Preschool Instructional Assistant

TITLE:                        Preschool Teacher Aide                      CLASSIFICATION:              DEPARTMENT:        Educational Services                           WORK YEAR:             REPORTS TO:           Preschool Teacher                                             GENERAL SUMMARY Under the direction of the Preschool Teacher. Works in preschool program assisting the teacher in providing instructional assistance to individual or small groups in the classroom, helps supervise children on the playground, ensuring a safe environment for children and staff. Provides clerical and any other duties assigned related to the job description in support of the children and the teacher and any other duties assigned.   PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES        Assists in planning and providing age-appropriate basic instruction and activities in accordance with State guidelines. Tutors individual or small groups of students, reinforces instruction as directed by the teacher, and respects and promotes individual differences.   Provides support of the teacher by setting up the work areas, displays and exhibits, and distributing supplies.  Assists the teacher as directed in implementing the daily program and in preparing instructional materials.   Performs a variety of clerical duties inclusive of preparing instructional materials, and maintaining and submitting on a timely basis records as required pursuant to the State guidelines.   Helps in providing an environment that develops maximum physical, emotional and cognitive development of the children.   Observes and controls behavior of students according to approved procedures; report progress regarding student performance and behavior to teacher.  Assists in supervising children in the classroom, on the playground, or on field trips.   Assists in developing and implementing effective, developmentally appropriate curriculum.   Participates in professional growth and development activities.   Assists in general housekeeping tasks: maintaining order, arrangement, appearance, décor, cleanliness, safety, and learning environment of the classroom.   Assists in the preparation and distribution of children’s meals.   Attends staff meetings and recommends program changes to enhance program quality.   General clerical duties as determined by supervisor.     KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED Ability to see and read, with or without vision aids; ability to hear and understand speech at normal levels; ability to communicate so others will clearly understand normal conversation.   Ability to demonstrate an understanding, patient, warm and receptive attitude toward children.   Skill and ability to make sound, independent judgments, to take quick and effective action as necessary, and to effectively supervise pupils.   Ability to provide a positive example to students through personal appearance, grooming and language patterns.   Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.         WORKING CONDITIONS Light to moderate physical effort standing and/or walking for extended periods of time. Lift and move instructional materials and equipment.   May have to pick up children in an emergency;   Works at a moderate to fast pace throughout the day; At times must complete work projects under time restraints.   ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS Primarily classroom and school environment.   Work outdoors while supervising students on playground and field trips.  May be above 100ºF during the summer months and cold during the winter months.   Temperature- normal climate for San Joaquin Valley.   JOB PARTICULARS Tools/Equipment/Work Aids- All body fluids shall be handled as if infectious.  Disposable waterproof gloves are to be worn.  After each use, gloves are disposed of in a lined waste container.   CONTACTS Daily contact with children, parents, school and District staff.   Occasional contact with community members and outside agency personnel.   OCCUPATTIONAL CERTIFICATES/LICENSE Must be 18 years old.   High School Diploma or equivalent.   Must posses 6 units of Early Childhood Education (ECE) or Child Development (CD).   First Aid and CPR certification.   EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS Dexterity and physical condition to maintain a rigorous work schedule and meet standards of physical and mental health.  To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.