Thornton Creek Elementary - Preschool Instructional Assistant - 1.0 FTE

About the role

Instructional Assistant works with individual and/or small groups of students under the supervision of a certificated teacher in the supervision and instruction of students; and provides clerical support to teacher/s and staff. Instructional Assistants assigned to an Early Learning classroom support the developmentally appropriate classroom environment with instructional strategies that are unique to young children.

Responsibilities

• Assist assigned teacher with both long and short range planning and implementation of activities in accordance with curriculum objectives, developmentally appropriate practice and program philosophy.
• Provide input for assessment tool of children’s development by providing anecdotal records.
• Arrange a classroom environment in accordance with program goals and philosophy and help to maintain a safe and healthy environment.
• Meet all applicable state licensing or classroom certification regulations.
• Attend functions as assigned (e.g., meetings, in-service presentations, trainings, etc.) for the purpose of acquiring and/or conveying information relative to job functions.
• Confer with teachers and/or parents as may be required for the purpose of providing input into the evaluation of students’ progress and/or implementing/modifying students’ objectives.
• Implement under the supervision of assigned teacher, instructional programs and lesson plans for the purpose of assisting the teacher in improving students’ academic success through a defined course of study.
• Maintain classroom resources, work area, students’ files/records (e.g., adapting instructional materials, audio visual equipment, bulletin boards, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring availability of items and/or providing reliable information.
• Monitor individual and/or groups of students in a variety of settings (e.g., classroom, playground, field trips, library, lunchroom, bus loading/unloading, etc.) for the purpose of identifying required assistance and ensuring a safe and positive learning environment.
• Perform record keeping and clerical functions (e.g., copying, correcting papers, completing attendance verifications, taking and recording phone calls, etc.) for the purpose of supporting the teacher and/or in providing necessary records/materials.
• Report observations and incidents relating to specific students (e.g., accidents, fights, inappropriate social behavior, violations of rules, safety conditions, etc.) for the purpose of communicating information to appropriate instructional and/or administrative personnel.
• Respond to emergency situations (e.g., injured student, fights, etc.) for the purpose of resolving immediate safety concerns and/or directing to appropriate personnel for resolution.
• Support classroom teacher for the purpose of assisting them in the implementation of curriculum and teaching methodologies.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Operate standard office equipment including using pertinent software applications; prepare and maintain accurate records.
• Perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percents, and/or ratios; read a variety of manuals, write documents following prescribed formats, and/or present information to others; understand complex, multi-step written and oral instructions.
• Concepts of grammar and punctuation; stages of child development and learning styles; and age-appropriate activities.
• Schedule activities and/or meetings; gather and/or collate data; use basic, job-related equipment.
• Work with others in a variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing defined but different processes; operate equipment using standardized methods.
• Work with a wide diversity of individuals; work with a variety of data; utilize job-related equipment.
• Communicate with diverse groups; maintain confidentiality; set priorities; work as part of a team; work with constant interruptions.
• Keyboard and use computers.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent and 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.

Experience

One year of related paid work experience.

Certification & Licenses

• Valid State of Washington Driver’s License or evidence of equivalent mobility.
• Clearances: Criminal Justice Fingerprint & background check.