Classification: Classified

Job Summary

Assists one or more teachers in the education of children within an early childhood classroom. Provides care and supervision of children in a preschool classroom. Maintains and prepares classroom environments and materials. Provides instructional assistance to individual or small groups of children.

The ECE Assistant 2 provides instructional assistance and daily living activities to children in preschool classrooms. The ECE 2 supports the overall instruction in a classroom program. They are under the direction of the special education teacher and/or the ECE 4 lead. The position is required to have an Associate Teacher CD permit or 12 units of ECE or CD units, with core courses completed.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Assists an instructor to implement lesson plans by providing positive play oriented learning experiences for children.
• Assists the instructor by maintaining classroom order by observing the activities and children. These activities may be in or out of the classroom setting.
• Observes, monitors, and provides proactive behavior directions to students.
• Participates in activities for preschool-aged children that involve interacting and playing with children.
• Gives each child individual and special attention each day. Responds to each child’s particular needs and characteristics. Ensures all children receive equal attention.
• Depending on age/development level, performs care-related duties such as preparing meals, eating family-style with children, and facilitating toilet training and rest periods with students.
• Sets up and arranges supplies and equipment in the classroom as directed.
• Prepares and washes eating utensils, cleaning supplies, eating and work surfaces, restrooms, and other areas in a manner that satisfies sanitation and safety requirements.
• Is able to implement behavior support plans with guidance.
• Has familiarity with evidence based teaching strategies.

Employment Standards

Education & Experience

• Must have either an Associate Teacher CD permit or complete  12 units of early childhood education or child development (excluding field work) and including one course of at least 3 units in each core area of child/human growth and development, child, family and community, or child and family relations and programs/curriculum.
• Complete 50 days experience in an instructional capacity in a child care and development program, working at least 3 hours per day within the last two years.  Must be verified with an original letter from employer on official letterhead.
• Must have concurrent experience working with preschool aged children in a play-oriented learning or equivalent environment.
• Pediatric First Aid and CPR Certificates are required within the first 90 days of employment.

Knowledge of:

• Basic knowledge of principles and practices of age appropriate early childhood development and guidance applicable for an educational setting.
• Basic knowledge of instruction methods for preschool age children.
• Basic knowledge and skills using personal computers, recording information, and sending communication.
• Sufficient human-relation skills to work productively and cooperatively with teachers, students, and parents in informal settings, and to demonstrate sensitivity to the needs of students.
• Ability to implement positive behavior supports.
• Basic knowledge of universal design for learning.

Ability to:

(Note: depending upon the nature of assignment, some specialization may be required, either in the classroom or office setting.)

• Sit, stand, and/or move about for extended periods.
• Actively engage in play activities with students.
• Visual acuity to read and write printed materials, computer screens, and observe student’s movement.
• Hearing and speech abilities for ordinary and telephonic conversations, and to speak to small groups of children.
• Sufficient manual and finger dexterity to point out important words/figures to students, and to operate personal computers.
• Ambulatory ability to move around preschool classroom, playgrounds, and assist with play oriented learning activities.
• Ability to lift children, carry, push, and move supplies/furniture/etc. of light-to-medium weight (under 40 lbs.) on an intermittent basis.
•  Demonstrates competence in communicating effectively with children and parents, staff members, and representatives of other agencies.
• Ability to assist teaching staff with implementation of play-oriented instructional goals and activities.
• Ability to respond to student needs with interventions or activities with individual students.
• Ability to conduct informal reading and project circles with students.
• Able to learn and utilize evidence based teaching strategies.

Other Characteristics

• May require knowledge and competency in a second language
• May require a valid driver’s license

Schedule: Classified Hourly, Range 4