ESS Instructional assistant - TK

District: Mount Diablo Unified School District.

Job Description

Mt. Diablo Unified School District

Instructional Assistant - Transitional Kindergarten

PURPOSE

Under the supervision of a certificated TK teacher and site administrator, the

Transitional Kindergarten (TK) Instructional Assistant supports the implementation of a

developmentally appropriate curriculum for 3, 4, and 5-year-old students. This role

involves assisting in classroom instruction, supervising students, and performing tasks

to enhance the learning environment.

SUPERVISION

Reports to: Site Administrator

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

● Supports students in developing fine and gross motor skills through structured

activities.

● Monitors and guides student behavior, promoting positive interactions and

adherence to classroom norms.

● Prepares and organizes instructional materials, learning stations, and classroom

displays.

● Performs clerical duties such as maintaining records, filing, and duplicating

materials.

● Participates in staff meetings and professional development sessions as needed.

● Operates standard office equipment and applicable software systems (Google

Workspace, etc.).

● Ensures compliance with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures

● Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the

efficient and effective functioning of the classroom.

● Assist students with age-appropriate use of classroom technology and digital

learning tools.

● Supports the teacher in supervising and implementing instructional activities that

align with the California Preschool Transitional Kindergarten Learning

Foundations (PTKLF).

● Facilitates engaging activities that enhance early math, science, and language

skills, encouraging critical thinking with questions aligned to the lesson plan.

● Helps coordinate and implement organized play during lunchtime and recess,

suitable for the students' age and development.

● Monitors and reports student progress regarding academic performance and

behavior.

● Supports students with hygiene needs, including toileting, cleaning, and changing

clothes, to maintain high standards of sanitation and comfort.

● Provides differentiated, student-centered tutoring for individuals and small

groups, fostering physical, intellectual, emotional, social, and language

development, under teacher supervision.

● Communicates with teachers, students, and faculty to ensure a safe, inclusive,

and enjoyable environment.

● Supervises student meals, snacks, rest periods, and other assigned activities.

Qualifications

JOB REQUIREMENTS: MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

• ● High school diploma or equivalent required
• College Courses in early childhood

education are preferred.:

Experience:

● Experience working with young children in educational settings is preferred:

Required Knowledge:

● Child development principles specific to preschool and early elementary-aged:

children (especially ages 3-5).:

● Age-appropriate instructional strategies, learning activities, and play-based:

curriculum used in a TK classroom.:

● Basic academic subjects, including beginning reading, early math concepts, and:

early science exploration.:

● Safety and emergency procedures, including first aid and child supervision:

protocols.:

● Techniques for managing behavior using positive reinforcement and conflict:

resolution strategies.:

● School and classroom procedures, routines, and expectations.:

● Cultural sensitivity and inclusive practices that support diverse learners and:

families.:

Required Abilities:

● Relate warmly and effectively to young children and build trusting relationships:

with them.:

● Understand and follow oral and written instructions with minimal supervision.:

● Demonstrate patience, empathy, and flexibility in a dynamic and sometimes:

unpredictable classroom environment.:

● Work collaboratively with teachers, specialists, and other support staff as part of:

a cohesive team.:

● Maintain confidentiality regarding student records, behaviors, and family:

information.:

● Supervise students in a variety of settings and remain attentive and proactive in:

ensuring safety.:

Required Skills:

● Assisting with the implementation of teacher-led activities and adapting support:

based on student needs.:

● Using effective communication strategies with students and staff.:

● Organizing classroom materials and managing multiple tasks.:

● Observing and documenting student progress, participation, and behavior.:

Operating standard classroom and office equipment, such as laminators, copiers,:

computers, and tablets.:

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work Environment:

● Work is performed in a classroom setting with frequent interaction with young:

children.:

● Regular outdoor supervision of Transitional Kindergarten students (e.g.,:

playground and field trips) is expected.:

Physical Demands:

● Stand and walk for extended periods (up to 6-8 hours with breaks).:

● Bend, kneel, squat, and sit on the floor to interact with students at their level.:

● Reach overhead and stoop repeatedly in a classroom setting.:

● Use hands and arms to operate learning tools and classroom equipment.:

● Lift, carry, push, or pull up to 25 pounds on a regular basis (e.g., moving:

classroom supplies, lifting students as necessary).:

● Move quickly and safely in emergency situations, including assisting students:

with evacuation procedures.:

● Engage in physical play activities with children, including running, jumping, and:

climbing, during recess and gross motor time.:

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

● DOJ/FBI fingerprint clearance:

● TB test clearance:

Classification: Classified:

Salary Range: Classified Salary Schedule, Range 388:

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt:

Bargaining Unit: CSEA:

Date Adopted: February 11, 2026:

INDWAB:

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 ESS is Philip Downs.