INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANT - PRESCHOOL

BASIC FUNCTION:

Under the direction of an assigned supervisor, assist instructors in the care, supervision and learning activities or pre-school age children in the classroom and on the playground.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:

Assist teachers in a learning environment designed to develop the physical, cognitive, emotional, creative and social skills of preschool-aged students; assist the teacher with the preparation and presentation of learning materials for individual students or groups of children. E

Assist in preparing materials for art projects and other instructional activities; provide assistance to children and promote interest in activities and learning centers. E

Organize and supervise students in playground activities; assist in supervising rest and nap periods; clean children, clothes and facility as necessary; assist children in toileting and proper hygiene as appropriate. E

Maintain classroom in a sanitary, neat and orderly manner. E

Assist with snacks and other meals as appropriate; clean serving area after meals. E

Perform routine clerical duties such as filing and duplicating instructional materials as assigned; assist with preparing charts, bulletin boards and displays; assist with maintaining student records as required. E

Assure the health and safety of children by following health and safety practices and regulations. E

Participate in meetings, conferences and in-service training programs as assigned; attend field trips as assigned. E

Serve as a role model and encourage and support students; monitor student behavior and communicate with teacher and parents regarding student activities. E

Perform related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

KNOWLEDGE OF:

Basic needs and characteristics of pre-school age children.

Basic subjects taught in the primary grades including arithmetic, reading and writing.

Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.

Operation of duplicating machines and instructional equipment.

ABILITY TO:

Assist instructor with instructional and playground activities.

Learn constructive play and instructional activities appropriate for preschool-age children.

Learn child guidance principles and practices.

Work effectively with individuals and groups of preschool-age children.

Work cooperatively with others.

Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Understand and follow oral and written directions.

Maintain classroom in a clean, sanitary, orderly and safe condition.

Assist children with personal needs.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• passage of the PUSD examination for this classification
  and
• six semester units of early childhood education or child development
• one year experience working with preschool age children

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Certification in Adult and Pediatric and Infant First Aid/CPR/AED issued by the American Red Cross/American Heart Association or Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA) approved training program must be obtained within the first six months of employment or be submitted at the time of application.

The reference is 101182 (e) (1) of Title 22, Division 12 (Child Care General Licensing Requirements).

Recertification to maintain current/valid status is a condition of employment and must be completed through the Poway Unified School District Preschool Program.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

ENVIRONMENT:

Classroom environment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Hearing and speaking to exchange information.

Seeing to monitor students.

Bending at the waist, kneeling or crouching to assist students.

Sitting or standing for extended periods of time.