Job Title: Child Development Associate
| Reports to: | Site-Based Administrator |
| Job Group: | School-Related Personnel |
| FLSA: | Non-Exempt |
| Job Code: | TBD |
| Salary Schedule: | PG08 |
JOB GOAL
Responsible for delivery of appropriate childcare and support for school readiness skills to children in the Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten program, including the provision of comprehensive services to ensure compliance with state, federal and local regulations.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Create a safe and student-centered learning environment that supports student needs.
- Ensure Florida Voluntary Prekindergarten education standards are utilized in the VPK classroom.
- Collaborate with district to plan and implement developmentally appropriate lessons aligned with state and federal standards.
- Use varied instructional materials, media, and technology to promote school readiness and academic growth.
- Differentiate instruction based on assessments and individual learning needs.
- Provide support in developing/maintaining students’ daily living needs and medical needs, such as toilet needs, lifting, diapering, feeding and personal hygiene, transferring, positioning, and ambulation as necessary.
- Implement 504 Plans and Individual Educational Plans (IEPs) as directed; refer students for additional services when appropriate.
- Monitor behavior using positive supports and maintain discipline per District policies.
- Ensure child safety and aid with supervision, escorting, and movement of students in specific school settings or specialized functions during the school day, before and after school, during emergency drills, assemblies, and between class times (e.g., playground, media center, physical education class, mealtime in the cafeteria, etc.).
- Provide structured meal/snack times that foster oral language and social development.
- Implement rest/nap routines with quiet alternatives.
- Administer and evaluate student work and assessments, which includes preparing progress reports, providing feedback, and maintaining open lines of communication with students and parent(s)/guardian(s) as applicable, and preparing and disseminating family communication documents.
- Maintain accurate records (attendance, progress, behavior, health, etc.) and ensure confidentiality.
- Complete required screenings and assessments per program guidelines.
- Conduct parent conferences as needed and encourage family involvement.
- Attend staff meetings, trainings, and maintain required certifications.
- Participate in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) and use data to improve instruction.
- Follow District policies and procedures concerning education, health, safety, personal information, and the wellbeing of students.
- Support program goals and contribute positively to its image.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
- Knowledge of principles of child development and care for preschool-aged children
- Knowledge and understanding of federal guidelines, state guidelines, community agencies, and resources related to Pre-Kindergarten services
- Ability to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences, orally and in writing, including electronic media
- Operating knowledge of computer programs, including email, word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and web-based technologies and platforms
- Excellent time management skills and ability to organize, prioritize, and manage work assignments in an efficient manner and within established timeframes
- Ability to establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with all stakeholders
EDUCATION, TRAINING & EXPERIENCE
- Completion of 15-hours of state-required Emergent Literacy Course and Implementing the Florida Standards in Preschool Classrooms: 3 Years Old to Kindergarten
- OR
- Completion of Reading Endorsement Competency I and Implementing the Florida Standards in Preschool Classrooms: 3 Years Old to Kindergarten
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES & REGISTRATIONS
- Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Bilingual in Spanish, written and oral fluency
- Two years’ experience working with schools, agencies, and childcare for preschool-aged children
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
None
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit, talk and hear; stand and walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms. The employee occasionally lifts and/or moves up to 25 pounds. Specific vision ability required by this job includes close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Indoors and Outdoors: The worker is subject to both environmental conditions. Activities occur inside and outside.
MACHINES, TOOLS, EQUIPMENT
- General office equipment, including personal computers, fax machines, copiers, telephones, etc.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT
Salary and benefits shall be paid consistent with the District’s approved compensation plan. Length of the work year and hours of employment shall be established by the District.
Performance of the job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the School Board’s policy on evaluation of personnel.
Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Pasco County Schools will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to allow them to perform the essential functions of the job when such individuals request an accommodation.
