Temporary Preschool Assistant*

Preschool Assistant

The Orange County Department of Environment, Agriculture, Parks & Recreation has an opening for a Preschool Assistant. The Preschool Assistant position is a temporary/seasonal position with the Department of Environment, Agriculture, Parks and Recreation. Normal work hours may include weekday mornings 7:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. On average this position receives 25 hours per week annually. The Preschool Assistant will assist the Preschool Program Coordinator with the implementation of a quality program that enriches the participant academically, socially, emotionally, and physically. The Preschool Assistant will maintain a safe and educational learning environment for young children by successfully implementing the program curriculum and daily program activities. Daily expectations include: leading children in table activities, supervising snack and outdoor play, assisting children with day to day needs, maintaining a clean environment, leading group activities, and administering the programs that are created by the Preschool Program Coordinator. Normal work hours may include weekday mornings 7:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. On average this position receives 25 hours per week. A pre-employment drug screen and SBI background check is required.

Following are examples of typical work activities and responsibilities. The employee may be responsible for performing other related duties and responsibilities as required or assigned. A position may not include all the work examples given, nor does the list include all that may be assigned.

• Implement the program curriculum as planned by the Preschool Program Coordinator to ensure a quality experience for all participants.
• Work with program personnel to implement engaging, developmentally appropriate educational enrichment curriculum and programming which expands and supports student learning experiences beyond the classroom.
• Develop and maintain professional working relationships through effective and timely communication with the program coordinator, other program personnel, and other associated staff members, such as the principal, custodians, and teachers. Work cooperatively and effectively as a team member by communicating and contributing information on a continuous basis.
• Assist the program coordinator in addressing the ongoing needs of the students and parents.
• Implement program procedures effectively to ensure the safe being of all participants.
• Observe, monitor, and participate in children's play activities.
• Promote a safe and healthy environment based on safety standards set within the program.
• Efficiently redirect inappropriate student behaviors and implement the program discipline system to effectively monitor and guide proper student behavior.
• Support the emotional and social development of children.
• Report any concerns and questions regarding the program (students, parents, equipment needs, supplies, other staff, volunteers, etc.) to the program coordinator.
• Maintain accurate and organized records such as attendance records, snack records, timesheets, incident reports, and all other paperwork as instructed by the program coordinator to ensure program compliance and quality operations.
• Help prepare snacks for the children and clean-up the kitchen and snack area.
• Assist in the cleaning and straightening of the room and equipment before, during, and after the program. This includes washing tables, chairs, and toys, putting up chairs, and locking the building at the end of the day.
• Continue professional development by attending staff meetings and trainings.
• Demonstrate behavior that is professional, ethical, and responsible.
• Enjoy being with students and foster their academic, social, emotional, and physical development through the duties outlined above.
• Perform other duties as assigned

TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS: Prior education and/or practical experience in a recreation setting. Lifting and carrying items weighing up to 35 pounds. Must possess the ability to utilize clear and concise language skills, follow written and verbal instructions, and provide energetic instruction. Must submit to and pass a pre-employment background check. Must be able to arrive on time for work and notify the appropriate individual in advance if unable to work. Must be able to work schedule that includes weekday mornings between 7:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. Successful applicant should possess the ability to perform a variety of tasks simultaneously or in rapid succession. Successful completion of higher education coursework related to education, child development, and/or related field. Experience implementing educational programming and working with students as a teacher, educational aide, after school care aide, and/or daycare operator or assistant. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS Possession of or ability to readily obtain a driver's license valid in the State of North Carolina for the type of vehicle or equipment operated. All offers of employment are conditional upon successful clearance of an SBI background check with fingerprinting and a pre-employment drug test. Employment cannot commence until Human Resources has received the results of the required testing and the employee is cleared for work. In accordance with Section 28 of the Orange County Code of Ordinances, and/or relevant State and Federal statutes, candidates for employment may be required to undergo fingerprinting and a criminal history background check based on the job responsibilities of the position. A fingerprinting check is conducted by the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) and a criminal history background check is conducted by an authorized Federal or State regulatory agency to determine eligibility for appointment. Employment is contingent upon successful clearance through these checks, which are mandated for certain roles depending on the nature of the job and applicable laws. Further, all offers of employment are contingent upon the satisfactory verification of your eligibility for employment, successful completion of the required pre-employment testing and/or screening, including drug testing when required and the submission and approval of all new hire documentation completion of your new hire paperwork.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND POSSIBLE HAZARDS Lifting and carrying items weighing up to 35 pounds. Successful applicant should possess the ability to perform a variety of tasks simultaneously or in rapid succession. Orange County is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer.

Benefits

Benefits are not available for this position.