Early Care Assistant Teacher

BASIC FUNCTION Under the direction of an assigned supervisor, utilizing the Conejo Valley Neighborhood for Learning (NfL) philosophy and standards, plan and facilitate high quality, anti-bias curriculum environment, and daily program activities, involving age appropriate learning methods for infants, toddlers, and/or preschool children, which promote child’s cognitive, linguistic, physical, social-emotional, and self expressive learning and development in a safe and well supervised manner; carries out program goals and policies. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS BETWEEN RELATED CLASSES The class of Early Care Assistant Teacher assists in providing infant, toddler and/or preschool care services by performing work tasks with initiative and independent judgment within a limited scope of standardized procedures. In comparison, the class of Early Care Teacher functions with greater independence and performs duties that are of greater complexity, requiring significant breadth of knowledge in executing position functions. REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES Assist in the design, planning, and implementation of programs for either infants/ toddlers OR preschoolers that provide rich opportunities in the development of age appropriate skills, such as exploration of language acquisition, literacy, science/math skills, creativity, discovery and problem solving through play, group activities and individual choice. Provide essential primary care to infants/toddlers and/or preschoolers throughout the day as program activities are executed. Guide children in the appropriate use of supplies, materials and equipment; assist in monitoring the use of materials, supplies and equipment and maintain inventory controls. Assist with the coordination of the ordered arrangement, appearance, décor, and learning environment of the classroom and center, by utilizing the early childhood environmental rating scale. Utilizing the Desired Results System, maintain ongoing anecdotal observations, student portfolios, parent conferences and other record keeping activities. Perform operational activities incidental to the operation of the program, such as monitoring authorization of persons to sign-in and out students, preparation of snacks and clean up, and general housekeeping activities. Provide information and respond to inquiries from parents participating in the program and the public by interpreting policies and procedures with regard to program operation. Assist in ensuring a safe and healthy classroom environment to achieve optimal learning and development. Attend staff meetings, parent meetings, and pre and in-services trainings. OTHER DUTIES: Perform other job-related duties as assigned. KNOWLEDGE & ABILITY REQUIREMENTS Knowledge of: Theory and practice of early childhood education, including infant care Organization and operation of early care and education programs Program evaluation methods and assessment tools Basic elements of team teaching Principles of classroom health and safety Correct English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation Recordkeeping practices and procedures Ability to: Learn and apply rules and regulations involved in assigned program functions, such as Infant/Toddler or State Preschool program rules and procedures. Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action Set appropriate boundaries with children and adults utilizing appropriate conflict resolution skills and proactive communication Comprehend and follow directions given verbally and in writing Demonstrate mental acuity sufficient to perform the essential functions of the position Communicate effectively both orally and in writing Apply principles of creativity and flexibility in executing program functions Establish and maintain a safe and healthful environment Establish and maintain basic filing systems for program required recordkeeping Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with children and adults TOOLS/EQUIPMENT In order to effectively perform the essential functions of the classification, an incumbent is subject to properly operating the following tools/equipment with or without reasonable accommodation and/or on-the-job training upon job entry. Operate a variety of office equipment including a personal computer and job-specific software applications and systems, and related peripheral equipment, including, but not limited to fax machine, copier, and printer. MINIMUM ENTRANCE QUALIFICATIONS Education/Experience High School diploma or an equivalent, and the equivalent of 12 semester units of college-level coursework in early childhood education. Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education/Child Development is highly desirable. Recent experience in early care and education service, in a structured childcare/preschool program equaling a minimum of 50 days with at least 3 hours per day. *Alternate variations of education/experience may be considered by Personnel Commission staff as acceptable to qualify for participation in the examination process resulting in an eligibility list. When appropriate additional work experience beyond the minimum requirement may be supplemented for required minimum education requirements. Licenses/Certifications/Special Requirements Basic first aid including CPR certification shall be obtained for permanency in this classification (within 6 months of employment) Associate Teacher Child Development Permit or above issued by California Commission on Teacher Credentialing OR completion of all necessary coursework requirements at the time of hire, whereby one is eligible to apply and obtain the official permit within 6 months of employment. Positions assigned to infant/toddler classrooms must have at least 6 units in infant care