South Shore PreK-8 - Preschool Instructional Assistant - 1.0 FTE

General summary: The Instructional Assistant works with individual and/or small groups of students under the supervision of a certificated teacher, providing both instructional support and clerical assistance to teachers and staff. Those assigned to an Early Learning classroom support developmentally appropriate strategies unique to young children.

Responsibilities

• Assist assigned teacher with long- and short-range planning and implementation of activities aligned with curriculum objectives, developmentally appropriate practice, and program philosophy.
• Provide input for assessment tools of children’s development through anecdotal records.
• Arrange and maintain a classroom environment that aligns with program goals and philosophy, ensuring a safe and healthy setting.
• Meet all applicable state licensing and 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 students’ 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, operating audio-visual equipment, updating bulletin boards).
• Monitor students in various settings (classroom, playground, field trips, library, lunchroom, bus loading/unloading) to ensure safety and a positive learning environment.
• Perform record-keeping and clerical functions (e.g., copying, correcting papers, completing attendance verifications, taking and recording phone calls).
• Report observations and incidents (e.g., accidents, fights, inappropriate behavior, rule violations, safety conditions) 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.
• Criminal Justice Fingerprint and background check clearance.

Skills

• Operate standard office equipment and use pertinent software applications.
• Prepare and maintain accurate records.
• Perform basic math calculations (fractions, percents, ratios).
• Read and understand multi-step instructions; write documents in prescribed formats.
• Knowledge of grammar, punctuation, child development stages, learning styles, and age-appropriate activities.
• Schedule activities and meetings; gather and collate data.
• Flexibility to work with diverse individuals, data, and equipment.
• Communicate effectively with diverse groups; maintain confidentiality; set priorities; work as part of a team; handle constant interruptions.
• Keyboarding and computer proficiency.

Benefits

Eligibility for benefits is determined by the number of hours employees are anticipated to work during the school year (September 1 through August 31). Any employee scheduled to work 630 hours or more in a year is eligible for benefits. Seattle Public Schools benefits are administered by the Washington State Healthcare Authority (HCA) under the School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB).

Pay

Refer to the salary schedule associated with this role.