The Instructional Assistant (IA) assists the Teacher in the delivery of an instructional program, through preparation of the classroom and materials, and through working with individual and small groups of students. The IA also provides supervision of student activities in order to ensure that the school maintains a safe and orderly environment. This includes providing assistance and supervision for children during lunch and/or assigned recesses as well as during our before school and after school programs.
The Instructional Assistant (IA) performs work of a variable nature in accordance with established procedures and guidelines under the general direction of the Teacher. At times this work is under the direct watch of the Teacher, and at other times the work is physically removed from the Teacher. The nature of the work follows established classroom and school procedures. The incumbent interfaces and problem-­â€solves with students, teachers, administrators, department colleagues, and parents. Because this job involves continuous interaction with students, the position requires a high level of professional decorum, calm, and ability to act as a role model to young people. The incumbent does not have adult supervisory responsibilities but may provide guidance and assistance to regular or temporary employees, as required. 

During the school year when students are in session, the work day could start as early as 6:45am and could end as late as 6:00pm. During vacation breaks, there is work available, but not guaranteed. The position is for an 8 hour shift which includes a 30 minute unpaid lunch break. The schedule may be adjusted based on the needs of the position.

Essential Job Functions:

• Conducts oneself in the best interest of students, in accordance with the highest traditions of public education and in support of the school’s mission.
• Assists in the academic instruction and presentation of instructional materials by individually working with small groups of students, or individual students
• Provides classroom support to the Teacher by setting up work areas and displays and distributing and collecting paper, supplies and materials.
• Supervises a variety of student activities including playground, cafeteria, bus loading, field trips, and other areas where students gather
• May be required to provide occasional assistance for the physical needs of a student by helping with feeding needs, and/or assisting with restroom assistance.
• Prepares, administers, and scores various tests and assignments as directed, including proficiency placement tests
• Provides assistance to students as the students review and complete classroom assignments, homework, and projects
• Encourages acceptable student behavior and assists in maintaining classroom discipline. Guides and reinforces student understanding of classroom rules and procedures
• Assists students by answering questions, providing proper examples, and offering general guidance.
• Performs a variety of clerical duties using basic office equipment, computers, word processing software, spreadsheets, classroom software, and classroom computer programs
• Works with accuracy and attention to detail to meet deadlines.
• Understands and executes oral and written instructions, policies, and procedures.
• Maintains confidentiality.
• Maintain effective working relationships with other members of the custodial staff, school personnel, students, and parents. Effectively works and communicates with students, parents, and staff from diverse cultures or backgrounds including those who speak limited or no English.

Essential Job Functions:

• Conducts oneself in the best interest of students, in accordance with the highest traditions of public education and in support of the school’s mission.
• Assists in the academic instruction and presentation of instructional materials by individually working with small groups of students, or individual students
• Provides classroom support to the Teacher by setting up work areas and displays and distributing and collecting paper, supplies and materials.
• Supervises a variety of student activities including playground, cafeteria, bus loading, field trips, and other areas where students gather
• May be required to provide occasional assistance for the physical needs of a student by helping with feeding needs, and/or assisting with restroom assistance.
• Prepares, administers, and scores various tests and assignments as directed, including proficiency placement tests
• Provides assistance to students as the students review and complete classroom assignments, homework, and projects
• Encourages acceptable student behavior and assists in maintaining classroom discipline. Guides and reinforces student understanding of classroom rules and procedures
• Assists students by answering questions, providing proper examples, and offering general guidance.
• Performs a variety of clerical duties using basic office equipment, computers, word processing software, spreadsheets, classroom software, and classroom computer programs
• Works with accuracy and attention to detail to meet deadlines.
• Understands and executes oral and written instructions, policies, and procedures.
• Maintains confidentiality.
• Maintain effective working relationships with other members of the custodial staff, school personnel, students, and parents. Effectively works and communicates with students, parents, and staff from diverse cultures or backgrounds including those who speak limited or no English.

Instructional Assistants may also be placed in our extended day childcare program to help with student supervision before and after school. Employees in the extended day programs must be able to take on these additional responsibilities:

Extended Day Duties:

• Collaborate and assist in designing and implementing activities and assignments to encourage attendee's intellectual, creative, artistic, and athletic enrichment and abilities.
• Assist students with their daily homework
• Interact with children in an effort to build self-esteem and form a comfort level with their peers; answer student questions, provide proper examples, emotional support, a friendly attitude, and general guidance. 
• Assure student understanding of program rules and procedures; maintain appropriate order and student conduct. 
• Assist in resolving student disputes; refer serious discipline problems to program supervisors. 
• Monitor children to ensure their health, safety and physical well-being; perform routine First Aid and CPR; perform first aid in emergency situations according to established procedures; enforce and ensure the health and safety rules and procedures are observed. 
• Perform a variety of low level clerical duties in support of program activities such as preparing, typing, duplicating and filing materials; log and record information; create and maintain records and files as assigned
• Operate a variety of after school program supplies and equipment including athletic equipment, arts and crafts equipment, and office equipment as assigned. 
• Act as a liaison between parents, staff, and school personnel; assist in conferring with parents regarding student performance and behavior as necessary. 
• Assist in the maintenance of accounting procedures for budgeting and expenditures and inventory of equipment and supplies. 
• Assist with enrolling students. 
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Bilingual Spanish & English 
• Must possess an understanding of child development principles and practices.
• Must be able to communicate effectively with other employees and students using tact, courtesy and good judgment.
• Must be able to collect data and perform basic mathematical functions.
• Must be able to communicate in written and spoken Spanish and English with accuracy and attention to detail. 
• Ability to understand and execute oral and written instructions.
• Must be able to operate standard office equipment such as computer, word processor, calculator and photocopier.
• Willing to acquire a food handler’s card.

Working Conditions:

The Instructional Assistant works primarily within the classroom and other areas of the school building and grounds where students may congregate. Although the primary work is indoors, the Instructional Assistant frequently works outdoors supervising students, in variable weather conditions including inclement weather.

The incumbent must be able to stand and/or walk for long periods of time. The incumbent must be able to observe multiple students across large and small physical spaces and attend to individual student’s needs while ensuring that other students are not unattended. The incumbent will need to walk quickly at times, and assume various physical postures associated with instruction and caring for students, including:

• Sitting
• Pushing and pulling
• Lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Bending, stooping, twisting, kneeling, reaching
• Speaking and hearing often in a noisy environment

Potential exposures include, but are not limited to: blood-­â€borne pathogens; aggressive behavior from students; cold and hot temperatures; and inclement and severe weather. The position involves a high level of interaction with children from multiple and diverse backgrounds, many of whom have particular or unique physical and affective needs. Occasional attendance at meetings or activities outside of the normal worksite may be required.