John Hay Elementary - Preschool Instructional Assistant (203/7) - 1.0 FTE

About the Role

This position involves working with individual and/or small groups of students under the supervision of a certificated teacher to provide supervision, instruction, and clerical support. Instructional Assistants in Early Learning classrooms support developmentally appropriate environments with instructional strategies tailored for young children.

Responsibilities

• Assist assigned teacher with long and short-range planning and implementation of activities aligned with curriculum objectives, developmentally appropriate practices, and program philosophy.
• Provide input for assessment tools of children’s development through 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 meetings, in-service presentations, and trainings to acquire and convey job-related information.
• Confer with teachers and parents to evaluate students' progress and implement or modify student objectives.
• Implement instructional programs and lesson plans under the supervision of the assigned teacher to improve students' academic success.
• Maintain classroom resources, work areas, student files, and records (e.g., adapting instructional materials, managing audio-visual equipment, updating bulletin boards).
• Monitor students in various settings (e.g., classroom, playground, field trips, library, lunchroom, bus loading/unloading) to ensure safety and provide assistance as needed.
• Perform record-keeping and clerical functions (e.g., copying, correcting papers, completing attendance verifications, managing phone calls).
• Report observations and incidents (e.g., accidents, fights, inappropriate behavior, safety violations) to appropriate personnel.
• Respond to emergency situations (e.g., injured students, fights) to resolve immediate safety concerns or direct to appropriate personnel.
• 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 of college credit), OR
  • A passing score on the Praxis Parapro Assessment Test.
• One year of related paid work experience.
• Valid State of Washington Driver’s License or evidence of equivalent mobility.
• Clearance of Criminal Justice Fingerprint & background check.

Skills

• Ability to perform multiple, non-technical tasks, with potential need for skill upgrades.
• Proficiency in operating standard office equipment and using pertinent software applications.
• Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records.
• Basic math skills, including calculations using fractions, percents, and ratios.
• Ability to read manuals, write documents, and present information to others.
• Understanding of complex, multi-step written and oral instructions.
• Knowledge of grammar and punctuation concepts.
• Understanding of child development stages and learning styles, as well as age-appropriate activities.
• Ability to schedule activities/meetings, gather/collate data, and use job-related equipment.
• Flexibility to work with diverse individuals and data, and operate equipment using standardized methods.
• Ability to communicate with diverse groups, maintain confidentiality, set priorities, work as part of a team, and handle constant interruptions.
• Proficiency in keyboarding and computer use.

Benefits

Seattle Public Schools benefits are administered by the Washington State Healthcare Authority (HCA) under the School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB). 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.

Pay

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