Cascadia 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 instructional support and clerical assistance. Assignments in Early Learning classrooms require supporting a developmentally appropriate environment with instructional strategies unique to young children.

Responsibilities

• Assist the assigned teacher with long- and short-range planning and implementation of activities aligned to curriculum objectives, developmentally appropriate practice, and program philosophy.
• Provide input for assessment tools of children’s development by contributing anecdotal records.
• Arrange and maintain a classroom environment consistent with program goals and philosophy, ensuring a safe and healthy setting.
• Meet all applicable state licensing or classroom certification regulations.
• Attend assigned functions (meetings, in-service presentations, trainings) to acquire and convey information pertinent to job functions.
• Confer with teachers and/or parents to provide input on student progress and to implement or modify student objectives.
• Implement instructional programs and lesson plans under the teacher’s supervision to improve students’ academic success.
• Maintain classroom resources and student files/records, including adapting instructional materials, audio-visual equipment, and bulletin boards.
• Monitor individual and/or groups of students in varied settings (classroom, playground, field trips, library, lunchroom, bus loading/unloading) to identify assistance needs and ensure a safe, positive learning environment.
• Perform record-keeping and clerical functions (copying, correcting papers, attendance verification, answering and recording phone calls) to support the teacher and maintain necessary records.
• Report observations and incidents (accidents, fights, inappropriate social behavior, rule violations, safety conditions) to appropriate instructional or administrative personnel.
• Respond to emergency situations (injured student, fights) to resolve immediate safety concerns or direct to appropriate personnel.
• Support the classroom teacher in implementing curriculum and teaching methodologies.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Operate standard office equipment and use pertinent software applications; prepare and maintain accurate records.
• Perform basic math (fractions, percents, ratios); read manuals, write documents in prescribed formats, and present information to others; understand multi-step written and oral instructions.
• Demonstrate knowledge of grammar and punctuation; stages of child development and learning styles; age-appropriate activities.
• Schedule activities and meetings; gather and collate data; use basic, job-related equipment.
• Work flexibly with others, diverse data, and standardized equipment; operate within defined processes.
• Communicate with diverse groups; maintain confidentiality; set priorities; work as part of a team; handle constant interruptions.
• Keyboard and use computers.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent and one of the following:

• Completion of an associate degree, or
• Completion of two years of college (72 quarter hours or 48 semester hours of college credit), or
• A passing score on the Praxis Parapro Assessment Test.

Experience

One year of related paid work experience.

Certification & Licenses

• Valid State of Washington Driver’s License or equivalent mobility evidence.
• Criminal Justice Fingerprint & background check.