Instructional Assistant-Early Childhood

POSITION: Instructional Assistant-State Preschool

Purpose

The job of Instructional Assistant-State Preschool is done for the purpose/s of providing support to the instructional program within assigned classroom with specific responsibility for working with individual and/or small groups of students; and providing support to teacher/s and staff.

This job reports to Assigned Administrator/Supervisor.

Essential Functions

• Adapts classroom activities, assignments and/or materials under the direction of the supervising teacher for the purpose of supporting and reinforcing classroom objectives.

• Administers activities and materials for students under the supervision of assigned teacher for the purpose of supporting teachers in the instructional process.

• Assists assigned teacher in the implementation of developmentally appropriate activities and strategies for the purpose of providing support for teachers and students.

• Assists students, individually or in small groups for the purpose of introducing, practicing, and/or reinforcing learning concepts and assisting students in reaching goals.

• Attends meetings and in-service presentations for the purpose of acquiring and/or conveying information relative to job functions.

• Completes anecdotal observations for the purpose of assisting in the collection of assessment support.

• Maintains classroom equipment, work area, and manual and electronic files and records for the purpose of ensuring availability of items, providing written reference, providing a safe learning environment, and/or meeting mandated requirements.

• Provides immediate first aid and medical assistance as instructed by a health care professional (e.g. diapering, hygiene, medication, etc.) for the purpose of meeting immediate health care needs.

• Reports observations and incidents relating to specific students (e.g. inappropriate social behavior, violations of rules, safety conditions, etc.) for the purpose of communicating information to appropriate instructional and/or administrative personnel.

• Responds to emergency situations (e.g. injured student behavioral incidents, etc.) for the purpose of resolving immediate safety concerns and/or directing to appropriate personnel for resolution.

• Supervises individual and/or groups of students in a variety of settings (e.g. classroom, playground, field trips, library, lunchroom, bus loading/unloading, etc.) for the purpose of providing a safe and positive learning environment.

• Supports classroom teachers and other school personnel for the purpose of assisting them in the implementation of curriculum and teaching methodologies.

Other Functions

• Performs other related duties as assigned (e.g. prepares meals and maintains a clean and organized classroom environment, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

SKILLS are required to perform multiple tasks with a potential need to upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: operating standard office equipment including using pertinent software applications; preparing and maintaining accurate records; and adhering to safety practices and procedures.

KNOWLEDGE is required to perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percent, and/or ratios; read a variety of manuals, write documents following prescribed formats, and/or present information to others; and understand complex, multi-step written and oral instructions. Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: concepts of grammar and punctuation; stages of child development and learning styles; age appropriate activities; job-related codes/laws/rules/regulations/policies; and practicing cultural competency while working collaboratively with diverse groups and individuals.

ABILITY is required to schedule activities; collate data; and use basic, job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to work with others; work with data utilizing defined and similar processes; and operate equipment using standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a wide diversity of individuals; work with a variety of data; and utilize a variety of job-related equipment. Problem solving is required to identify issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data may require independent interpretation; and problem solving with equipment is limited to moderate. Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: communicating with diverse groups; maintaining confidentiality; setting priorities; working as part of a team; working with constant interruptions; and adapting to changing work priorities.

Responsibility

Responsibilities include: working under direct supervision using standardized procedures; leading, guiding, and/or coordinating others; operating within a defined budget. There is a continual opportunity to have some impact on the organization's services.

Work Environment

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 20% sitting, 50% walking, and 30% standing. The job is performed under conditions with some exposure to risk of injury and/or illness.

Experience: Job related experience is desired.

Education: High school diploma or equivalent.

Equivalency: Any combination equivalent to: two years of college in a related field and sufficient training and experience to demonstrate the knowledge and abilities listed above. Associate's degree preferred.

The stated education and experience requirements are the preferred minimum qualifications for this job. However, relevant experience to substitute for the education requirement and relevant education, certificates and/or licenses to substitute for the experience requirement may be allowed.

Required Testing: Certificates and Licenses

Valid First Aid and CPR Certification issued by an authorized agency.

Continuing Educ. / Training: Clearances

Maintains Certificates and/or Licenses Department of Justice & FBI LiveScan Clearance

Current Pertussis (TDAP), Measles (MMR), and Influenza Immunizations Pre-Placement Health Assessment

Tuberculosis Risk Assessment Clearance

FLSA Status Approval Date Salary Grade

Non Exempt 10

Requirements / Qualifications

Requirements / Qualifications