Preschool Instructional Assistant - Part Time - Salk Elementary School

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver, under teacher’s direction, classroom work/homework and/or reinforce classroom objectives, provide 1:1 and/or small group instruction tailored to student IEP goals
• Aid in the development of instructional materials and maintenance of the classroom
• Proactively collect and monitor data related to academic and behavioral goals, demonstrating initiative and accountability while utilizing district-approved tools and systems
• Aid in modifying curriculum to meet individual learning needs
• Implement positive behavior intervention plans for students who display challenging behaviors including verbal and physical aggression
• Actively monitor and respond to problem behaviors according to the student’s positive behavior intervention plan and district crisis intervention policy
• Model and maintain use of de-escalation strategies to support students in behavioral and emotional distress
• Transfer and/or lift non-ambulatory students to assist them in the performance of their daily activities
• Aid students with personal hygiene to provide for and/or develop students’ daily living activities and behavioral skills
• Aid students who need support in addressing personal care needs due to a severe medical condition and/or physical limitations (i.e. toileting, diapering, feeding, dressing suctioning, etc) to ensure their functioning in a school environment
• Perform and act in accordance with training as required by the health office
• Accompany students as they transition across campus including but not limited to arrival and dismissal
• Maintain classroom and student equipment to ensure a safe environment
• Model professional, safe, responsible and respectful behavior
• Perform general clerical tasks to support the teacher in the maintenance of student files and to provide classroom materials
• Perform Medicaid billing in school programs (training provided)
• Participate in various meetings to share information and/or improve one’s skills and/or knowledge
• Solicit feedback for continuous improvement and participate in professional learning and district led professional development
• Collaborate with the SPED team focused on meeting student IEP goals

Required Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or 60 college credit hours required at time of hire OR pass the ParaPro Test provided by the district free of charge
• 6 months experience with preschool children

Preferred Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Previous experience and record of effectiveness in similar roles

Skills & Competencies

• Models the attributes and skills of the MPS Portrait of a Graduate
• Demonstrates commitment to the MPS Promise that every student is known by name, served by strength and need, and graduates ready for college, career and community
• Ability and willingness to work with special education students who may require specialized instruction to meet academic, social, and behavior goals
• Ability to work well in stressful situations
• Ability to work well with young children, staff and parents; good verbal and written communication skills; maintain confidentiality
• Computer proficiency to include basic abilities in using the district’s Google platform
• Ability to operate standard office machines
• Organize and prioritize workload and to work with minimum supervision

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Works closely with special education teachers, general education staff, therapists, and administrators
• May be in resource rooms, inclusion settings, or self-contained classrooms
• Supports students with disabilities, which may include intellectual, developmental, emotional, or physical disabilities
• Each day can vary based on student needs, schedules, behavior, and support plans
• Must be able to stand, walk, sit, bend, and kneel frequently throughout the day
• May need to lift or assist students who have physical disabilities including transferring students to and from wheelchairs, standing frames, or other equipment (commonly 25-50 lbs, but sometimes more)