Job Goal To create a preschool environment favorable to promoting social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development using developmentally appropriate practices. Essential Job Functions * Required Knowledge and Abilities Maintain a positive, developmentally appropriate, organized, and creative learning environment; plan, improvise, and implement the program for the class in accordance with the policies and philosophy of the Center; assist the Director as needed with daily activities; assist CDC secretary with billing process; substitute in classrooms as needed; revise as necessary the educational program dependent on the needs of the individual child, recognizing interests, handicaps, special talents, and the style and pace of learning; act as a liaison between parents and CDC program, the program site, and the school; report deficiencies in condition of building, grounds, and equipment; promote safe practices throughout the Center; assure that sign-in/sign-out procedures are followed for student protection; maintain CDC room so that it is child-friendly with attractive bulletin boards, student art work, etc.; reinforce classroom goals in the home environment; monitor student activities to provide a safe and optimal learning environment; prepare teaching materials and reports; perform other related duties as required. KNOWLEDGE OF: Appropriate curriculum as well as current developments in the field of child development, elementary education, physical education, and recreational programming; health and safety practices (CPR, First Aid, etc.); CDC and District policies; audiovisual and computer equipment; Word and Excel computer programs; correct English usage, including grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary; interpersonal skills, including use of tact, patience and courtesy. ABILITY TO: Relate well to pupils, parents, other teachers, and school administrators; show mature judgment; provide an educational program for students; assist where required in other school programs; maintain classroom control; preserve suitable learning conditions; evaluate student progress; be sensitive to the needs of children and parents of different ethnic, cultural, education, and economic backgrounds; treat each child with dignity and respect. Minimum Qualifications High school diploma Completion of 24 semester units or the equivalent in Early Childhood Education including Child/Human Growth and Development, Child, Family and Community, Program/Curriculum, and Administration Desirable: AA or BA in Early Childhood Education 2 years experience in a group child care setting Terms of Employment Twelve month work year; Current DMV Clean Driving Record Report; Criminal Justice Department Fingerprint Clearance; Pre-employment physical Working Conditions ENVIRONMENT: Classroom, CDC Office, playground and/or other outdoor environments PHYSICAL ABILITIES: Lift and/or carry items and/or children up to 40 lbs. Hearing and speaking to exchange information Seeing to monitor students and supervise in large outdoor area Bending at the waist, kneeling or crouching to assist students and to retrieve & store materials Sitting, walking and standing for extended periods of time HAZARDS: Exposure to climatic elements and intermittent noise Potential for contact with blood-borne pathogens and communicable diseases Frequent interruptions Dexterity of fingers for assisting children