PROGRAM ATTENDANT

Walnut Valley Unified School District; California (MO); On-site; USD 18,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Walnut Valley Unified School District is seeking a Program Attendant to provide a safe and caring environment for children across preschool, elementary, and middle school settings.

Under supervision, you will support enrichment activities, supervision, meal preparation, and basic first aid while maintaining a clean, orderly program and assisting with behavior guidance and classroom routines.

Qualifications

• One year of experience with children preferred.
• High school diploma with related training preferred.
• First Aid and CPR certifications required or preferred.

Responsibilities

• Open classrooms, set up centers, prepare materials and attendance reporting.
• Supervise children on field trips and activities.
• Provide social-emotional support and behavior guidance.
• Assist with meals and snacks and basic hygiene support.
• Perform first aid and respond to emergencies; maintain safety.

Skills

Communicate effectively

Record keeping

Computer literacy

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

First Aid Certification

CPR Certification

Job description

Basic Function

Under supervision of the Child Care or Preschool Site Supervisor, provide a safe and caring environment for children by providing structured supervision, supporting, planning, and conducting a variety of enrichment opportunities through play, craft, and physical activities and special projects; support social and emotional well‑being of children. The Program Attendant serves the District's preschool, elementary, and middle school children.

Essential Job Functions

• Perform a variety of tasks related to operation of the program, including opening program classrooms, setting up centers, preparing materials, attendance reporting, and clean‑up activities
• Supervise children on field trips
• Provide appropriate social/emotional support to all children
• Provide children with activity and/or homework support
• Reinforce positive behavior with age‑appropriate interventions, redirection, and model‑appropriate behavior
• Assist children of varying ages and developmental needs
• Maintain appropriate standards of behavior among program participants
• Review activity plans, set up, and arrange equipment for game, craft, special project, and team sport activities
• Maintain a neat, clean, and orderly environment by performing a variety of cleaning and housekeeping functions and equipment/grounds safety checks
• Prepare, distribute, and assist children with simple meals and snacks
• Receive, organize, and maintain various program supplies, equipment, and materials
• Provide routine first aid and contact police, fire, and emergency medical services as required
• Guide children with self‑care, hygiene, and toileting needs/accidents. Preschool Only: Diapering (non‑potty‑trained preschool children)
• Administer pre‑authorized medication or monitor student self‑administration guidelines and directions Program Attendant
• Participate in Professional Development opportunities offered by department, school site, and District that are held during employee’s work hours and work year
• May participate in professional development opportunities outside employee’s work hours and work year
• Performs related duties as assigned

Job Requirements – Qualifications

Skills, Knowledge and/or Abilities Required:

Skill to:

• Communicate effectively in oral and written form with children, parents, and staff
• Maintain simple records and prepare complete and concise reports
• Operate basic computer, program software, and other electronic devices

Knowledge of:

• Basic concepts of child growth, development, and behavior management strategies and techniques
• Recreation games, crafts, and team sports activities
• Equipment, materials, and supplies used in childcare program activities
• Equity, access, and inclusion practices as it relates to program participants

Ability to:

• Demonstrate an empathetic, patient, and understanding attitude
• Work cooperatively with adults and children
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions
• Establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships
• Work courteously and tactfully with co‑workers, public, and parents
• Promotes team building and a positive work environment of belonging as it relates to diversity, equity, inclusion, social justice, anti‑racism, and accessibility
• Adapt easily to work assignments, changing priorities, and new procedures
• Receive constructive criticism and modify work appropriately
• Prioritize and identify needs and solve problems independently as appropriate
• Suggest procedural improvements to Child Care/Preschool Site Supervisor
• Skillfully handle difficult situations using good judgment
• Maintain a high level of professionalism and safeguard confidential student and staff information
• Demonstrate cultural competence and responsiveness in interactions, decision‑making, communication, and processes
• Efficiently use and manage time; meet deadlines

Experience and Education Requirement

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and skills may qualify. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and skills would be:

Experience

• One year of paid or volunteer experience working with various age groups of children in an educational setting is preferred.

