Crown Pre-School Teacher’s Assistant

BASIC FUNCTION

The Crown Pre-School Assistant performs paraprofessional instructional activities as directed by a certificated employee and under the supervision of the site administrator and Director of Pre-School and Child Care; performs clerical and supportive tasks for teachers and students to relieve an instructional staff member of routine office tasks related to the instructional assignment; provides intensified learning experiences for students in assigned areas; assists in classroom operations; instructs students individually and in small groups; performs clerical duties; and completes related work as assigned.

Job Location: Crown Pre-School: Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC) – Village Elementary

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (E)

• Manage and implement the daily instructional activities, including a written activity plan;
• Maintain student, school and family records and program documentation;
• Maintain a safe and effective preschool environment
• Assist the Preschool Teacher to administer pre and post student assessments/observations & maintain documentation on student progress, health and nutrition;
• Instruct and monitor children in the classroom and playground in the use and care of equipment and materials in order to prevent injuries, maintain safety, and avoid damage;
• Attend staff and parent meetings;
  • Assist the teacher in supervising preschool children engaged in academic work;
  • Assist teacher in preparing classroom for students;
  • Prepare instructional materials for activity periods;
  • Assist with meals served to children;
  • Escort children to and from bus;
  • Observe and control behavior of students according to approved procedures, report progress regarding student performance and behavior;
  • Participate in in-service training programs;
  • Perform other duties as assigned;
  • Participate in staff development research based quality program activities and enforce administration policies and procedures governing children carrying out CUSD vision, mission and educational standards.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

SKILLS

• Ability to organize information;
• Flexibility in working with others in a variety of circumstances;
• Problem solving to identify and solve issues;
• Ability to interact with and care for the physical needs of preschool children and maintain a hygienic classroom environment;
• Physical ability to stoop, kneel and sit on the floor for extended periods of time;
• Ability to travel to school, home and training sites as job may require;
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, follow oral and written instructions;
• Attend meetings and in-service training activities;
• Maintain accurate records in accordance with CDD state, county and federal regulations;
• Maintain cooperative working relationships with preschool students, parents program staff and supervisors;
• Ability to:
  • Understand and apply rules and regulations
  • Inspire confidence in children;
  • Adapt to children’s needs;
  • Knowledge of basic methods used in the handling of preschool children;
  • Interest in continued professional growth;
  • Speak, understand, read and write both in English and Spanish (desirable).

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work under limited supervision following standardized practices and/or methods;
• Utilize resources from other departments to perform the job's functions.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma and passage of NCLB paraprofessional Test as administered by the District or hold an AA Degree;
• Knowledge of correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary;.
• Knowledge of safe practices in classroom and playground activities;
• Be able to establish and maintain effective, cooperative working relationships with others;
• Be courteous, neat and clean at all times;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to understand and follow oral and written directions;
• Six (6) units early childhood education (ECE); 
• Applicants must have general knowledge of regulations and guidelines affecting preschool programs. 

Required Testing Certificates and Licenses

• Current CPR and First Aid card;
• Current California Driver’s License; 
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) skills are desirable;
• Verification of eligibility through official transcripts and documentation;  

• Food Handling Certificate (if applicable).

Training Clearances

• Pre-Placement Physical Exam;
• TB Clearance;
• Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance.

WORKING CONDITIONS

ENVIRONMENT

• Location  -  Early Childhood Development Center;
• Generally hazard free environment and in a clean atmosphere;

• Work will be performed at locations within the District as assigned;
• Typical work area consists of a classroom or other instructional space.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling;
• Frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling for extended periods of time;
• Significant fine finger dexterity;
• Generally requires 30% sitting, 40% walking, and 30% standing;
• Requires the ability to lift up to fifty (50) pounds;
• Position requires the ability to hear and speak within normal ranges;
• Ability to see to monitor students;
• Bending at the waist, kneeling or crouching;
• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate computer keyboard;
• To be dependable, industrious, and in good physical condition.

WORK YEAR

• Instructional Year

SALARY

Placement on the Classified Salary Schedule, Range 4