Early Learning Assistant

Downey Unified School District; Downey (CA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Part time

Job summary

Downey Unified School District is seeking a part-time instructional aide for preschool settings to assist in daily classroom activities, supervise children, and support teachers with learning materials. You will help with health and safety practices, organize supplies, and participate in field trips and activities as needed.

Candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent and valid First Aid/CPR certification; prior experience with young children is preferred.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; 18+ years old.
• First Aid and CPR certificates required; immunization per district policy.
• Ability to work with preschool-aged children in classroom settings.

Responsibilities

• Assist in supervising and monitoring children's activities in the classroom and playground; guide learning.
• Organize, distribute and collect supplies; prepare reading materials for children.
• Maintain a clean, safe learning environment and assist with health and safety practices.

Skills

Communication

Written communication

Professionalism

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Office software

Computer literacy

Job description

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.

• 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. E

Note: At the end of some of the duty statements there is an "E" which identifies essential duties required of the classification.

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.
• 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.