Classroom Aide

Plaza De La Raza Child Development Services Inc•Industry, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision, this position is responsible for aiding the Teacher in providing child development services to children and provide additional support to education staff in the absence of a co-worker. Plaza de la Raza Child Development Services (Plaza) is a comprehensive early childhood education program with a focus on school readiness for children zero to five years of age. Developmentally appropriate services are provided for children from low-income families, zero to five years of age. Plaza de la Raza currently serves over 674 children and their families.

Requirements

Must demonstrate knowledge of early childhood education and development programs; working with and communicating with low-income families; and growth and development principles and practices; children birth to five. effective child guidance practices and principles.
Must demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate, both individually and in group settings, with community members, groups, managers, regulatory agencies, and families; facilitate group and individual experiences for children according to their needs, strengths, and interests; work with others in supporting a positive work environment.
Possess a valid California Child Development Associate Teacher Permit, a High School Diploma or GED and be enrolled in a program leading to an Associate or Bachelor’s degree program in early childhood education, child development, or a related field, and complete at least three semester (4.5 quarter) units per year with a “C” or better.
One (1) year experience working or volunteering with children under the age of 5 years.
Successful completion of an initial health examination, performed by or under the supervision of a physician, to determine, at a minimum, if the prospective employee can perform requirements of the job description physical requirements.
Proof of the absence of Tuberculosis, from a physician, to show that the prospective employee is cleared to work with children and families.
Documentation of current immunizations against Influenza, Mumps, Measles, & Rubella (MMR) and Pertussis (TDAP).
Fingerprint clearances from the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Child Abuse Index prior to starting employment.
Completed and signed statement of any pending and/or prior criminal arrests/charges/convictions related to child sexual abuse, child abuse and neglect, and/or violent felonies.
Verification that determines eligibility for employment in the United States of America.
A valid California driver’s license and the availability of private transportation or the ability to obtain transportation to perform position duties is required.
As a mandated reporter of child abuse, must immediately report any suspected child abuse and/or neglect to Child Protective Services.
Current CPR/First Aid certification.
Stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear.
Occasionally required to sit and climb or balance.
May frequently lift and/or move a minimum of 25 pounds up to 45 pounds.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Nice To Haves

Bi-lingual in a language reflective of the population served is preferred.

Responsibilities

Communicates in an effective manner with children, families, and co-workers.
Completes Daily Health and Safety Checklist.
Collates Non-Federal Match forms.
Submit orders for the site for processing.
Assists in the preparation of meals for children and assist with preparation and clean-up of kitchen.
Assist with Care and Supervision of children when in the classroom to break instructional staff.
Assists education staff in meeting the needs of children, self-care activities.
Cleans classroom daily to maintain a safe environment including but not limited to putting away equipment, materials and supplies and sanitizing all toys and surfaces.
Engages in a variety of specific tasks related to child development as directed.
Prepares activities, supplies and environment as indicated by teaching staff.
Attends and participates in staff development provided by agency and/or outside vendors to assure 15 clocked professional growth hours.
Adheres to all State, Local and Federal regulations.
Follows program procedure for the report of child abuse.
Assists with providing an environment that respects the gender, culture, ethnicity, family composition and social/ emotional, physical, and cognitive developmental needs of the individual child.
Assists parents and volunteers as needed and as directed by teacher/site supervisor.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Maintains confidentiality in accordance with Agency policy and legal requirements.
Respects and maintains rights and privacy of all staff, parents, and children.
Attends mandated trainings and meetings, and seek out staff development opportunities.
Works as a team member with all staff and maintain a positive work ethic.
Acts conscientiously in performing routine duties.
Respects and promotes the unique identity of each child and family and refrain from stereotyping on the basis of gender, race, ethnicity, culture, religion, or disability.
Follows program confidentiality policies concerning information about children, families and other staff members.
Maintains visual observation of children at all times and not leave any child alone or unsupervised while under their care.
Uses positive methods of child guidance and will not engage in corporal punishment, emotional or physical abuse, or humiliation.
Does not employ methods of discipline that involve isolations, the used of food as punishment or reward, or the denial of basic needs.
Does not solicit or accept personal gratuities, favors or anything of significant monetary value form contractors or potential contractors.
Maintains respect and promotes professional relationships with the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE), families, staff and children.
Refrains from the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of alcoholic beverage, controlled substance, and tobacco products in the workplace or at any activity funded by federal or state funds.
Maintains adherence to LACOE, state, or federal mandates, including but not limited to program eligibility determination regulations for Early Head Start, Head Start or state preschool services.
Enrolls pregnant women and children that are not eligible to receive Early Head Start or Head Start services.