Instructional Assistant - Special Needs Preschool

Location: Various schools within the district
Accountable to: Principal
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
Calendar: 195 days

About the Role

Under direct supervision, provides assistance to teachers in a diverse classroom environment by supporting special education students with academic, social, emotional, functional, language, and behavior skills. Monitors students on the playground and in the cafeteria, and assists with classroom preparation and daily activities.

Responsibilities

• Works with special education students individually or in groups on special projects or assignments, including academic, social, emotional, functional, language, and behavior skills, as well as activities of daily living.
• Demonstrates skills and techniques to aid in student learning and development.
• Monitors student behavior and enforces school and classroom standards and policies.
• Assists special needs students with feeding, toileting/diapering, physical activities, instructions, and behavior management to create a positive environment.
• Assists with adaptive equipment.
• Maintains discipline by monitoring student behavior, issuing warnings, and documenting formal notices or unusual incidents.
• Monitors students and ensures safety on the playground and in the cafeteria before school, during breakfast and lunch, and during recess. Reports any unusual incidents or injuries to school administration.
• Accompanies students to various areas (library, playground, cafeteria, buses) to ensure orderly behavior.
• Prepares classrooms for activities, including setting up tables and chairs, distributing materials, and cleaning up afterward.
• Communicates with parents regarding student progress, concerns, and behavioral or academic improvements. Interprets communications between teachers and parents when necessary.
• Copies and prepares educational materials and assists teachers in planning and coordinating lesson plans by providing student feedback.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent (G.E.D.) prior to hire.
• Must receive CPR certification within thirty days of hire date.
• IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Six months of experience working with children in a learning environment.

Skills

• Understanding of child development theories.
• Knowledge of basic mathematical concepts and typical classroom activities.
• Experience working with children, including those with special needs.
• Ability to apply appropriate techniques and procedures for classroom and behavior management.
• Facilitation of group activities in a learning environment.
• Preparation of classrooms for various activities and following lesson plans.
• Application of school rules, policies, and procedures.
• Strong communication skills for interacting with supervisors, staff, students, and parents.

Physical Requirements

• Regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.
• Frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Occasionally required to climb or balance.
• Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Working Conditions

• Occasionally exposed to outdoor weather conditions.
• Moderate noise level in the work environment.

Pay

$16.50 to $19.50 per hour

Schedule

Full-time and part-time positions available.