Instructional Assistant, PreK

Major Duties/Essential Functions

• Performs curricular, instructional, clerical, and support tasks to assist teachers and other professional staff in a PreK classroom or other instructional setting.
• Works with the teacher to provide instructional or developmental activities for a general or special education population.
• Performs remedial instruction or tasks to reinforce learning initiated by a teacher or professional staff.
• Works with students requiring individual or close attention.
• Observes and assists individual students experiencing difficulties.
• Aids in the development of individualized programs.
• Prepares a variety of instructional materials and reports, as requested.
• Works with individuals or small groups of students.
• Reads to students, listens to their recitations, and collaborates on reading strategies.
• Facilitates activities with groups of students engaged in drawing, writing, independent study, or other work.
• Aids in teaching classes of basic skills and may monitor a computer, writing, or other technology laboratories under general supervision.
• Aids in instructing students with special needs under the supervision of the teacher, including monitoring students on independent work.
• Supervises and monitors students in off-site vocational training and community travel settings, as assigned.
• Helps maintain order and assists with managing the behavior of students, including behavior intervention plans and crisis management.
• Proctors tests and examinations, corrects and scores objective tests.
• Maintains inventory and distributes instructional materials and supplies.
• Aids in maintaining files containing student work and evaluation and assessment data; observes, gathers, and records assessment data on students, reviews observations/progress of students with instructional staff.
• Continues instructional activities during the teacher's absence from the classroom.
• Aids in routine care, including personal hygiene, feeding, and other tasks, as required or requested.
• On occasion, serves as a substitute teacher.
• Performs related duties as required or assigned.

Qualifications

• Graduation from high school or General Equivalency Diploma (GED).
• One (1) year of experience working with children as a volunteer or paid employee, or equivalent participation in any teacher education introductory course with the provision of documented support.
• Advanced degree(s) beyond the minimum degree requirement in a relevant field may be considered for some experience.
• For assignments to Title I schools: Associate degree; OR Two years of college (48 credit hours); OR Meet a rigorous standard of quality demonstrated through a state or local academic assessment knowledge of, and the ability to assist with, reading, writing, and mathematics instruction.
• Knowledge and understanding of child growth and development.
• Knowledge of instructional procedures and practices applicable to assignment.
• Knowledge of subject matter reinforcement practices of the classes to which assigned.
• Ability to implement teachers' instructional plans in assigned field.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to learn and practice the instructional goals and policies of the Fairfax County Public Schools.
• Ability to work effectively with students and staff.
• Ability to assist with the implementation of an instructional program and related technology, and to participate in monitoring and ensuring appropriate student behavior.
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions and to perform all required tasks.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Preferred Qualifications

• For assignments to Title I schools: Associate degree; OR Two years of college (48 credit hours); OR Meet a rigorous standard of quality demonstrated through a state or local academic assessment knowledge of, and the ability to assist with, reading, writing, and mathematics instruction.