CHILD DAY CARE GROUP ASSISTANT L0645

Definition: This is work in the guidance and instruction of children in a child day care service program.

An employee in this class is responsible for assisting in carrying out group and individual activities in a program at a child day care center designed to meet the educational, social, and health needs and abilities of children. Work involves guiding and working with children in activities in order to develop their social skills, responsibility, initiative, and abilities. Some discretion may be exercised in planning activities, but immediate supervision is received from a professionally trained supervisor who plans the overall program. Work is reviewed through conferences and observation to determine effectiveness and consistency with standards, policies, and the overall program objectives of the day care center.

Examples of Work: Assists in planning and organizing the daily program of activities for a group of children at a day care center.

Supervises children in a planned program of activities designed to meet educational, social, and health needs and abilities of children.

Reports observations of children's behavior and interprets their needs to the supervisor.

Supervises the arrangement and maintenance of indoor and outdoor equipment in accordance with daily schedules.

Takes charge of a group of children when specifically assigned during meals, play, toileting, and excursions.

Assists professionally trained program staff in planning activities that will provide opportunities to develop social relationships.

Attends parent, teacher, caseworker conferences.

Attends parent meetings and participates in planning and carrying out parent/group projects.

Observes and records child's development and communicates progress and needs to classroom leader, caseworker and/or parents.

Performs related work as required.

Required Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of the basic factors of a child care activity program.

Knowledge of the basic principles and methods of child day care as they relate to the value of creative activities and the meaning of play.

Knowledge of modern principles, practices, techniques, and current development in the field of early childhood education.

Ability to communicate with children and gain their cooperation and participate in activities.

Ability to guide children in the performance of activities and to recognize emergencies and areas where assistance is required.

Ability to apply modern principles, practices, and techniques of early childhood education to the child day care program.

Ability to carry out oral and written instructions.

Ability to work cooperatively with others.

Minimum Experience and Training: A high school diploma or general educational development certification supplemented by 15 credit hours in early childhood education, child development, special education, elementary education, or the human services field; and 1 year work experience related to the care and development of children;

or

An associate degree, or its equivalent, including 30 credit hours in early childhood education, child development, special education, elementary education, or the human services field;

or

A high school diploma or general educational development certification; and three years work experience related to the care and development of children.

Date Established or Last Revised

Class Specification - 1981