DEFINITION

Under general supervision, assists a certificated teacher in the instruction and care of young children by directing various learning and developmental activities for individuals or small groups; performs routine clerical tasks in support of the instructional program and performs related duties as required. 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS 

Positions in this class are characterized by the responsibility to assist school children (infant through age twelve) in their mental, social and motor development. 

Positions are distinguished from other positions in a clerical classification in that their primary responsibilities are in the realm of instructional assistance with clerical support provided to relieve the teacher of clerical detail. 

OCCUPATIONAL GROUP 

Classified (Instructional) 

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES 

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: 

1.      Provides individual and small group learning activities to reinforce the care and instruction program defined by the teacher, activities may include reading or telling stories, organizing and playing games, leading children in singing or dancing, assisting with arts and craft projects, preparing teaching materials. 

2.      Assists children in language and motor development by reviewing prescribed exercises or personal care activities, such as washing, brushing teeth, speech patterns, etc. 

3.      Cares for personal needs of infants and children by assisting in feeding, cleaning, toilet training; maintains a neat, orderly and attractive child care environment. 

4.      Supervises children in site facility and on field trips, assuring adherence to safety rules; encourages appropriate social behavior through the use of positive reinforcement. 

5.      Confers with teacher to identify needs and evaluate progress of children; attends parent conferences and makes home visits with teacher to communicate with parents on child’s development and needs; encourages and assists parents serving as classroom volunteers; attends in-service training and parent conferences as required. 

6.         Records and reports attendance, keeps simple records, operates duplicating and audio- visual equipment, distributes and maintains an inventory of classroom material.

7.         Provides vacation and temporary relief as required.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS 

Good knowledge of: 

-        Practical methods used in instruction, caring, and controlling children (infant through age twelve).

-        English usage including grammar, vocabulary and spelling.

-        Simple recordkeeping and filing.

Ability to: 

-        Learn and apply the proper methods and procedures to be followed in a school situation;

-        Establish and maintain effective working relationships with children and adults of diverse racial and cultural backgrounds;

-        Perform simple clerical tasks and operate duplicating and audio-visual equipment;

-        Understand and carry out oral and written instructions;

-        Maintain confidentiality of pupil records and school reports;

-        Demonstrate an understanding, patient and receptive attitude toward students.

EXPERIENCE 

One year of paid, volunteer, or personal experience in the care of children. 

EDUCATION 

Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade. Completion or possession of one or more of the following:

-        A valid California child development assistant permit.

-        An approved Home Economics and Related Occupations (HERO) or Regional Occupation Program (ROP) in child development related occupations.

-        Six (6) units in Early Childhood Education (ECE) or Child Development (CD) from an approved college or university.