insurance
● Ability to travel between program sites and community locations as needed (mileage reimbursed at California rate)
● Current CPR and First Aid certification, or ability to obtain within 60 days of hire
● Valid authorization to work in the United States
At Family Connections, we value the people who make our work possible. In addition to a competitive salary, we offer:
● Generous sick leave, paid time off, and holiday pay
● Retirement plan to support your long-term financial goals
● Comprehensive medical benefits, with optional dental and vision coverage
● Robust professional development, including paid onboarding, role-specific training, and ongoing learning opportunities to support growth and skill development
● A supportive, collaborative learning environment where your growth and voice are valued
Family Connections values diversity; people of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply (EOE: M/F/D/V).
Pay: $27.00 - $30.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
