Classroom Assistant, Early Childhood Education (4127U) #87101

At the University of California, Berkeley, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom, and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty, and staff. As a world-leading institution, Berkeley is known for its academic and research excellence, public mission, diverse student body, and commitment to equity and social justice. Since our founding in 1868, we have driven innovation, creating global intellectual, economic, and social value. We are looking for applicants who reflect California's diversity and want to be part of an inclusive, equity-focused community that views education as a matter of social justice. Please consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, Principles of Community, and Strategic Plan.

At UC Berkeley, we believe that learning is a fundamental part of working, and provide space for supportive colleague communities via numerous employee resource groups (staff organizations). Our goal is for everyone on the Berkeley campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support this by providing all of our full-time staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year to engage in professional development activities. Find out more about how you can grow your career at UC Berkeley.

Departmental Overview

Residential and Student Service Programs (RSSP) is a complex "cluster" of student service and residential housing auxiliary services departments with an aggregated operating budget of approximately $145 million and over 2,500 employees.

The Early Childhood Education Program (ECEP) is a department in RSSP that provides early education and child care for 262 infant, toddler, and pre-school children of students, faculty, staff and community families in five centers across campus and the surrounding community. Our program teaches UC Berkeley's youngest students in a safe, nurturing, stimulating environment that sparks curiosity and provides a strong foundation for lifelong learning. We focus on developmentally appropriate activities and care giving interactions that support emotional, social, physical, and cognitive growth and health. Our staff provide UC Berkeley affiliated parents peace of mind - whether they are pursuing academic, research or administrative excellence on campus or in the surrounding community - by ensuring their young children receive research-based best practice care and education support close by. The program serves children as young as 3 months old up until they attend kindergarten.

Position Summary

The Classroom Assistant will have the opportunity to help teachers in a wide variety of activities including care giving, supervision of children and carrying out curriculum. The position will include but is not limited to assisting in maintenance of a safe and healthy environment. Meal preparations and housekeeping duties will vary upon time of day spent in the classroom. Some staff meetings and trainings with supervising teachers may be required.

The Classroom Assistant will also have the chance to complete administrative tasks and special projects on an as-needed basis. Positions are available on or near the Berkeley campus as well as University Village in Albany. This is a part-time position spanning all aspects of the ECEP Center and classroom operation. A regular commitment of at least 3-4 consecutive hours for 3-4 days a week is required.

Under the general direction of the Center Director, this position will assist in the day-to-day operations of the ECEP Center as needed. This role will support the professional teaching staff in all areas of responsibility assigned. In general an assistant helps plan, organize, set-up and clean-up curriculum activities.

Responsibilities

Classroom Assistance

• Interacts with children and classroom staff in a positive manner.
• Assists in providing developmentally appropriate learning experiences and activities for children under the direction and supervision of professional teaching staff.
• Assists in maintenance of the center as a safe, clean, and supportive environment for children.
• Assists in maintaining standards of student behavior needed to achieve a functional learning atmosphere in the center.
• Participates in meetings with supervising teacher to discuss concerns and to plan curriculum.
• Provides care giving functions when appropriate, i.e. diapering, napping, feeding, nurturing, etc.
• Develops knowledge of teaching methods, techniques and skills through continuing education.
• Participates in required professional development activities.

Observation

• Observes and interacts with children respecting their rights as individuals and shares observations with staff.
• Escalates concerning observations quickly and appropriately to ensure the safety of all children.
• Functions as a Mandated Reporter under California Child Abuse and Neglect Act (CANRA) to report observed/suspected abuse or neglect of children, dependent adults and elders to designated law enforcement or social service agencies.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Participates in in-service meetings, staff meetings, workshops, and other program activities as requested.

Professional development and other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Verbal and written communication skills in the English language, active listening, and dynamic flexibility in adapting to the needs of clients.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and employ reasoning skills.
• Basic skills in computer programs relevant to job duties.
• Ability to multitask in a busy environment.
• Previous experience working with/caring for young children or early childhood education coursework on how young children learn and develop at different stages.

Preferred Qualifications

• PITC (Program for Infant/Toddler Care) exposure preferred.
• Previous experience or familiarity with emergent, play-based, Reggio inspired, Montessori or similar early education philosophy and approach preferred.
• Knowledge of and/or ability to learn campus policies and procedures.

Education / Training

• High school diploma and / or equivalent certification / experience / training. (Required)
• Early Childhood Education coursework. (Preferred)

Licenses / Certifications

• Must pass FBI and DOJ criminal check with approval from Dept. of Social Services. (Required)
• Must complete blood borne pathogen upon hire and annually. (Required)
• Must complete the on-line State of CA Mandated Reporter training upon hire. (Required)
• Must test TB negative and have health screening clearance, including up-to-date measles and pertussis vaccination and any new State or UC Berkeley health requirements for positions working with young children. (Required)
• Active Child CPR Certification (Preferred).
• Standard First Aid Training Certification (Preferred).

Salary & Benefits

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.

Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

The budgeted hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $19.61-$23.00.

• This is a non-exempt, bi-weekly paid position.
• This Per Diem position is ineligible for UC benefits.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.

Other Information

• This is not a visa opportunity. This position does not include sponsorship of a new consular H-1B visa petition that would require payment of the $100,000 supplemental fee.

Conviction History Background

This is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check due to the nature of the job responsibilities. Berkeley does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

Physical Exam

Employment is contingent upon passing a physical exam.

Mandated Reporter

This position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter required to report the observed or suspected abuse or neglect of children, dependent adults, or elders to designated law enforcement or social service agencies. We reserve the right to make employment contingent upon completion of signed statements acknowledging the responsibilities of a Mandated Reporter.

Misconduct

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

"Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy

UC Anti-Discrimination Policy

Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.