TINY TOTS ASSISTANT

Under direct supervision, assists in planning, organizing, and implementing and supervising a recreation program for pre-school aged children designed to provide a safe and secure environment in which to experience hands-on fun, social interaction, small and large motor skill development and guidance in developing good decision-making abilities; and performs related work as required.
 
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED 
Receives direct supervision from the Tiny Tots Program Coordinator.  Provides no supervisory responsibility.  May give technical direction to staff and volunteers.
 
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS 
This classification assists the Tiny Tots Coordinator in planning, coordinating, and implementing recreation programs for pre-school aged children designed to facilitate good motor and social skills.  Incumbents work under direct supervision and have responsibility for implementing and running programs and activities while working in close cooperation with other staff to support and augment programs.  This class is distinguished from the Tiny Tots Coordinator in that the latter has overall program, budgetary, and administrative responsibility for multiple recreation activities and facilities or a comprehensive recreational program.  (Illustrative Only)
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
 

• Assists in planning, coordinating, and implementing the Tiny Tots Program.
• Assists in conducting program registration and placing children in appropriate groups/classes; assists in maintaining participation records.
• Plans, organizes, prepares for and leads age-appropriate activities which may include crafts, games, music, storytelling, physical movement, and similar activities.
• Prepares materials and supplies necessary for daily activities.
• Evaluates participants’ level of functioning, skills and special requirements.
• Reinforce and encourage good hygiene habits and good manners with program participants.
• Monitors the condition of facilities and equipment, and requests maintenance or repair work as needed to ensure participant and staff safety.
• Performs housekeeping duties to maintain a clean work and play environment; disinfects play equipment and toys after use.
• Prepares and maintains a variety of records and reports regarding activities, services and related information.
• Assists in organizing and maintaining supply cabinets.
• Communicates on a regular basis with parents/caregivers to keep them informed of children’s progress and any concerns.
• Ensures the safety of the children and staff at all times by inspecting, patrolling, monitoring, and instructing on the safe use of program facilities, equipment, and supplies; maintains a safe, clean, and tidy environment; reports unsafe conditions or illegal activities.
• Assists in arranging assistance from community agencies and organizations for special events and activities and for on-going support of assigned program; participates in community relations efforts to increase public awareness and participation in the program.
• Receives and responds to inquiries, concerns and complaints in areas of responsibility.
• Performs general administrative/clerical work as required, including but not limited to preparing reports and correspondence, establishing and maintaining records, copying and filing documents, entering and retrieving computer data, answering the telephone, etc.
• Attends meetings, training, seminars, etc., as necessary to enhance job knowledge and skills.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of: 

• Principles, practices, and service delivery needs related to the program area(s) to which assigned.
• Procedures for planning, implementing, and maintaining a variety of recreation and leisure activities and programs.
• Recreational, cultural, age-specific, and social needs of pre-school aged children.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to the program area and facilities to which assigned.
• Safety principles and practices, including basic first aid and infant, child and/or adult cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
• Applicable safety precautions and procedures related to the program area(s) and facilities to which assigned. 

• Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications.

• English usage, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation.
• Methods of recordkeeping and report preparation.
• Techniques for effectively dealing with individuals of various ages, various socio-economic and ethnic groups, and effectively representing the County in contacts with the public. 

 
Ability to: 

• Assist in planning, organizing and implementing recreational activities and programs which meet the social, physical and mental needs of assigned populations.
• Maintain records and prepare reports and correspondence regarding recreation programs and activities.
• Learn to interpret and apply Federal, State, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations relevant to the program area and facilities to which assigned.
• Motivate and maintain the interest of pre-school youth.
• Remain flexible and adapt activities to participant needs.
• Communicate effectively, work with and provide courteous assistance to facility patrons. 
• Handle rescues, medical emergencies and injuries in a calm and effective manner, including providing basic first aid and infant, child and/or adult cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
• Maintain facilities and equipment in a clean, safe, and secure manner.
• Perform required mathematical computations with accuracy.
• Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and software programs.
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. 

 
Education and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be

Equivalent to a twelfth (12^th) grade education.  One (1) year of organizing and supervising activities for groups of pre-school youth.  Completion of at least six (6) units of college-level course work in early child development or education is highly desirable. 
 
Licenses and Certifications: 

• May require the possession of a California driver's license and a satisfactory driving record.
• Possession, or ability to obtain, CPR / First Aid certification within ninety (90) days of employment.

Technical skills needed to be successful in this position:

• Adaptability in a fast paced environment
• Child development knowledge with an emphasis on preschool aged children
• Curriculum development for preschool - 1st grade level
• Team collaboration
• Communication skills with both peers and young children
• Ability to resolve conflicts diplomatically and fairly
• Classroom management skills

Interpersonal skills needed to be successful in this position:

• Passion for teaching
• High level of patience especially while working with kids
• Ability to multi-task in a fast paced environment
• Creative and outside of the box thinker
• Self-motivated and goal oriented

Salary : $18 - $22