Substitute Instructional Assistant - California State Preschool

BASIC FUNCTION

Under the direction of an assigned supervisor, assist a certificated teacher in providing a variety of instructional and constructive materials, play activities and programs to pre-school and school aged students at an assigned child development center; assist in the development of student's cognitive, social, emotional and physical skills; assist in the preparation of instructional materials, toys and equipment and provide routine clerical support.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

• Assist instructional personnel in providing a variety of instructional and constructive materials, play activities and programs to pre-school age and school aged students;
• Assist in the development of a variety of instructional materials.
• Absorb and manage a classroom environment designed to promote the physical, cognitive, emotional, social and creative skills of assigned students.
• Assist instructors by providing assistance and guidance to individuals and groups of children to create and maintain children's interest in activities and learning centers.
• Organize and supervise children during playground, classroom and other activities as assigned;
• Administer first aid as needed.
• Demonstrate and encourage students in safe activities and behavior; assist in the development of appropriate social behavior using positive reinforcement techniques.
• Absorb and develop self-help skills and communication skills of students.
• Prepare materials for reading, crafts and other instruction;
• Schedule, prepare and operate audio-visual equipment including a VCR, movie and slide projectors, record players and cassette players;
• Operate general office equipment and other instructional equipment.
• Absorb and identify emotional, physical, social and learning needs of students; confer with instructional personnel to adjust activities as needed.
• Maintain classroom and play areas in a safe, orderly and sanitary condition;
• Prepare instructional materials, visual aids, manipulatives, toys and other equipment for classroom and playground activities;
• Replace and reorganize materials and equipment as needed.
• Confer with instructional personnel to discuss, plan, adjust and implement curriculum to meet student needs;
• Administer, score and record test results as assigned.
• Participate in meetings and in-service training programs as assigned;
• Participate in teacher parent conferences and contact parents as assigned;
• Translate oral and written communication between teachers, parents, students and administrators as required.
• Absorb and prepare for the preparation and maintenance of student records and files;
• Maintain, distribute and account for textbooks, supplies, toys and equipment.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE

• Basic concepts of child development.
• Child guidance principles and practices.
• Typical behavior characteristics of children including preschoolers.
• Requirements of maintaining a children's center in a safe, clean and orderly condition.
• Basic record-keeping techniques.
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
• Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.
• Basic first aid.

ABILITY

• To assist in the planning, organizing and managing of a children's center classroom.
• To demonstrate a patient, receptive and empathetic attitude toward children.
• To assist with instruction and related activities in a classroom or assigned learning environment.
• To understand and follow oral and written directions.
• To communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• To establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
• To maintain classroom and playground area in a safe, clean and orderly condition.
• To perform clerical duties including typing and preparing and maintaining routine records.
• To observe health and safety regulations.
• To perform first aid according to established procedures and guidelines.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Any combination equivalent to: graduation from high school and some experience working with preschool aged children.

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Some positions in this classification may require a valid California driver's license, evidence of appropriate automobile insurance based on DMV regulations and insurable by the District liability insurance carrier; some positions in this classification may be required to speak a second designated language.