Child Care Assistant

ASSIGNMENT TYPE: All positions are 3.5 hour/day - School-Term (209 days/year). TYPICAL WORK SHIFTS: 2:00 - 5:30 pm or 2:30 - 6:00 pm. and on Minimum Day Schedule 1:30 - 6:00 pm.

Some positions require an Associate Teacher permit or above issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. These positions are located at Wonder Preschool.

Substitute positions (on-call) are also available.

APPLICATION PROCESS
Complete the on-line application by clicking the "Apply" link toward the top of the page. Do not abbreviate job titles for yourself or employers. All pertinent employment with a Temporary Agency must indicate frequency and length of assignment. Prior to submitting your application, verify it reflects all relevant experience and education.

EXAMINATION PROCESS
1. Training and Experience Evaluation - Pass/Fail
Applications will be screened for best qualified applicants to compete in the competitive examination process.

For those passing the Training and Experience Evaluation:

2. General Fitness Exam 
The General Fitness Exam will consist of an on-line multiple choice examination assessing fundamental knowledge for the position. 

Applicants must receive a passing score on the General Fitness examination to be placed on the year-long eligibility list. The top 3 ranks (scores) on the eligibility list are eligible for the hiring interview for each vacancy in this classification within the life of the list.

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.

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.

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.