Preschool Instructional Assistant (2026-2027)

Summary

CLASS TITLE: INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANT I
Basic Function: Assist a certificated teacher in providing instruction to individual or small groups typically in programs with exceptional children or equivalent programs; monitor and report student progress.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Instructional Assistant I incumbents assist a certificated teacher by performing a variety of support functions in a regular classroom setting.

Representative Duties

• Tutor individuals or small groups of students typically with a disability or handicap, reinforcing and implementing instruction as directed by the teacher;
• Maintain records of student progress;
• Participate as member of an instructional team including remediation teams;
• Develop appropriate relationships with parents and team members;
• Serve as a resource person to the student personnel evaluation team;
• Transport students to and from activities and assist in preparation for treatment as required;
• Prepare and organize lessons as directed by the teacher;
• Administer and score a variety of tests according to established guidelines;
• Absorb and implement, record and monitor student's IEP;
• Monitor and report behavior of students according to approved procedures;
• Report progress regarding student performance and behavior;
• Check and assist students with lab work as necessary;
• Perform routine clerical duties such as preparation of instructional and classroom materials;
• Operate copy machines;
• Maintain classroom records;
• Maintain attendance records;
• Assist in overseeing students while in labs or other activities;
• Provide for supplies inventory as necessary;
• Assist students in such physical tasks as putting on and taking off of outer wear, moving from room to room, using the lavatory and others;
• Assist student in getting on and off the bus;
• Assist students by providing proper examples, emotional support, a friendly attitude and general guidance;
• Confer, as needed, with teachers concerning programs and materials to meet student needs;
• Contact parents of students who are absent;
• Make home visits as necessary;
• Assure the health and safety of students by following health and safety practices and regulations;
• Direct group activities of students as assigned;
• Assist in monitoring lunchroom and playground activities as assigned;
• Assist in emergency drills, assemblies, play periods and field trips;
• Participate in meetings and in-service training programs as assigned;
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Abilities

• Knowledge of: Basic subjects taught in the District schools, including arithmetic, grammar, spelling, language and reading; Safe practices in classroom and playground activities; Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary; Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy; Basic record-keeping techniques.
• Ability to: Learn child guidance principles and practices; Communicate and maintain effective relationships with students, parents, staff and the public including members of ethnic communities; Perform routine clerical duties in support of classroom activities; Print and write legibly; Add, subtract, multiply and divide quickly and accurately; Understand and follow oral and written directions; Learn procedures, functions and limitations of assigned duties; Communicate effectively both orally and in writing; Learn to apply and explain policies and procedures related to school and program activities; Work cooperatively with others; Monitor, observe and report students behavior according to approved policies and procedures; Operate instructional and office equipment.

Education Requirements

Must have 60 credit hours from an institution of higher education (transcript required); OR Hold an Associate's (or higher) Degree (transcript required) OR Pass the Kentucky Paraeducator Assessment (KPA). This assessment must be given before the candidate is hired.