Job Description: Instructional Assistant - Child Development Programs

Salary

Classified salary schedule, range 16. Initial placement shall be determined according to training and experience; maximum salary placement will be at mid-range. Benefits include holidays, vacation and sick leave.

Definition

Under the direction of the Coordinators of the Child Development Programs, perform a variety of duties to assist teachers and other professional staff with various instructional and recreational activities for children enrolled in a nursery school, preschool or elementary school before-and after-school program; assist the teacher with planning and implementing a variety of activities to meet the needs and interests of the children; participate in activities with groups of children.

Examples of Duties

Perform a variety of duties to assist teachers and other professional staff with various instructional and recreational activities for children enrolled in a nursery school, preschool program or elementary school, before- and after-school programs. Provide assistance to teachers and professional staff in the classroom; photocopy and assemble instructional materials; prepare student folders. Assist with planning and implementing a variety of activities to meet the needs and interests of the children; take attendance; supervise children in outdoor and indoor play activities and loading and unloading buses; lead children in singing, dancing and other play activities. Tutor individual or small groups of students, reinforcing instruction as directed by the teacher; monitor and oversee student drills, practices and assignments. Provide for the safety of the children as required; assist children with feeding, diapering, hygiene and others needs; respond to a child's needs and problems in a patient, caring and sensitive manner. Administer, monitor and score a variety of tests and assignments; rephrase materials and explain instructions and words. Assist with snack and lunch time as assigned; clean up eating areas and wash children's hands and faces after play times and meals as needed; provide for other physical and personal hygiene needs of the children. Provide guidance, assistance, and encouragement with various projects; assist in promoting self-esteem and a healthy self-image. Operate a computer terminal to load and retrieve instructional programs related to classroom subject matter; assist students in the operation of the computer. Prepare and maintain daily logs, sign in and out sheets, lunch counts and other records related to daily activities; assist with updating files and records. Maintain a clean, safe, sanitary and orderly child care environment; wash toys, walls, tables and other furniture; wash, dry and fold laundry. Assist in monitoring rest and nap periods. Attend workshops and in-services as assigned; attend staff meetings; participate in meetings and compliance review activities as assigned. Administer minor first aid according to established procedures as assigned; call school health assistant or district nurse in emergency situations. Perform related duties as assigned.

Employment Standards

Education and Experience: Any combination equivalent to graduation from high school and one year experience in working with children. Candidates who have completed Early Childhood Education (ECE) units will be preferred; submit copy of transcripts of any ECE units with application.

Knowledge and Abilities: Knowledge of policies and objectives of the assigned program; basic principles and practices of early child development including proper care and discipline; basic record-keeping techniques; interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy; safety and health practices and precautions; basic first aid. Ability to provide a quality and safe environment for children; plan and implement a variety of activities to meet the needs and interests of the children; provide a proper role model for children; participate in activities with groups of children; provide patient and sensitive care to children; learn, apply and explain rules, regulations and procedures of the program; use positive and proper methods of child control and behavior modification; determine appropriate action within clearly defined guidelines; establish and maintain patient, gentle, supportive and cooperative working relationships with children and staff members; understand and follow oral and written directions; administer first aid.

Physical Abilities: Hearing and speaking to exchange information; seeing to monitor students; dexterity of hands and fingers to operate assigned equipment and demonstrate activities; bending at the waist, kneeling or crouching to assist students; reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally; lifting children.

Other Requirements: Candidate selected will be required to complete child CPR and pediatric first aid course (8 hrs) , at own expense, no later than 60 days after employment.