Instructional Assistant - California State Preschool - (185 days/ 7.5 hours)

CLASS TITLE: INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANT CALIFORNIA STATE PRESCHOOL

RCSD takes pride in our dedicated workforce and strong connection with our students, families, and community. Our highly dedicated and skilled team of professionals provides a safe and supportive, inspirational and rigorous, joyful and inclusive environment for all learners. We are looking to build our workforce with a staff who share this vision and want to instill passion in learning emphasizing student strengths and gifts for all learners: all abilities, all ethnicities and cultural identities, LGBTQ+ youth, and multilingual learners.

BASIC FUNCTION:

Under the direction of an assigned supervisor, assist a certificated teacher in providing a variety of instructional and constructive materials, play activities and programs to pre-school and school aged students at an assigned child development center; assist in the development of student's cognitive, social, emotional and physical skills; assist in the preparation of instructional materials, toys and equipment and provide routine clerical support.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:

Assist instructional personnel in providing a variety of instructional and constructive materials, play activities and programs to pre-school age and school aged students; assist in the development of a variety of instructional materials.

Assist in the planning, organizing and managing of a classroom environment designed to promote the physical, cognitive, emotional, social and creative skills of assigned students.

Assist instructors by providing assistance and guidance to individuals and groups of children to create and maintain children's interest in activities and learning centers.

Organize and supervise children during playground, classroom and other activities as assigned; administer first aid as needed.

Demonstrate and encourage students in safe activities and behavior; assist in the development of appropriate social behavior using positive reinforcement techniques.

Assist students in the development of self-help skills and communication skills.

Prepare materials for reading, crafts and other instruction; schedule, prepare and operate audio-visual equipment including a VCR, movie and slide projectors, record players and cassette players; operate general office equipment and other instructional equipment.

Assist in the identification of emotional, physical, social and learning needs of students; confer with instructional personnel to adjust activities as needed.

Maintain classroom and play areas in a safe, orderly and sanitary condition; prepare instructional materials, visual aids, manipulatives, toys and other equipment for classroom and playground activities; replace and reorganize materials and equipment as needed.

Confer with instructional personnel to discuss, plan, adjust and implement curriculum to meet student needs; administer, score and record test results as assigned.

Participate in meetings and in-service training programs as assigned; participate in teacher parent conferences and contact parents as assigned; translate oral and written communication between teachers, parents, students and administrators as required.
Assist in the preparation and maintenance of student records and files; maintain, distribute and account for textbooks, supplies, toys and equipment.
Perform related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Basic concepts of child development.
• Child guidance principles and practices.
• Typical behavior characteristics of children including preschoolers.
• Requirements of maintaining a children's center in a safe, clean and orderly condition.
• Basic record-keeping techniques.
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
• Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.
• Basic first aid.

ABILITY TO:

• Assist in the planning, organizing and managing of a children's center classroom.
• Demonstrate a patient, receptive and empathetic attitude toward children.
• Assist with instruction and related activities in a classroom or assigned learning environment.
• Understand and follow oral and written directions.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
• Maintain classroom and playground area in a safe, clean and orderly condition.
• Perform clerical duties including typing and preparing and maintaining routine records.
• Observe health and safety regulations.
• Perform first aid according to established procedures and guidelines.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Any combination equivalent to: graduation from high school and some experience working with preschool aged children.

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• 6 ECE units or Associate Teacher Permit.
• Some positions in this classification may require a valid California driver's license, evidence of appropriate automobile insurance based on DMV regulations and insurable by the District liability insurance carrier; some positions in this classification may be required to speak a second designated language.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

The Redwood City School District (RCSD) is an equal-opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. RCSD makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time. 

The Redwood City School District seeks to employ individuals who represent the rich diversity of cultures, language groups, and abilities of it's surrounding communities.