Bailey Gatzert Elementary - Preschool Instructional Assistant (203/7) - 1.0 FTE

About the Role

The Instructional Assistant works with individual and/or small groups of students under the supervision of a certificated teacher, providing both instructional support and clerical assistance. Those assigned to an Early Learning classroom support developmentally appropriate environments with strategies tailored to young children.

Responsibilities

• Assist assigned teacher with long- and short-range planning and implementation of activities aligned with curriculum objectives, developmentally appropriate practice, and program philosophy.
• Provide input for assessment tools by recording anecdotal records of children’s development.
• Arrange and maintain a classroom environment that reflects program goals and philosophy, ensuring a safe and healthy setting.
• Meet all applicable state licensing and classroom certification regulations.
• Attend meetings, in-service presentations, and trainings to acquire and convey job-related information.
• Confer with teachers and parents to evaluate students’ progress and adjust objectives as needed.
• Implement instructional programs and lesson plans under the teacher’s supervision to improve students’ academic success.
• Maintain classroom resources, work areas, student files, and records (e.g., adapting materials, operating audio-visual equipment, updating bulletin boards).
• Monitor students in various settings (classroom, playground, field trips, library, lunchroom, bus loading/unloading) to ensure safety and provide assistance.
• Perform record-keeping and clerical tasks (e.g., copying, grading papers, completing attendance records, managing phone calls).
• Report observations and incidents (e.g., accidents, behavioral issues, safety concerns) to appropriate personnel.
• Respond to emergencies (e.g., injuries, conflicts) to address immediate safety concerns or direct to appropriate staff.
• Support the classroom teacher in implementing curriculum and teaching methodologies.
• Perform related duties consistent with the scope of the position.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• One of the following:
  • Completion of an associate degree, or
  • Completion of two years of college (72 quarter hours or 48 semester hours), or
  • A passing score on the Praxis Parapro Assessment Test.
• One year of related paid work experience.
• Valid Washington State Driver’s License or equivalent mobility.
• Clear criminal justice fingerprint and background check.

Skills

• Ability to perform multiple, non-technical tasks, with potential for skill upgrades as job conditions change.
• Proficiency in operating standard office equipment and relevant software applications.
• Basic math skills, including calculations with fractions, percents, and ratios.
• Ability to read manuals, write documents in prescribed formats, and present information to others.
• Understanding of complex, multi-step instructions.
• Knowledge of grammar, punctuation, child development stages, learning styles, and age-appropriate activities.
• Ability to schedule activities, gather and collate data, and use job-related equipment.
• Flexibility to work with diverse individuals, data, and equipment in varied circumstances.
• Problem-solving skills to identify issues and select action plans.
• Strong communication skills with diverse groups, ability to maintain confidentiality, set priorities, and work as part of a team.
• Ability to work with constant interruptions.
• Proficiency in keyboarding and computer use.

Benefits

Eligibility for benefits is determined by the number of hours worked during the school year (September 1 through August 31). Employees scheduled to work 630 hours or more in a year are eligible for benefits through the Washington State Healthcare Authority (HCA) under the School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB).

Pay

Refer to the salary schedule associated with this role and others like it (Schedule 01).