GENERAL SUMMARY:
Under the direction of an assigned supervisor, assists in the care, supervision and learning activities of children enrolled in a child care program; assists with planning and implementing a variety of activities, which promote children's cognitive, linguistic, physical, social-emotional, and self expressive learning and development in a safe and well supervised manner; carries out program goals and policies.
Child Care Assistant is an entry-level class in the classification series; the Assistant holds primary responsibility for providing child care services within program guidelines, with limited responsibility for decision making regarding program planning. Child Care Assistant is distinguished from a Child Care Leader in that the latter is assigned responsibility for planning and coordinating child care program activities and providing work direction and guidance to incumbents in a Child Care Assistant classification.
Positions in this classification do not provide instructional support in a K-12 classroom and do not fall under the provisions of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2002.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Works collaboratively with staff to develop written activity plans for pre-school and school-age children the utilize developmentally appropriate curriculum which focuses children's attention on a particular concept or topic, offer a balance of staff and child guided activities, include interactive small and large group experiences and opportunities for sustained high-level play; School age programs will include homework assistance as part of the daily schedule.
- Assists in ensuring a safe and healthy classroom environment to achieve optimal learning and development.
- Communicates with the school health office to ensure that students with health needs receive appropriate monitoring and care.
- Maintains communication with parents about students' progress toward behavior expectations.
- Maintains records of notices sent to parents.
- Works with Child Care Leaders and Supervisor to manage student behavior within the learning environment.
- Guides children in the appropriate use of supplies, materials and equipment; assists in monitoring the use of materials, supplies and equipment and maintains inventory controls.
- Performs operational activities related to the operation of the program such as monitoring authorization of persons to sign-in and out students, maintaining records of fees and payments due, ordering supplies, planning and ordering of snack foods and general housekeeping.
- Provides information and responds to inquiries from parents participating in the program and the public by interpreting policies and procedures with regard to program operation.
- Attends staff meetings, parent meetings, and orientation and in-services trainings.
- Collaborates with school site Administration and staff.
- Maintains ongoing communication with parents and conferences as needed. Perform other job-related duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE OF:
- Theory and practice of early childhood and/or school-age education Organization and operation of child care and education programs
- Program evaluation methods and assessment tools
- Basic elements of team teaching
- Principles of classroom health and safety
- Correct English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation Recordkeeping practices and procedures
ABILITY TO:
- Learn and apply rules and regulations involved in assigned program functions
- Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action
- Set appropriate boundaries with children and adults utilizing appropriate conflict resolution skills and proactive communication, following guidelines established in the Child Care Program Parent Handbook.
- Comprehend and follow directions given verbally and in writing
- Demonstrate mental acuity sufficient to perform the essential functions of the position
- Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
- Apply principles of creativity and flexibility in executing program functions
- Establish and maintain a safe and healthful environment
- Establish and maintain basic filing systems for program required recordkeeping
- Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with children and parents, program staff and the public.
REQUIREMENTS:
Education/Experience:
Any combination of education and experience may be considered:
High School diploma or an equivalent, and at the minimum an equivalent to six (6) college-level semester units in social sciences or a closely related field, including psychology, child development, early childhood education, sociology, or social welfare.
An Associate's Degree in Psychology, Early Childhood Education Child Development is desirable. One year of experience, paid and/or verifiable volunteer experience, working with school age children in an organizational setting.
PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS:
- California Department of Justice/Federal fingerprints
- Tuberculosis screening
Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this class with reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis and depends, in part, on the specific requirements for the job, the limitations related to disability and the ability of the hiring department to accommodate the limitation.
PHYSICAL ABILITIES:
Level - Moderate / Performance of position duties/responsibilities is subject to frequent standing, walking, kneeling with frequent opportunity to move about freely; on an occasional basis the incumbent may have to lift, push, pull, carry, move, and/or position objects weighting up to 50 lbs.; the position is subject to exercising continuous manual dexterity (i.e., coordinated and/or precise movement of hands, arms and fingers) throughout a work shift to operate office equipment (ie. computer and peripherals); the position is not subject to prolonged physical exertion or fatigue.
JOB PARTICULARS:
- Operate a variety of office equipment including a personal computer and job-specific software applications and systems, and related peripheral equipment, including, but not limited to fax machine, copier, and printer.
OCCUPATIONAL CERTIFICATES/LICENSES:
Licenses/Certifications/Special Requirement:
- Valid First-Aid and CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) Certificates shall be obtained (within 6 months of employment) and must be renewed as necessary during employment.
ENVIRONMMENT:
- Indoor and outdoor environment.
Pay: $17.40 - $25.11 per hour
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
