Instructional Assistant - Special Education, Pre-Kindergarten

School/Department: Office of Early Learning (OEL) – School Site

Pay Grade: Noncertified Grade 20 or 21 (dependent upon assignment(s))

Work Week Schedule: Monday-Friday (occasional evenings and weekends)

About the Role

Performs instructional support work assisting classroom teachers in classroom activities as well as general administrative support tasks. Implements goals and objectives established by licensed teachers and works directly with students. Assists in the instruction of individual students or groups of students in all curricular areas as directed by teachers or administrators. Plans and collaborates with teachers in devising special strategies related to childcare licensure requirements, if applicable. Position can be utilized in more than one assignment (blended).

Responsibilities

• Provides assistance with activities and duties that implement the total school program, assists teachers in instructional activities, and ensures an encouraging, caring, safe, and healthy environment for all students.
• Aids teachers with planning and organizing, evaluating instructional activities, developing classroom licensure procedures, and preparing necessary materials; ensures materials for students are readily available according to the needs of the lesson plan.
• Demonstrates professional and technical skills necessary to function effectively in the classroom and to support the school program.
• Works with an individual student and/or specific groups of students in different pre-k licensed classrooms and/or areas of the school, as needed.
• Participates in the district staff development program and continued professional growth in the area of assignment.
• Maintains a positive disposition, exercises good judgement, and remains calm when dealing with students at all times.
• Compiles, maintains, and files reports, records, and other required documents, maintaining confidentiality.
• Coordinates and assists students with special health care needs, which could include:
  • Personal hygiene, restroom functions, diapering, etc.
  • Mobility assistance including lifting, positioning, or transferring student(s).
  • Behavioral assistance and Crisis Prevention and Intervention (CPI) skills.
• For Preschool Special Education/Blended Programs:
  • Provides support and assistance to teachers in coordinating instructional programs for special education students, including familiarity with student’s IEP; ensures an encouraging, caring, safe, and healthful environment for all students.
  • Assists teachers with strategies related to the implementation of students’ behavioral intervention plans.
  • Assists teachers with implementation of low- and high-tech assistive technology and augmentative communication devices in the classroom to meet both class-wide and individual student needs.
• Performs other related duties, as assigned.

Requirements

For NC Pre-K Programs (can include Blended and/or Title I)

• High school diploma or GED.
• Shall hold or be working towards an Associate’s degree in birth-through-kindergarten, child development, early childhood education, or an early childhood education related field or a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential.
• Instructional assistants working toward the minimum of an associate degree shall make progress by completing a minimum of six documented semester hours per year.
• For Title I schools, meet the employment requirements outlined by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), Public Law 114-95.

For Non NC Pre-K Programs (can include Preschool Special Education/Self-Contained, Blended, and/or Title I)

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• For Title I schools, meet the employment requirements outlined by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), Public Law 114-95.

Qualifications

• Considerable knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google Apps.
• Working knowledge of successful instructional delivery methods.
• Working knowledge of the core subjects at the grade level to which employment assignment is made.
• Ability to recognize and support students of diverse backgrounds, learning abilities, and learning styles.
• Ability to protect the confidentiality of personally identifiable information in accordance with FERPA and other applicable laws.
• Ability to work in a team environment and effectively collaborate with others.
• Ability to motivate students and constantly supervise their safety and well-being.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.
• Ability to implement academic and behavioral interventions, as needed.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with school staff, students, parents, businesses, community agencies, and the public.

Certifications

• Maintain a Crisis Prevention and Intervention (CPI) certification (training provided if needed).

Preferred Qualifications

• CPR and First Aid certification.
• For Pre-K Special Education and Blended programs, experience working with or assisting individuals with special needs.

Work Environment

This job operates in a classroom environment and requires sitting and standing throughout the day. The role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, scanners, and copiers. The position may require direct contact with school system staff, external funding agencies, and the community.

Work is considered medium physical work, requiring the exertion of up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Proper lifting techniques may be provided by the school’s Physical Therapist if needed.