Child Care Assistant

BASIC FUNCTION

Under the direction of an assigned supervisor, assist in the care, supervision and learning activities of children enrolled in a designated child care center or program; assist with planning and implementing a variety of activities, which promote child'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.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS BETWEEN RELATED CLASSES

Child Care Assistant is an entry-level class in the classification series; incumbents hold 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 at an assigned school site, 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.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

Work collaboratively with center staff to develop written lesson plans and objectives for the purpose of design, planning and implementation of programs for preschool and elementary age children that 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.

Guide children in the appropriate use of supplies, materials and equipment; assist in monitoring the use of materials, supplies and equipment and maintain inventory controls.

In collaboration with Child Care Leader and assigned supervisor, design, implement and maintain site programming and classroom environment utilizing ECERS and SACERS guidelines

Assist Child Care Leaders with gathering anecdotal observations, student portfolios, and other record keeping, for the purpose of driving instruction by utilizing assessment tools to monitor children's progress toward program's desired goals.

Perform operational activities incidental to the operation of the program, such as monitoring authorization of persons to sign-in and out program participants, shopping for snacks and classroom materials, preparation of snacks and clean up, and general housekeeping activities, including tuition payments, ordering supplies, and basic record keeping.

Provide information and respond to inquiries from parents participating in the program and the public by interpreting policies and procedures with regard to program operation.

Assist in ensuring a safe and healthy classroom environment to achieve optimal learning and development.

Attend staff meetings, parent meetings, and orientation and in-services trainings.

OTHER DUTIES:

Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE & ABILITY REQUIREMENTS

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 Parent Policy 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.

Education/Experience:

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.

• Alternate variations of education/experience may be considered by Personnel Commission staff as acceptable to qualify for participation in the examination process resulting in an eligibility list. When appropriate additional work experience beyond the minimum requirement may be supplemented for required minimum education requirements.

Licenses/Certifications/Special Requirements:

Valid First-Aid and CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) Certificates shall be obtained for permanency in this classification (within 6 months of employment) and must be renewed as necessary during employment.

Physical Demands:

Level - Moderate / Performance of position duties/responsibilities is subject to sitting, standing and crawling 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).

Environment/Hazards:

Indoor and outdoor school classroom, learning center and/or outdoor playground environment

Sitting, crawling on the floor for an extended time during play activities

Exposure to variable weather conditions during outside activities

PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

California Department of Justice/Federal fingerprints

Tuberculosis screening

X-Ray and Physical Abilities Test on the basis of job-specific functional job analysis

Job knowledge/experience-based selection tests to assess minimum job competence and establish placement on the employment eligibility list used to fill job vacancies.

DISCLAIMER: This classification description is not a complete statement of essential functions, duties/responsibilities, or requirements.

Stated requirements are representative of the minimum technical and behavioral job competency requirements. District Administration reserves the discretion to add or modify typical duties of a position as necessary for effective department/site operation.

Requirements / Qualifications

Requirements / Qualifications

Please click the link below to apply on the CVUSD website.

Please click the link below to apply on the CVUSD website.

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