Classroom Aide

Job Details Level
Entry

Job Location
Administrative Office - City of Industry, CA

Position Type
Full Time

Education Level
High School

Salary Range
$21.87 - $22.31 Hourly

Travel Percentage
None

Job Shift
Day

Description POSITION: Classroom Aide
JOB CODE: ESAT1
OCCUPATIONAL GROUPING: Education
REPORTS TO: Education Coordinator or Site Supervisor
CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt
POSITION TYPE: Full Time/Part Year (10-Months)
SALARY GRADE : 18
HOURLY PAY RANGE: $21.87 to $22.31

PROGRAM SUMMARY
Plaza de la Raza Child Development Services, Inc. (Plaza) is a comprehensive early childhood education program with a focus on school readiness for children zero to five years of age. Developmentally appropriate services are provided for children from low-income families, zero to five years of age. Plaza de la Raza currently serves over 700 children and their families.

DEFINITION
Under general supervision, this position is responsible for aiding the Teacher in providing child development services to children and provide additional support to education staff in the absence of a co-worker.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
General direction and supervision is provided by the Education Coordinator or Site Supervisor if one is assigned to the site/center.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
•Communicates in an effective manner with children, families, and co-workers.
•Completes Daily Health and Safety Checklist.
•Collates Non-Federal Match forms.
•Submit orders for the site for processing.
•Assists in the preparation of meals for children and assist with preparation and clean-up of kitchen.
•Assist with Care and Supervision of children when in the classroom to break instructional staff.
•Assists education staff in meeting the needs of children, self-care activities.
•Cleans classroom daily to maintain a safe environment including but not limited to putting away equipment, materials and supplies and sanitizing all toys and surfaces.
•Engages in a variety of specific tasks related to child development as directed.
•Prepares activities, supplies and environment as indicated by teaching staff.
•Attends and participates in staff development provided by agency and/or outside vendors to assure 15 clocked professional growth hours.
•Adheres to all State, Local and Federal regulations.
•Follows program procedure for the report of child abuse.
•Assists with providing an environment that respects the gender, culture, ethnicity, family composition and social/ emotional, physical, and cognitive developmental needs of the individual child.
•Assists parents and volunteers as needed and as directed by teacher/site supervisor.
•Performs other duties as assigned.

JOB REQUIREMENTS Knowledge of:
Must demonstrate knowledge of early childhood education and development programs; working with and communicating with low-income families; and growth and development principles and practices; children birth to five. effective child guidance practices and principles.

Ability to:
Must demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate, both individually and in group settings, with community members, groups, managers, regulatory agencies, and families; facilitate group and individual experiences for children according to their needs, strengths, and interests; work with others in supporting apositive work environment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Education:
Associate of Arts Degree in Early Child Development Education, Psychology, Social Science or related field and a valid California Child Development Associate Teacher Permit or higher, is required.

Experience:
One (1) year experience working or volunteering with children under the age of 5 years.

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
•Successful completion of an initial health examination, performed by or under the supervision of a physician, to determine, at a minimum, if the prospective employee can perform requirements of the job description physical requirements.
•Proof of the absence of Tuberculosis, from a physician, to show that the prospective employee is cleared to work with children and families.
•Documentation of current immunizations against Influenza, Mumps, Measles, & Rubella (MMR) and Pertussis (TDAP).

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
•Fingerprint clearances from the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Child Abuse Index prior to starting employment.
•Completed and signed statement of any pending and/or prior criminal arrests/charges/convictions
related to child sexual abuse, child abuse and neglect, and/or violent felonies.
•Verification that determines eligibility for employment in the United States of America.
•A valid California driver's license and the availability of private transportation or the ability to obtain transportation to perform position duties is required.
•As a mandated reporter of child abuse, must immediately report any suspected child abuse and/or neglect to Child Protective Services.
•Bi-lingual in a language reflective of the population served is preferred.
•Current CPR/First Aid certification.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met, or are encountered, by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit and climb or balance. The employee may frequently lift and/or move a minimum of 25 pounds up to 45 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

MAINTAIN PROFESSIONAL AND ETHICAL STANDARDS
•Maintains confidentiality in accordance with Agency policy and legal requirements.
•Respects and maintains rights and privacy of all staff, parents, and children.
•Attends mandated trainings and meetings, and seek out staff development opportunities.
•Works as a team member with all staff and maintain a positive work ethic.
•Acts conscientiously in performing routine duties.

Adheres to Plaza de la Raza's Standard of Conduct which indicates that staff members are required to adhere to the following codes of conduct:
1. Respect and promote the unique identity of each child and family and refrain from stereotyping on the basis of gender, race, ethnicity, culture, religion, or disability;
2. Follow program confidentiality policies concerning information about children, families and other staff members;
3. Maintain visual observation of children at all times and not leave any child alone or unsupervised while under their care;
4. Use positive methods of child guidance and will not engage in corporal punishment, emotional or physical abuse, or humiliation.
5. Not employ methods of discipline that involve isolations, the used of food as punishment or reward, or the denial of basic needs.
6. Not solicit or accept personal gratuities, favors or anything of significant monetary value form contractors or potential contractors.
7. Maintain respect and promote professional relationships with the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE), families, staff and children.
8. Refrain from the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of alcoholic beverage, controlled substance, and tobacco products in the workplace or at any activity funded by federal or state funds.
9. Maintain adherence to LACOE, state, or federal mandates, including but not limited to program eligibility determination regulations for Early Head Start, Head Start or state preschool services.
10. Enrolling pregnant women and children that are not eligible to receive Early Head Start or Head Start services.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Plaza de la Raza Child Development Services Inc. is an equal opportunity employer to all. Plaza de la Raza Child Development Services is committed to creating a community in which a diverse population can learn, live, and work in an atmosphere of tolerance, civility, and respect for the rights and sensibilities of each individual regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or
veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

BENEFIT PLANS
Plaza offers eligible employees the opportunity to select plans and programs that meet individual and family needs through our comprehensive benefit plans listed below:

Health Care: Medical (Kaiser), Dental (Guardian), Vision (Guardian), Long Term Disability Insurance, Life Insurance, Accident and Hospital Coverages.
Financial: 401(k) Plan
Paid Time Off: Scheduled Vacation, Holidays, Sick Leave, Personal Leave, and Jury Duty
Work/Life Solutions: Life Assistance Program

APPLICATION PROCESS
1. Complete an online employment application on www.plazadelarazacds.org; and submit the required documentation: 1) Cover Letter; 2) Resume; 3) Transcripts reflecting degree and major; 4) Copy of valid California Child Development Associate Teacher Permit; and 5) Copy of valid CPR/First Aide for infants/children. Only complete application packets will be considered for the screening and selection process.

2. Submit official transcripts prior to date of hire.