Overview of Position

The job of Instructional Assistant is done for the purpose/s of working with individual and/or small groups of students under the supervision of a certificated teacher in the supervision and instruction of students; and providing 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.

Essential Functions

• 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 to program goals and philosophy and help to maintain a safe and healthy environment.
• Meet all applicable state licensing or classroom certification regulations.
• Attends functions as assigned (e.g. meetings, in-service presentations, trainings, etc.) for the purpose of acquiring and/or conveying information relative to job functions.
• Confers 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.
• Implements 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.
• Maintains 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.
• Monitors 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.
• Performs 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.
• Reports 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.
• Responds 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.
• Supports classroom teacher for the purpose of assisting them in the implementation of curriculum and teaching methodologies.

• Performs related duties consistent with the scope of the position.

• Skills are required to perform multiple, non-technical tasks with a potential need to upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions.
• Specific skills required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: operating standard office equipment including using pertinent software applications; preparing and maintaining accurate records.
• Knowledge is required to 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; and understand complex, multi-step written and oral instructions.
• Specific knowledge required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job includes: concepts of grammar and punctuation; stages of child development and learning styles; and age appropriate activities.
• Ability is required to schedule activities and/or meetings; gather and/or collate data; and use basic, job-related equipment.
• Flexibility is required to work with others in a variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using standardized methods.
• Ability is also required to work with a wide diversity of individuals; work with a variety of data; and utilize job-related equipment.
• In working with others, some problem solving may be required to identify issues and select action plans.
• Problem solving with data may require independent interpretation; and problem solving with equipment is limited to moderate.
• Specific abilities required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: communicating with diverse groups; maintaining confidentiality; setting priorities; working as part of a team; and working with constant interruptions.
• Ability to keyboard, use computers.

Typical Qualifications

EDUCATION:

High school diploma or equivalent and 1) completion of an associate degree, OR 2) completion of two years of college, not a degree but seventy-two (72) quarter hours or forty-eight (48) semester hours of college credit, or 3) a passing score on the Praxis Parapro Assessment Test.

YEARS OF RELEVANT 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.