Classroom Associate Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 :                          19

HOURLY PAY RANGE:                 $21.97 / Hour

LOCATION :                                   Los Angeles, CA

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 650 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

Duties include, but are not limited to the following:

• 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 a positive work environment.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Possess a valid California Child Development Associate Teacher Permit, a High School Diploma or GED and be enrolled in a program leading to an Associate or Bachelor’s degree program in early childhood education, child development, or a related field, and complete at least three semester (4.5 quarter) units per year with a “C” or better.  

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.

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 Coverages: Medical, Dental, Vision, Employer Sponsored Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability

Voluntary Coverages:        Accidental, Hospital and Life Insurance 

Financial:        401(k) Retirement Plan 

Paid Time Off:        Holiday, Sick and Personal Time, and up to 30 Days of Jury Duty

Work/Life Solutions:  Employee Assistance Program (EAP) & Employee Assistance Service for Education (EASE) 

APPLICATION PROCESS

1. Complete an online employment application on www.plazadelarazacds.org; and submit the required documentation: 1) Resume; 2) Transcripts reflecting High School Diploma/GED ; 3) Transcripts leading to an AA/BA degree; 4) Copy of valid California Child Development Associate Teacher Permit; and 5) Copy of valid CPR/First Aid 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. 

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.