Substitute Preschool Instructional Assistant

Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo•Delano, CA

About The Position

Supports the Administration, Center Supervisor, teachers, and associate teachers in carrying out program goals and objectives in a positive, open, and productive manner. Shares responsibility for the overall quality of children’s educational experiences and supports CAPSLO’s mission by helping ensure quality education and learning environments for all children in the program. Work is generally performed in the presence of a teacher or assistant teacher. An aide who is at least 18 years old and meets the position requirements may escort or assist children in going to the bathroom and supervise napping children without direct teacher supervision. The role may also support the Bus Driver in transporting children safely to and from the child care center. The Instructional Assistant helps safely supervise children in learning and play activities, supports developmentally appropriate activity planning, and assists children with cognitive, physical, one-to-one, and small-group skills. The assistant also supports children’s self-help skills, including toileting, feeding, dressing, and napping; encourages language development and participation in activities; implements each child’s IEP or IFSP; and maintains classroom health, safety, and sanitation records. The assistant must maintain visual supervision of all children and keep the Center Supervisor and teaching staff informed about concerns related to children, families, or center operations. Family records and information must remain confidential. The position requires at least 6 semester units in ECE/CD with a grade of C or better or credit. Additional qualification criteria apply to HS/EHS/MSHS/State-Braided Instructional Assistants. Pediatric first aid and CPR completion certificates must be provided within 30 days of hire, and the employee must maintain valid certifications thereafter. Depending on the assigned department, a California driver’s license, current DMV driving record, and proof of insurance may be required for work-related travel. Reasonable accommodations will be considered in accordance with applicable laws. Duties and responsibilities may change.

Requirements

At least 6 semester units in ECE/CD, with a grade of C or better or credit.
For HS/EHS/MSHS/State-Braided Instructional Assistants, meet at least one of the following: hold a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or California equivalent Associate Teacher Permit; be enrolled in a CDA credential program to be completed within 2 years; or hold an associate or baccalaureate degree in any area or be enrolled in a program leading to such a degree.
For the California equivalent Associate Teacher Permit, have 12 ECE semester units including core courses; EHS and infant/toddler classrooms also require 6 infant/toddler units.
Provide certificates of completion for approved pediatric first aid and pediatric CPR training within 30 days of hire.
Renew and maintain valid CPR/first aid certification at all times.
Depending on the assigned department, may need a valid California driver’s license, current DMV driving record, and proof of insurance for job-related travel.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with children with a variety of special needs is desirable.
Preferred ECE/CD units include courses in Child/Human Growth and Development, Child, Family and Community, Child and Family Relations, or programs/curriculum.

Responsibilities

Support Administration, the Center Supervisor, teachers, and associate teachers in carrying out program goals and objectives.
Share responsibility for the quality of children’s educational experiences and learning environments.
Help supervise children safely during learning and play, maintaining visual supervision and appropriate limits.
Assist with planning developmentally appropriate activities, including gathering instructional materials and contributing to lesson plans.
Participate in learning and small-group activities and encourage children’s language development and involvement according to individual preferences.
Keep the Center Supervisor and teaching staff informed of concerns about children, families, or center operations.
Help children develop cognitive, physical, one-to-one, and small-group skills.
Help children develop self-help skills, including toileting, feeding, dressing, and napping.
Maintain confidentiality of program family records and information.
Maintain classroom health and safety and complete daily safety checklists and sanitation logs.
Implement each child’s Individual Education Plan (IEP) or Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP).
May assist with safe transportation of children to and from the child care center.
An aide who is at least 18 and meets the requirements may escort or assist children to the bathroom and supervise napping children without direct teacher supervision.