Learning Assistant Jobs in Santa Ana, CA (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $21.04 - $25.56 Hourly
Location : Downey, CA
Job Type: Part-Time
Job Number: 000451 - 2026
Department: DUSD
Opening Date: 08/14/2026
Closing Date: 9/3/2026 4:30 PM Pacific
SELECTION PROCEDURES
Only online applications and required CPR/First Aid (American Red Cross or American Heart Association only) will be accepted: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/downey.
This is an OPEN recruitment to establish an eligibility list, fill vacancies, and hire substitutes. Substitutes work on an as-needed basis to fill in for absent employees. The eligibility list will be used to fill permanent vacancies which may occur during the life of the eligibility list.
Positions in this classification are part-time 17.5 hours per week, 11 months/184 work days per year.
The recruitment process will consist of a written and an oral technical interview, which is tentatively scheduled during the weeks of September 7 - September 25, 2026. Qualified applicants will be notified by email.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY, TITLE IX, AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER
The Downey Unified School District does not engage in any employment practice that discriminates against an employee or applicant for employment on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, creed, age, disability (mental or physical), sex, gender (including pregnancy and childbirth), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, medical condition, genetic information (including family and medical history), marital status, political affiliation, military and veteran status, or retaliation; or on any other basis as protected by state, federal or local law, ordinance or regulation, in its educational program(s) or employment. No person shall be denied employment solely because of any impairment which is unrelated to the ability to engage in activities involved in the position(s) or program for which application has been made. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in the hiring process, Downey Unified School District will provide you with one upon notice.
BASIC FUNCTION:
Under direct supervision of assigned supervisor, participates in daily classroom and activity set-up, preparation and clean-up; assists in supervising and monitoring children's activities; interacts with children and encourages positive learning in assigned areas; assists in maintaining a clean and safe learning environment; and performs related duties as assigned.
FUNCTION & DUTIES
Assists in supervising and monitoring children's activities in the classroom and playground; under instructor's direction, guidance and supervision, works and interacts with individual or small groups of children in classroom on assigned learning activities or projects to encourage positive learning. E
Organizes, distributes and collects supplies and materials; prepares reading books and materials for children to take home; prepares, duplicates and/or laminates a variety of materials. E
Participates in daily classroom and activity set-up of equipment, learning materials, toys; puts away equipment and toys and/or monitors parent volunteers and children to ensure that classroom toys, materials and equipment are put away and appropriately organized. E
Assists in maintaining a clean and safe learning environment; checks the classroom and playground to ensure cleanliness and safety; supervises children to prevent injuries; cleans and washes toys, equipment, supplies and materials, as required. E
Assist with personal hygiene needs of students such as assisting with snack and lunch; washing children's hands and faces as needed; assist with rest and nap periods and toileting. E
Assure the health safety, and well-being of students by following District established health and safety practices and regulations. E
Collect notes and data and assist in performing a variety of instructional and clerical duties as assigned by the classroom instructor. E
Participate in meetings and in-service training programs, as assigned. E
Monitor the health of preschool students and administer basic first aid, perform other health and safety related functions. E
Assist the instructor with the inventory of classroom supplies and furniture, materials and food inventory; assist in monitoring furniture and supplies meet health and safety guidelines. E
Accompany class on field trips and other special activities. E
Perform related duties as required.
Note: At the end of some of the duty statements there is an "E" which identifies essential duties required of the classification.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
KNOWLEDGE OF:
- Basic practices and methods of instruction, care and supervision of young children.
- Basic concepts of child development and behavior patterns of preschool-aged children.
- Procedures and practices of classroom and playground safety.
- District policies, procedures and practices and applicable State requirements related to areas of responsibility.
- Basic first aid and CPR procedures.
- Basic record keeping techniques.
- Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.
- Operation of assigned office and instructional equipment.
- Modern office practices, procedures and equipment.
ABILITY TO:
- Apply procedures and practices of classroom and playground safety.
- Ensure proper health, welfare and safety of children.
- Communicate effectively with children and adults both orally and in writing.
- Operate a variety of office and instructional equipment including computers and supporting software programs.
- Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
- Maintain confidentiality of privileged information.
- Demonstrate empathy, professionalism, friendliness, patience and responsibility.
- Demonstrate behavior in line with CHARACTER COUNTS! principles of trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE, LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Any combination equivalent to: High school graduation at least fifty (50) days of 3+ hours per day within two (2) years working with preschool aged children in an organized classroom setting. Must be at least 18 years old, and work at all times in the presence of a teacher.
LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
Valid First Aid and CPR Certificates issued by an authorized agency, as well as meeting requirements to keep certificates current. Some positions in this class may be required to speak, read, and write in a second designated language.
Health and Safety Code Section 1596.7995 requires employees to receive and maintain the following immunizations on a yearly basis: Influenza, Pertussis, and Measles.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
ENVIRONMENT:
Classroom environment. Incumbents are required to work a flexible schedule.
PHYSICAL ABILITIES:
Seeing to read and review assignments, and to observe/correct student behavior during classroom activities; hearing and speaking to provide assistance and information related to classroom assignments; dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a variety of office equipment; reaching to retrieve and file records; bending at the waist; kneeling; standing and walking for extended periods of time; and ability to lift 40 pounds.
HAZARDS:
Handling sharp objects; exposure to biohazards and body fluids; vulnerable to minor contagious illnesses (colds, flu, etc.), in direct contact with the public, students and district staff.
Part-time Employees earn up to:

