Child Care Assistant

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.

• 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.