Job Details

Salary: $21.05 - $25.60 Hourly
Location : El Cerrito, CA
Job Type: Temporary/Seasonal
Job Number: 2025-16
Department: Recreation
Opening Date: 09/19/2025
Closing Date: Continuous

CLASS DESCRIPTION
FULFILLING WORK WITH YOUTH GRADES K - 6 IN AFTERSCHOOL CHILD CARE SETTINGS!
THE DEPARTMENT AND POSITION

The City of El Cerrito Recreation Department is renowned for running high-quality, fun & safe programs for children - winning many "Best of the Bay" awards based on the high satisfaction of parents and children. The "Department of F.U.N." manages a full range of recreational and special activities for youth, adults and seniors, and provides activities, rentals of facilities, picnic areas, sports fields and tennis courts.

Under general supervision of the Recreation Supervisor, staff in this position have the opportunity to do impactful and meaningful work helping children learn and explore in engaging and interesting environments. They assist in and conduct a variety of youth recreation activities within the Childcare and Camp programs. Childcare staff are comprised of Aides, Afterschool Teachers, and Preschool Qualified Teachers that work primarily in the Afterschool programs of the local elementary schools. The staff also work in a Teeter Tots program for ages 2-4. These positions are seasonal and usually assigned up to 20-25 hours per week. Hours include on-call, substitute and part-time.

Additional information:
• Program runs August 18th - June 5th (many staff stay on for summer/year-round!)
• Program provides afterschool enrichment activities, snack, and homework assistance at Fairmont, Madera and Harding Elementary schools.
• All locations are in El Cerrito, close to BART and the Ohlone bike trail.
• Hiring at all levels - youth work "rookies" to experienced Teachers!
• $21.05-25.60 per hour DOE
• Shifts available: 1:00 - 6:00pm or 2:30 - 5:30pm, Monday-Friday

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (DUTIES)
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Assists with, conducts, and participates in a variety of childcare and recreation activities; works directly with children in class activities and projects.
• Assists City staff in the implementation of childcare programs.
• Conducts and participates in the planning of curriculum activities.
• Assists in maintaining an appropriate and safe indoor and outdoor environment.
• Interacts with children in a warm and positive manner.
• Ensures maintenance of a clean and safe learning environment including classroom and outside play area; maintains clean and sanitized eating areas and equipment; ensures classroom supplies are available and in good working order.
• Administers first aid and adult and/or child cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) as required.
• Attends trainings, workshops, and classes related to job duties.
• Receives and responds to questions and concerns; determines issue and resolves within established guidelines or refers to supervisor as appropriate.
• Maintains logs and records of activities including incident reports and training logs.
• Observes and complies with all City, local, state, federal, and other applicable mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Performs related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education:

• Equivalent to completion of the eighth (8th) grade.
• Completion of Early Childhood Education coursework is desirable.

Experience:

• If assigned to a licensed childcare site, the minimum age for positions in this classification is typically eighteen (18), positions in this classification can be seventeen (17) if allowed by California State licensing standards and regulations.
• Some experience working with children in a childcare or educational setting is preferred.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of a valid California Driver's License or Identification Card to be maintained throughout employment.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain within three (3) months of appointment, a valid Adult/Child/Infant CPR/AED and First Aid certifications from the American Red Cross or equivalent agency, to be maintained throughout employment.
• If assigned to a licensed childcare site, Adult/Child/Infant CPR/AED and First Aid certifications must comply with California Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA) requirements.

Knowledge of:

• Basic practices and methods of instruction, care, and supervision of toddler, preschool and/or school-aged children.
• Concepts of child development and behavior patterns of toddler, preschool, and/or school-aged children.
• Procedures and practices for maintaining classroom and playground safety.
• Behavior management techniques.
• Curriculum frameworks and development.
• Basic maintenance and cleaning practices.
• Occupational hazards and standard safety practices.
• Recordkeeping principles and procedures.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations as well as industry standards and best practices pertinent to the assigned area of responsibility.
• City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols including basic first aid and adult and/or child cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) methods.
• Techniques for de-escalation and providing a high level of customer service by effectively assisting with the public, vendors, and City staff.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination.
• Computers and software programs (e.g., Microsoft software packages) to conduct, compile, and/or generate documentation.

Ability to:

• Assists in the monitoring, supervision, and oversight of the daily activities and operations of a classroom or playground setting.
• Create and maintain a safe learning environment.
• Think and act quickly and effectively in emergencies.
• Maintain discipline, order, and safety in a crowded and noisy environment.
• Maintain facilities and equipment in a clean, safe, and secure manner.
• Maintain accurate logs, records, and basic written records of work performed.
• Perform basic mathematical calculations.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing using the English language.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Additional Requirements:

• Must be 18+ years or older; Appropriate clearance from background check/finger printing
• Proof of eligibility to work in the United States.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
Employees primarily work in a classroom environment with moderate to high noise levels and controlled temperature conditions. Incumbents may be exposed to blood and body fluids rendering First Aid and CPR or when tending to children's hygiene. Employees also work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, dust and air contaminants. Employees also work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, dust and air contaminants. Employees may interact with challenging individuals while interpreting and enforcing policies and procedures.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Incumbents may be required to wear uniforms and may be required to work varied shifts as needed, in addition to responding as a Disaster Services Emergency Worker.
This position is non-benefited.

In accordance with California state law, you are entitled to five (5) paid sick leave days per year. These days are eligible for use following your 90th day of employment with the City.