• 1 paid vacation day per 1 full month of employment
  
• 1 paid sick leave day per 1 full month of employment with unlimited accumulation
  
• and paid holidays

The District offers two excellent medical plans, Blue Shield and Kaiser Permanente; two dental plans, Delta Dental and MetLife SafeGuard; and vision care through Vision Service Plan (VSP). All plans are available to the employee and their dependents. This coverage is available to employees working a minimum of 20 hours per week.
Retirement benefits include membership in CalPERS (California Public Employee's Retirement System) and Social Security (OASDI). This is a joint contribution plan. To qualify for CalPERS an employee must work a minimum of 20 hours per week or already be a member, if not the employee is eligible for an alternative retirement plan.
Additionally, the District encourages employees to pursue professional growth, and provides financial incentive for classified employees completing professional growth programs. Additional benefits available to employees to which the District does not contribute include life insurance, a Section 125 Flexible Benefit Plan, an income protection plan, and a credit union.
Substitute employees are not eligible for vacation or holiday pay but are eligible to earn sick leave at the rate of one hour per 30 hours worked, not to exceed 48 hours. Further, substitute employees are not automatically eligible for CalPERS or District health benefits.
01
The information you provide on the general and supplemental applications will be used to evaluate whether you meet the minimum requirements for this position. All experience, education, training, and certification must be included in your application in order to be considered. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications for the position will be invited to participate further in the selection process. Supplemental questions that are not answered fully and completely will be considered incomplete and may cause you to not be considered further in the recruitment process. All experience mentioned in the Supplemental Questions must also be included in the Work Experience section of the application in order to be considered complete. Resumes are not required or reviewed during the application process; therefore, you must ensure the application is complete.
Did you read and understand this information?

• Yes
• No

02
Do you have a High School Diploma or GED?

• Yes
• No

03
Do you possess at least fifty (50) days of 3 hours per day within two years working with preschool aged children in an organized classroom setting? Note: The response should also be detailed in your application work experience.

• Yes
• No

04
Applicants must possess a current, valid First Aid/CPR certificate issued by either the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross. Do you possess a valid First Aid/CPR certificate from one of these approved agencies?(If so, you must scan and attach a copy of your certificate to your application. If you do not possess a current certificate from one of the approved agencies, your application will not be considered.)

• Yes, I have a current, valid First Aid/CPR Certificate.
• No, I do not have a current, valid First Aid/CPR Certificate.

05
In addition to a permanent position, would you also be interested in being considered for a Substitute Early Learning Assistant position? Substitutes work on an on-call basis to cover for permanent employees who are ill or on an extended leave of absence.

• Yes
• No

06
CERTIFICATIONBy typing your name below, I hereby certify that all statements made in this supplemental application are true and complete to the best of my knowledge, and that any misstatement of material facts will subject me to disqualification or dismissal.
Required Question