Children's Center Student Assistant

Definition and Purpose

Under the supervision of the Teaching or Administrative Staff, the Children’s Center Assistant’s role is to help the core teacher coordinate the Center’s program for children and parents or to assist administrative staff with office operations. If working in the classroom the student will assist the teacher in the daily supervision of children and in implementing daily curriculum.  If working in the front office the student will assist in the office operations of the Children’s Center.

ASI is committed to supporting the aspirations of the University Learning Objectives.  Our employees are expected to make reasoned decisions based on ethics, respect for diversity, and an awareness of issues of sustainability.  Additionally, they will work productively as individuals and in groups while communicating effectively.

Requirements

Educational Requirements and Qualifying Experience

• Must be a currently enrolled student at Cal Poly with a minimum of 6 units. Graduate students must carry 4 units.
• Must pass fingerprint and criminal record clearance upon hiring.
• Must provide proof of good physical health, MMR and Pertussis immunization and a negative tuberculosis (TB) test.
• Ability to work with young children in a group setting.
• Ability to follow directions and respond to feedback.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively as a team.
• Ability to maintain open and effective communication.
• Ability to work with diverse populations and those with special limitations or needs.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Reliable, self-motivated and works well with minimum supervision.
• Ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Experience working in a high volume, fast-paced environment.
• Ability to make routine decisions based on specific criteria/guidelines.
• Ability to be flexible and adapt to change.
• Ability to have a high level of attention to detail.
• Knowledge of Windows based computer systems required (Microsoft Office)
• Experience in cash handling and basic accounting functions for front office positions.
• Ability to handle confidential information.
• Previous customer service experience preferred.
• Previous general office or clerical experience preferred for front office positions.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintain a welcoming environment for all center children, families, visitors, and staff members.
• Maintain a professional relationship with staff and co-workers.
• Ensure punctuality and adhere to absence protocols.
• Keep work areas neat and organized.
• Ensure a safe environment for all participants through awareness of safety concerns and effective risk management.  
• Maintain familiarity with evacuation plan for work area.
• Attend all mandatory meetings, workshops, and retreats.
• Adhere to and enforce all ASI departmental policies and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

Specialized Duties and Responsibilities

Classroom Assistant Duties

• Assist teacher in providing appropriate educational experiences for young children including set up and maintenance of the environment.
• Assist teachers in supervising children in the classroom, on the playground and during walking trips.
• Assist in the set-up for meals, serving and role modeling during meals and in the clean-up process.
• Assist in personal care of the children including diaper changing, toilet capability and other personal care routines as required.
• Perform tasks as required for daily classroom routines.
• Use appropriate and acceptable language with the children.
• Awareness of and appreciation for individual uniqueness and diversity.

Front Office Duties

• Assist customers via the telephone and in person with issues related to the Children’s Center
• Provide quality customer service for all center families and staff.
• General office assistance (word processing, filing, mailing, copying, and faxing)
• Maintain detailed records and ensure accurate data entry.
• Perform all cash handling functions.
• Maintain confidential information regarding waiting list applications, children’s files, and student staff files according to State requirements (FERPA and State Community Care Licensing)
• Assist parents with child waiting list applications, questions, and status inquiries.
• Maintain tracking spreadsheets for staff immunizations and mandatory trainings.
• Maintain currently enrolled child immunization records and notify parents when out of compliance.
• Assist with special projects as requested.

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

• Recommend and support practices intended to eliminate racial, gender, or any other form of bias in processes, policies, and procedures.
• Demonstrate awareness of one’s own biases, comfort levels, and various aspects of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)
• Demonstrate effort to understand each person’s individual and collective role in creating inclusive environments.
• Participate in trainings and activities provided by ASI as it relates to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

The person holding this position is considered a "mandated reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in ASI policy as a condition of their employment.

Period of Employment

Employment with this organization is of an "at will" nature, which means that the employee may resign at any time and ASI may discharge the employee at any time with or without cause.

Background Check

This position is subject to a background check (including criminal records) as well as National Address Locater (Social Security Number [SSN] Trace), 7-year County Criminal Search in each county and/or state the applicant lived in based on the SSN Trace, National Criminal Database Search, Name Search, Employment Verification (All employers in past 7 years) and Education Verification (Highest Degree). Credit Reports, Motor Vehicle Record Check and Professional License Verification may also be required based upon the essential functions of the position.

Benefits

Compensation and Hours

• Hourly Pay Rate: $16.00 per hour
• Hourly Pay Range: $16.00 - $16.00 per hour

Requires a minimum of three consecutive quarters of availability

The Associated Students, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Date revised: 4/11/2024