Position Summary

Under supervision of the Special Beginnings Program Manager, the Early Childhood Educator I (ECE 1) assists one or more teachers in the education of children within an early childhood classroom. The ECE 1 provides care and supervision of children,and maintains and prepares classroom environments and materials.

Distinguishing Characteristics

The ECE 1 position is entry-level and provides instructional assistance and daily living activities to children in preschool classrooms, requiring patience, care, and good judgement.

Essential Duties:

• Assists the Lead Teacher to implement lesson plans by providing positive play-oriented learning experiences for children.
• Assists the Lead Teacher 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 student 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.

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

Employment Standards

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of age-appropriate early childhood development and guidance applicable for an educational setting.
• Instruction methods for preschool-age children.
• Use of Personal computers, recording information and sending communication using email.

Ability to:

• Work productively and cooperatively with teachers, students and parents in informal settings and to demonstrate sensitivity to the needs of students.
• Assist teaching staff with the implementation of play-oriented instructional goals and activities.
• Respond to student needs with interventions or activities with individual students.
• Communicate effectively with children, parents, staff members, and representatives of other agencies
• Actively engage in play activities with students.

Education, Experience, and Requirements

Minimum Required:

Education:

• Possess a high school diploma or evidence of equivalent educational proficiency
• Must complete 6 units of Early Childhood Education college-level coursework, taking 3 units each semester or quarter until the educational requirement is met. Enrollment must take place within 60 days of hire. Pediatric First Aid & CPR Certificates are required within the first 90 days of employment.

Experience:

• Must have concurrent experience working with preschool-aged children in a play-oriented learning or equivalent environment
• Pediatric First Aid & CPR Certificates are required within the first 90 days of employment

Preferred:

• Possession of an Assistant Teacher permit or possess the qualifications to apply for this permit or completion of 6 units of completed Early Childhood Education/Child Development units
• One (1) year experience working with preschool-aged children in a play-oriented learning or equivalent environment
• Working with children with special needs in an early learning environment.
• Knowledge of and experience supporting inclusion in early learning environments.

Working Conditions (Work Environment) and Physical Demands

With or without accommodation, this position includes prolonged periods of standing or sitting, frequent walking, and occasional bending, stooping, and reaching. The employee must be able to lift, push, and pull objects up to 40 pounds. Visual and auditory abilities are required to perform essential job functions. This position will be required to shift between indoor and outdoor work environments and requires the ability to move around the preschool classroom, playgrounds and assist with play-oriented learning activities and student interventions. Some county travel will be expected to attend staff trainings and meetings.

Other Requirements

• Must be fingerprinted and a satisfactory Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation records check must be received by HCOE prior to employment.
• TB testing and/or risk assessment will be required upon employment.
• Physical examination by a physician documenting ability to perform duties of position with good health, to be paid for by employer.
• Proof of TDP, MMR and Influenza immunizations (Influenza can be waived)
• Other requirements as appropriate for the job responsibilities.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.

Classified hourly, Range 4 | CSEA Approved: February 12, 2025