Job Abstract

El Monte City School District Position Description Position: Instructional Support Spec. I – Child Dev Position Number: Department/Site: FSLA: Non-exempt Reports to/Evaluated by: Salary Grade: 8 Summary Assists an early childhood instructor in the care, supervision, and instruction of pre-school aged children, in classrooms, common areas, and playgrounds at a center dedicated to pre-kindergarten children. Distinguishing Career Features The Instructional Support Specialist I – Child Development Programs – is the first level of a career path for instruction support. This position may require 6 semester units in early childhood education, child development or other related field. It is the first and entry level in the career path. The Specialist I requires completion of 12 college units within the first year of employment and a demonstrated ability to conduct reading and other activities with proper spoken English. Advancement beyond this position requires additional coursework in early childhood education. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Assists one or more instructors to implement lesson plans by providing positive, play-based learning experiences for children. Assists with organizing specific activities such as, but not limited to reading stories, basic arts and crafts, individual and group play and games. Assists in maintaining classroom order by observing and focusing the activities and behaviors of the children toward group activities. Gives each child individual and special attention each day. Responds to each child’s particular needs and characteristics. Insures that all children receive equal attention. Assists an instructor with recording attendance and obtaining parent signatures. May phone individual parents regarding a child’s attendance. Reports to the Instructor any signs of illness or distress observed in the children. Aids in dealing with the situation, as appropriate. Responds to the hygiene needs of children by escorting, assisting, diapering, and attending to routine health care needs. Assists instructors in administering a variety of informal and formal assessments and tests such as the kindergarten assessment and other screening tools. Sets up and arranges supplies and equipment used in the classroom or other environment for instruction and projects. May prepares teaching aids, labels, charts, bulletin boards and displays. Performs other duties as assigned that support the overall objective of the position. Qualifications Knowledge and Skills The position requires basic knowledge of the goals, principles, of and practices for implementing age appropriate child development and guidance in a pre-kindergarten environment. Requires a basic knowledge of play-oriented subjects and learning sufficient to assist children with individual and group activities. Requires basic knowledge of arithmetic, grammar, spelling, language and reading sufficient to assist students with reading, games, and projects. Requires sufficient human relations skills to work cooperatively and exercise patience and sensitivity when interacting with students, staff and parents. May require knowledge of and conversational competency in a second language. Abilities Requires the ability to perform the essential responsibilities and work tasks of the position. Requires the ability to understand and interpret an instructor's instructions in order to work with small groups of children. Requires the ability to understand the needs and differences of children and to reach and motivate them. Requires the ability to balance emotional support and discipline to deal with behavior problems. Ability to perform clerical and classroom support duties with minimum supervision. Work is performed in a classroom setting, presenting minimal exposure to health or safety hazards. Physical Abilities Requires the ability to perform work indoors and outdoors in a classroom or playground environment engaged in work of a moderately active nature. Requires normal hearing and speaking skills to communicate with staff and students. Requires near visual acuity to read and write printed materials and observe the activities of children. Requires sufficient ambulatory ability to move about classroom, common area, and playgrounds, assist with presentations, and reach classroom materials. Requires the ability to stand, walk, and sit upright on a floor-level surface for extended periods of time (greater than 1 hour), and to lift, push, and pull light to medium objects on an occasional basis (10-50 lbs). Requires personal appearance, grooming, attitudes, and language patterns that provide a suitable example to children. Education and Experience The position requires a High School diploma and 6 college units in Child Development, Early Childhood Education or other related field with emphasis on infant to pre-school age children. Requires three months of experience in a preschool age enrichment program or child care setting. (12 units must be earned within the first year of employment). Incumbents, who have completed 12 or more college credit hours that are degree eligible, will be assigned to Instructional Support Specialist II or higher. Licenses and Certificates May require a valid driver’s license. An appropriate level of certification from the California Department of Education. Working Conditions Work is performed indoors and outdoors with some, yet infrequent exposure to health and safety considerations.