GARVEY SCHOOL DISTRICT
HEAD START/STATE PRE-SCHOOL
TEACHER ASSISTANT
DEFINITION
Under close supervision, to assist in the learning and enrichment experiences for pre-school age
children; to perform routine instructional and housekeeping functions; implement performing
performance standards as required by federal regulations and to perform related work as
assigned.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES*
The tasks listed in this section are representative of duties assigned to positions in this class.
This list is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all of the tasks assigned to positions in the
class, and it is not expected that all of the tasks listed are necessarily assigned to all positions in
the class.
Prepare materials for instructional and enrichment activities with teacher direction. E
Prepare and conduct individual and small group activities with teacher direction. E
Assist teacher in all classroom routine activities. E
Clean up activity areas, storage rooms, and classroom shelves. E
Conduct and record observation of children. E
Assist/Model and clean up after meals and snacks. E
Assist teacher with supervision of children in the classroom, on the playground, and on field
trips. E
Read aloud to children in small or large groups.
Model appropriate behavior, correct performance and behavior, and advise children of rules and
hazards to safety. E
Assist teacher with routine record keeping duties and maintain necessary documentation. E
Operate office machines, such as photocopier, laminating machine, and paper cutter. E
Attend in-service and staff development days. E
Translate for teacher, children, and parents; reinforce instruction in a second language and in
English (some positions). E
Store supplies and equipment after activities; assist in year end closing of classroom. E
Report suspected cases of child abuse in accordance with the Child Abuse Reporting Law and
District policy. E
Perform related duties as assigned. E

Task statements coded with the letter “E” are essential elements of positions in this
class pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, 1990.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation;
Basic math;
Developmental needs and behavior of pre-school age children;
Operation of standard office equipment;
Basic record-keeping techniques;
Appropriate safety precautions and procedures.
Ability to:
Perform duties in a manner which is consistent with teacher instructions;
Supervise children in the classroom, on the playground, and on field trips;
Communicate well with children and motivate them to learn and participate in activities;
Recognize and remove safety hazards;
Learn laws, rules, practices, and procedures related to education and the Head Start/State
Preschool program;
Perform routine clerical duties;
Understand and carry out oral and written instructions;
Establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work;
Read, write, and speak a second language, designated by the district (some positions).
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENT
Qualifying applicant must have a minimum of (1) a California Child Development
Associate Teacher Permit and (2) be enrolled in a program leading to an associate’s
degree or higher in early childhood education, child development, or a related field.
Assistant teachers that already hold an associate’s degree or higher do not have to
continue enrolling in courses, however do have to have a yearly individual
professional development plan. 24 postsecondary semester or equivalent quarter units in
early childhood education or child development.
PHYSICAL ABILITIES AND WORKING CONDITIONS OF CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT
The Physical Abilities and Other Conditions of Continued Employment and the Associated Tasks
listed in this section are representative of, but are not intended to provide an exhaustive list of
Physical Abilities and Other Conditions of Continued Employment and Associated Tasks which
may be required of positions in this class. Garvey School District encourages persons with
disabilities who are interested in employment in this class and need reasonable accommodation
of those disabilities to contact the Human Resources Department for further information.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Vision: (which may be corrected)
ASSOCIATED TASKS
To perform tasks such as to:
Read small print
read stories to children
Walk over uneven terrain and use peripheral
vision
supervise children outside
Hearing: (which may be corrected)
To perform tasks such as to:
Hear sounds which warn of potential danger
supervise children and respond to
emergencies
Hear speech in classroom setting
respond to questions; supervise groups of
small children
Have tolerance to be exposed to noisy
conditions
supervise groups of small children in
classroom and playground
Speech:
To perform tasks such as to:
Speak with a level of proficiency and volume
to be understood in face-to-face public contact
greet children and parents
Speak with a level of proficiency and volume
to be understood in conditions of high noise
level
maintain order in the classroom
Upper Body Mobility:
To perform tasks such as to:
Use hands and fingers to feel, grasp, and
manipulate small objects, manipulate fingers,
twist and bend hands at wrist and elbow
prepare learning materials and activities
Extend arms to reach outward and upward,
use hands and arms to lift objects
serve snacks and meals
Turn, raise, and lower head, twist and bend
at torso
supervise children and respond to
emergencies
Lower Body Mobility:
To perform tasks such as to:
Walk on even surfaces
perform duties in the classroom
Bend at waist
operate office equipment
Stoop
participate in learning activities with
children
Step over objects
circulate in the classroom
Strength:
To perform tasks such as to:
To lift, push, pull, and/or carry objects
which weigh as much as 15 pounds on an
occasional basis
transport materials and equipment to and
from the storage room
Stamina:
Run quickly for brief spurts
To perform tasks such as to:
respond to emergency situations
Environmental Requirements:
Constant work interruptions
To perform tasks such as to:
supervise children
Exposure to sun, rain, and wind without
effective protection
supervise outdoor activities
Work around dirt/dust
supervise outdoor activities
Work independently
instruct small groups of children
Work cooperatively with others
maintain good relationships with staff
and children
Work inside
perform all classroom duties
Mental Requirements:
Read, write, understand, interpret, and apply
simple information
To perform tasks such as to:
read stories to children
Math skills at a basic level
reinforce teacher instruction
Copying
perform routine record keeping duties
Coordinating
prepare activities for children
Judgment
work safely and effectively with children
Process information quickly and make
quick decisions
respond to emergency situations
Learn quickly and follow written and
Verbal procedures and standards
follow district and program guidelines
Place information in order of importance
respond to difficult or emergency situations
Listen
understand questions of children and
parents
Demonstrate
model appropriate behavior
Other Conditions of Continued Employment:
 Speak at a conversational level and demonstrate
fluency and literacy in English
 Participate in employer-mandated training and
re-training programs
 Comply with rules and regulations of the
 Classified Service and provisions of labor
agreements
 Dress appropriately for duties
Policy Committee approval: 12-7-98
Board approval: 12-10-98
Policy Committee approval: 1-3-06
Board approval: 6-15-06
Policy Committee approval: 10-23-13
Board approval: 11-7-13