Education

• Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade, supplemented by training or coursework in child growth and development, instructional technology, or a closely related field is preferred.

License and/or Certificate Requirement

• Possess and maintain current First Aid Certification
• Possess and maintain current CPR Certification

Physical Demands

Persons performing service in this position classification will be expected to perform medium work, which involves lifting no more than 50 pounds at a time with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 25 pounds. If someone can do medium work, we determine that he or she can also do sedentary and light work. (Per the Code of Federal Regulations – Section 404.1567 Physical Exertion Requirements)

• Engage in moderate physical activity, working in both indoor and outdoor environments throughout day
• Stand and walk for extended periods (greater than one hour) while supervising children and facilitating physical activities, including running/jogging, to ensure safety during play
• Bend down, squat, step, and/or kneel frequently
• Sit on floor and participate in classroom activities
• Ability to grasp, reach, push, and pull classroom and outdoor equipment, aids, and supplies
• Lift, carry, and transport program supplies and materials
• Demonstrate sufficient arm, hand, and finger dexterity to operate tools, laptop/desktop computer, multimedia tools, and other program/office equipment
• Actively participate in playful playground activities with children
• Utilize sufficient hearing and speaking abilities to professionally project voice and communicate effectively with staff and students in both group and one‑on‑one settings
• Maintain visual acuity to read printed materials and computer screens, observe and monitor children and environment for safety

Emergency Requirements

Pursuant to California Government Code Section 3100, all public employees are required to serve as disaster service workers subject to such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their supervisor or by law.

Review Job Description

It is the responsibility of the applicant to review this classification’s job description, which is available online at www.wvusd.org or at the District Office. The job description explains in detail the physical demands, skills, knowledge and abilities required to perform the essential job functions for this position.

Benefits

Permanent employees will receive paid holidays, sick leave, vacation and longevity benefits per contract or Commission Rules. The District offers a comprehensive package of insurance benefits. Employees working less than full‑time, but a minimum of four hours will contribute an amount proportionate to the number of assigned work hours for major medical insurance benefits. The District does not offer a package of insurance benefits to employees working less than four hours per day. The District provides life insurance for employees who work a minimum of 3 hours. In addition, the District offers a retirement plan which uses joint employee and employer contributions.

Accommodations

Individuals with legally defined disabilities may request reasonable accommodation in the examination process. To make this request; please contact the Division of Human Resources at the time the application is submitted. Candidates may be required to provide documentation supporting the need for the accommodation.

Veteran Preference (for entry‑level positions only)

Veterans who have been honorably discharged after 30 days or more of service during time of war or national emergency will receive an additional 5 points which will be added to the passing score. Disabled veterans receive 10 points. Any applicant who claims veteran’s credit must submit DD Form 214 at the time the employment application is submitted. Failure to submit DD Form 214 at the time of application shall result in no veteran’s credits being considered or added to any passing score.

Prior to Employment the Following Must be Completed

Per Board Policy 4112.4/4212.4/4312.4, the cost of pre‑employment examinations shall be paid by the applicant.

Fingerprinting

Employees will be charged for processing their fingerprints at the time they are hired. The fingerprints are used to complete a confidential background investigation. All candidates with a record of convictions must indicate such on the confidential data form, which is attached to the job application. A record of conviction will not automatically disqualify an applicant from employment, but failure to list all convictions may result in disqualification or dismissal.

Physical Examination

Newly hired employees must pass a qualifying Medical examination given by a District-appointed physician, which includes testing for illegal controlled substances.

Tuberculosis Exam

Newly hired employees must submit a Mantoux Skin screening and certificate of completion within the past 60 days that indicates freedom from active tuberculosis.

Immigration Reform and Control Act Of 1986

An Eligibility Verification Form (I-9) will be required along with the supporting documents listed on the I-9 form.

We are an equal opportunity and non‑discriminatory employer as mandated by Section 504 of the Office of Civil Rights.