Substitute Child Development Assistant I

About the role

Under the direction of an assigned supervisor, assist in the care and supervision of infants, preschool and school-age children at an assigned childcare center or other learning environment; assist with planning and implementing a variety of activities to meet the needs and interests of the children; perform a variety of clerical support duties.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the care and supervision of infants, preschool and school-age children at an assigned childcare center or other learning environment; assist in opening and closing assigned classroom; set up and put away toys, learning materials and equipment.
• Assist with planning and implementing a variety of activities to meet the needs and interests of the children; assist children with homework and classroom assignments; read age-appropriate stories to students; prepare classroom for naptime.
• Perform a variety of clerical duties such as preparation of instructional materials, duplicating materials, taking attendance and maintaining student records and files.
• Assure the health and safety of students by following established practices and procedures; maintain learning environment in a safe, orderly and clean manner; perform light housekeeping duties including washing dishes, clearing lunch tables, cleaning mats and workstations, sweeping floors and cleaning sinks.
• Observe and control behavior of students in the classroom and during outdoor activities according to approved procedures; report progress regarding student performance and behavior; participate in parent conferences as assigned.
• Assist students regarding the building of self-esteem; assist students by providing proper examples, emotional support, friendly attitude and general guidance; respond to a child's needs and problems in a patient, caring and sensitive manner.
• Assist with snack and lunch time as assigned; escort children to the cafeteria for breakfast as assigned; clean up eating areas and wash children's hands and faces after play times and meals as needed; assist children with toileting as needed.
• Oversee groups of children in games and play activities; assure safe outdoor play; accompany students on field trips as assigned; administer basic first aid as needed.
• Interpret and explain classroom activities to parents and visitors including techniques of individual instruction and small group instruction in the areas of manipulative play, creative art, block building, dramatic play, science and language arts.
• Operate a variety of classroom and office equipment including a computer, copier, audio-visual equipment.
• Attend and participate in a variety of in-service trainings, staff meetings and childcare center functions.

Knowledge and Abilities

• Basic principles and practices of early child development including proper care and discipline.
• Child guidance principles and practices.
• Safe practices in classroom and playground activities.
• Basic subjects taught in District schools, including arithmetic, grammar, spelling, language and reading.
• Basic instructional methods and techniques.
• Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.
• Classroom procedures and appropriate student conduct.
• Operation of standard office and classroom equipment.
• Oral and written communication skills.
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
• Basic record-keeping techniques.

Education and Experience

Any combination equivalent to: graduation from high school and completion of (12) or more semester units of ECE or child development and an Associate Teacher Permit for Level II.

Licenses and Other Requirements

• Valid First Aid and CPR Certificate issued by an authorized agency within six months of employment for Level I and at the time of hiring for Level II.

Environment

Classroom and playground environment.

Physical Demands

• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate classroom equipment.
• Sitting or standing for extended periods of time.
• Bending at the waist, kneeling or crouching to assist students.
• Seeing to read a variety of materials and monitor student activities.
• Hearing and speaking to exchange information.
• Lifting and carrying children weighing up to forty pounds.

Hazards

Potential for contact with blood and other body fluids.