Student Assistant Teacher, Pre-K

Position Title: Teacher Assistant, Pre-K
Position Department: Child Development Center
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Full/Part-Time: Part-Time
Compensation:  $18.45 per hour
Reports to: Program Coordinator

Associated Students Summary
Associated Students’ (A.S.) mission is to support and represent the students of San José State University by continuing the organization’s legacy of student advocacy and leadership; to enhance SJSU students’ education through high quality programs and services; and to prepare students as they move towards a thoughtful and purposeful life after graduation.

A.S. is a non-profit auxiliary corporation serving the students of San Jose State University whose primary source of funding is from mandatory student body fees. A.S. Departments include the Cesar Chavez Community Action Center, Child Development Center, General Services Center, Human Resources, Information Technology, Events, Marketing, Print & Technology Center, Student Government, and Transportation Solutions.

Position Summary
Teacher Assistants assist the Lead Teachers in the daily operation of the child development program in accordance with the operating policies and philosophy of the Center. Teacher Assistants have the authority to direct children using their own best judgment, acting within the policies of the Center and the guidelines of their assigned classroom.

California Licensing regulations require that Teacher Assistants with less than 12 units in ECE be within visual supervision of a fully-qualified Teacher (Title 22 Sec. 101216.2e). Teacher Assistants who possess a California Associate Teacher Permit (or higher) may substitute for a Lead Teacher. In those instances, the teacher-qualified TA will act as the Lead Teacher and be responsible for the leadership and operation of the classroom and be responsible for the children and the other adults working in the classroom (i.e. volunteers, practicum students, ChAD 60 students). Responsibilities when substituting for a Lead Teacher include attendance, food counts, planning and implementing classroom curriculum, maintaining proper classroom ratio and asking for additional help if needed, ensuring compliance with procedures for the safety of children and alerting the assistant director of illness of children in attendance.

Essential Functions
Assist Lead Teachers in classroom and playground supervision.
Assist children in routine activities such as eating or feeding, toileting or diapering, and napping.
Assure proper care and use of equipment by the children.
Set appropriate limits for children with positive guidance.
Assist children in problem solving and peer conflict.
Model for children appropriate behaviors in the classroom.
Self- initiate interactions with children by getting down on the child’s level, asking open-ended questions or talking about what you see the child doing.
Be respectful of and receptive to children by being aware of both their verbal and non-verbal cues.
Support children and help guide their play.
Supervise nap time, ensuring that children are on their nap mats and helping them to fall asleep as needed.
Work with individual children under direction of Lead Teacher: reading books, supervising table, floor, and yard activities.
Assist Lead Teacher in setting up classroom and playground activities.
Take responsibility for assigned duties such as engaging children in activities, cleaning up classroom, bathroom, or kitchen, sanitizing toys, doing laundry or straightening the yard.
Help with meal set-up and clean-up.
Remain alert to total situation when working with one child.
Support other Teacher Assistants as needed
Be warm and respectful of families’ cultures and beliefs.
Refer parent questions to the Lead Teacher.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Able to determine cognitive, social, and physical needs of children
Requires excellent verbal and written communication
Able to handle the stress and tension that contact with many children and parents bring every day
Able to perform movements which include grasping, touching, pushing and pulling, manual dexterity and eye- hand coordination
Adult/Child/Infant CPR & First Aid Certification is a requirement of this position. You may take the class offered by the CDC at no cost to you or you may take a class elsewhere at your own expense

Work Environment, Hours and Physical Demands
Able to observe, see, hear and respond to children’s needs
Able to lift 30 pounds from floor to a waist high table 10-15 times daily
Able to reach a child 20-30 feet away within 30 seconds without danger to the staff person’ health
Able to crou