Preschool Assistant #489 August School

DEFINITION To assist teachers in a preschool program in supervising, providing learning experiences, providing a safe and healthy environment; and perform related duties as assigned. SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED Receive general supervision from a teacher, or other certificated personnel. May receive technical guidance from other certificated personnel. Exercises no supervision. EXAMPLES OF DUTIES - Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following

• Assist teacher in planning, preparing and collecting resource materials and learning activities.
• Work with children individually and in groups.
• Participate and interact with children during learning/experiences.
• Promote the well-being of the children during learning/experiences.
• Promote the well-being of the children by helping them develop a positive attitude/self-image and an ability to cooperatively play and interact with other children and adults.
• Assist teacher with supervising indoor and outdoor activities, including arts and crafts work, music, cooking, free time, story telling, science projects, psychomotor and field trips.
• Set up tables for meals; may assist with serving, cleaning up and supervision of children during meals; may assist in preparing beds for nap time.
• Assist in caring for maintaining materials, equipment, supplies and toys.
• Assist in arranging and maintaining an attractive, comfortable and inviting setting for learning oriented play experiences.
• Inform teacher of any apparent learning or behavioral problems; assist in meeting the special needs of those children.
• Greet parents; may assist in acquainting parents with the program as necessary.
• Help parent volunteers become involved in activities.
• May visit homes and/or call to check on absent children.
• May wash blankets, sheets and other items as needed.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS Knowledge of:

• Proper child care techniques.
• Basic techniques and methods of interacting with children and adults.
• First aid and safety requirements.
• Individual needs of children of a variety of ethnic backgrounds.
• Activities for young children including educational, sports, games, crafts, psychomotor, art, drama, music and related learning experiences.

 Ability to:

• Relate to children and assist them in age appropriate activities in order to enable them to learn at their own level.
• Assist teacher with supervising children in educational and play activities.
• Understand and relate to children from varying ethnic backgrounds.
• Interact and maintain cooperative working relationships with children, parents and staff.
• Work in a team situation.
• Read and write at the level required for successful job performance.
• Physical capability sufficient to perform job task.

 PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Dexterity of hands and fingers to care for infants/toddlers.
  • See, hear and speak with/without assistive devices sufficient to communicate effectively with others.
  • See to read a variety of materials and screen student health conditions.
  • Frequent bend/stooping to interact with toddlers
  • Occasionally squat, crouch, crawl or kneel.
  • Reach overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally to retrieve supplies.
  • Stand/walk frequently for extended periods of time.
  • Occasionally lift up to 50 lbs overhead (with assistance)
  • Occasionally lift up to 20 lbs above shoulder height.
  • Occasionally lift up to 40 lbs from waist to knee; and from knee to floor.
  • Frequently lift and carry up to 20 lbs.
  • Occasionally push/pull up to 120 lbs.
  • Frequent firm grasping with hands
  • Occasional simple grasping with hands.
  • Lift up to 40 lbs to table height with assistance.

 EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION: Any combination of education, training or experience equivalent to:

• Working with students in a supervisory capacity for a period of six months
• Completion of the 12th grade.

NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND FEDERAL REQUIREMENTS:

• High school graduation or GED
• Degree or completion of 48 semester units from accredited college or university or District Assessment Test/County certificate showing compliance with NCLB. (SUSD proficiency test taken before 7/1/04 does not meet this requirement)