Instructional Assistant - Early Childhood Education Department Eligibility Pool (2026-27)

This posting is for candidates who would like to be considered for any and all Instructional Assistant - Early Childhood Education openings at OUSD. This is not an advertisement of a current vacancy at OUSD but rather an opportunity to submit applications to be screened for anticipated vacancies. Please also apply to any site specific positions you may be interested in.

Due to union restrictions, these positions are only available to current employees of this school district for the first 5 days following each posted date. Applications submitted by job seekers not currently employed by the school district will not be considered during this specific time period. EXTERNAL CANDIDATES ARE WELCOME TO APPLY.

BASIC FUNCTION: Under the direction of a Site Supervisor, provide quality child care and a safe and loving environment for children in the Child Development Center (CDC); assist with planning and implementing a variety of activities to meet the needs and interests of the children; participate in activities with assigned group of children.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES: (Incumbents may perform any combination of the essential functions shown below. This position description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, knowledge, or abilities associated with this classification, but is intended to reflect the principal job elements accurately).
E = Essential Functions

• Provide quality child care and a safe and loving environment for the children in the CDC. E
• Assist with planning and implementing a variety of activities to meet the needs and interests of the children; read stories, sing songs, play games and participate in other activities with children. E
• Supervise children in outdoor play activities; implement indoor play and activities during inclement weather. E
• Provide for the safety of the children as required; respond to a child's needs and problems in a patient, caring and sensitive manner. E
• Assist with snack and lunch time as assigned; escort children to the cafeteria for breakfast as assigned; clean up eating areas and wash children's hands and faces after play times and meals as needed. E
• Provide for the physical needs of the children. E
• Provide guidance, assistance, and encouragement with various projects; assist in promoting a healthy self-image and self-esteem. E
• Observe behavior of children and monitor for signs of neglect or suspected abuse; report such concerns according to established guidelines. E
• Maintain a clean, safe, sanitary and orderly child care environment; clean, set up, and set out toys and other materials. E
• Perform related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
TRAINING, EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Any combination of education, training and/or experience equivalent to: graduation from high school and some experience working with children.

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Personal appearance, grooming, and language patterns, which will provide a satisfactory example to pupils
• Employment eligibility that may include fingerprints, TB and/or other employment clearance.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES
KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Basic principles and practices of early child development including proper care and discipline.
• Basic record-keeping techniques.
• Safety and health practices and precautions.

ABILITY TO:

• Provide quality child care and a safe environment for children in an assigned child care center or program
• Plan and implement a variety of activities to meet the needs and interests of the children
• Provide a proper role model for program children 
• Participate in activities with assigned group of children
• Provide patient and sensitive care to infants and toddlers
• Learn, apply and explain rules, regulations and procedures of the program
• Use positive and proper methods of child control and behavior modification
• Determine appropriate action within clearly defined guidelines 
• Establish and maintain patient, gentle, supportive and cooperative working relationships with others
• Understand and follow oral and written directions.

WORKING CONDITIONS
ENVIRONMENT:
Classroom or learning environment

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Hearing and speaking to exchange information; seeing to monitor students; dexterity of hands and fingers to operate assigned equipment and demonstrate activities; bending at the waist, kneeling or crouching to assist students; reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally.

Work for Warriors is a no-cost employment program of the California Military Department for Service Members, Veterans, and military family members. The Veteran Staffing Consultant for Oakland Unified School District is Philip Downs.