Child Care Assistant

Description Join McAlister Institute, a 48-year beacon in San Diego's Recovery Community.

The Child Care Assistant plays a key role in supporting the co-op childcare center within a residential drug and alcohol treatment program for women, including monolingual and bilingual Spanish-speaking pregnant and parenting mothers. This position helps create a safe, nurturing, and developmentally supportive environment for children while assisting mothers as they work toward recovery.

Benefits

for YOU: 13 paid annual holidays, including your birthday; 12 paid vacation days, paid sick leave Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility 403(b) Retirement Plan + up to 6% Employer Match Health Insurance available the first of the month following 30 days of employment (Sharp) EAP Key Responsibilities: Support and uphold the mission, philosophy, values, and direction of McAlister Institute. Assist the Child Care Specialist in providing a safe, nurturing, and educational environment for children. Help supervise and support mothers, clients, and volunteers working in the co-op childcare facility. Assist with daily care routines, engage children in age-appropriate activities, and maintain a clean, organized childcare space. Communicate concerns regarding children’s progress or needs to the Child Care Specialist and client mothers. Ensure the safety and well-being of children at all times, monitoring activities and intervening when necessary. Guide volunteers in basic childcare tasks, including feeding, diapering, hygiene, and activity engagement. Support the implementation of age-appropriate play, learning games, and creative projects. Promote wellness and model self-care in alignment with Live Well San Diego principles. Maintain a warm, welcoming, clean, and safe environment; ensure equipment remains in good working order. Follow all personnel requirements, policies, safety regulations, and procedures, including dress code, reporting expectations, and training/certification requirements. Administer first aid and CPR when needed and respond appropriately to emergencies. Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Minimum one year of experience working in a licensed childcare program. At least 3 units in Child Development required. Demonstrated success working with children in past roles. CPR (including infant CPR), First Aid, and AED certification required (training provided). Must pass a drug test, background clearance, and provide a negative TB test. Must be free of probation or parole for at least one year. Clean driving record with at least two years of driving experience. Strong paperwork and computer skills; ability to maintain accurate, up-to-date records. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Strong organizational abilities. Bilingual (English/Spanish) proficiency preferred. Ability to pass all pre-employment screening, including references, education verification, a criminal background check with at least one year clear of probation or parole, a drug test, and a negative TB test. On-site position.