Job Description

Definition and Purpose

Under the supervision of the Head Teacher and Assistant Director-Children’s Programs, the Lead Children’s Center Student Assistant’s role is to support full time teaching staff in the daily supervision of the children and management of the classroom ratios. This includes assisting in delegating responsibilities to Children’s Center Student Assistants, supporting the onboarding and training of new Children’s Center Student Assistants, implementation of daily curriculum planned by full time teaching staff, and ensuring the classroom environment is clean, safe, and organized.

This position is based at the Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, CA.

Requirements

Educational Requirements and Qualifying Experience

• Must be a currently enrolled student at Cal Poly with a minimum of 6 units. Graduate students must carry 4 units.
• Must have working knowledge of basic child development and at least 12 completed units in ECE/CD.
• Must have at least 6 months of part-time experience working with children under the age of 6.
• Proof of a negative tuberculosis (TB) test, completed health screening, and fingerprint clearance is required.
• Provide verification of Flu shot, or signed waiver.
• Must have clear understanding of title 5 and title 22 licensing ratios and rules.
• Ability to work effectively with young children in a group setting, including those with diverse needs and abilities.
• Strong communication skills, including giving clear directions and collaborating with team members to ensure proper supervision and ratios.
• Ability to mentor and support student assistants in program philosophy and daily routines.
• Receptive to feedback and able to follow direction while exercising sound judgment within established guidelines.
• Reliable, self-motivated, and able to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Demonstrates flexibility, adaptability, and the ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Maintains confidentiality and professionalism at all times.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Assume responsibility for children's supervision in all areas of the classroom environment per Title 22 licensing guidelines and Title 5 requirements.
• Assist Head Teacher in managing the use of Children’s Center Student Assistants to meet the needs of the daily classroom ratios and routines.
• Under the direction of the Head Teacher, maintain clear and consistent communication with the Children’s Center Student Assistants regarding the needs of the classroom and children.
• Support training Children’s Center Student Assistants in classroom management, supporting and engaging children, and following the daily schedule and procedures.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintain a welcoming environment for all center children, families, visitors, and staff members.
• Maintain a professional relationship with all staff and co-workers.
• Demonstrate a commitment to student development and leadership. 
• Ensure punctuality and adhere to absence protocols.
• Ensure a safe environment for all participants through awareness of safety concerns and effective risk management.
• Attend all mandatory meetings, workshops, and retreats.
• Adhere to and enforce all ASI departmental policies and procedures.

Specialized Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist Full Time staff in abiding by Title 22 licensing ratio and Title 5 classroom ratios by communicating staffing plans with student assistants.
• Assist Head Teacher in providing appropriate learning experiences for young children including set up and maintenance of the environment.
• Assist Head Teacher/Teacher in supervising children in the classroom, in the yard, and during walking trips.
• Assist with meal set-up service, and clean up processes, while modeling food safety and compliance with CACFP.
• Assist in personal care of the children including diaper changing, toilet capability and other personal care routines as required.
• Perform tasks as required for daily classroom routines.
• Use appropriate and acceptable language with the children.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• The person holding this position is considered a "mandated reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in ASI policy as a condition of their employment.
• Other duties as assigned.

Period of Employment

Employment with this organization is of an "at will" nature, which means that the employee may resign at any time and ASI may discharge the employee at any time with or without cause.

Background Check

Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check) is required for employment. ASI will make a conditional offer of employment, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current ASI employee who was conditionally offered the position.

Benefits

Compensation and Hours

• Hourly Pay Rate: $17.40 per hour
• Hourly Pay Range: $17.40 per hour
• Sick Leave

Position requires a minimum of two consecutive terms of work availability.

Location: Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA.

The Associated Students, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Date revised: 06/02/2026