Substitute Instructional Assistant 2025-2026

AMADOR COUNTY OFFICE OF EDUCATION COMBINED COPY OF PRESCHOOL, ELP AND SPECIAL EDUCATION JOB DESCRIPTIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS PRESCHOOL INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANT QUALIFICATIONS Knowledge of: Practical learning patterns and behavior; Elementary concepts of child development and of behavior characteristics; General needs and behavior of children; Correct English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation; Number concepts; Record keeping techniques; Basic first aid; Appropriate safety precautions and procedures. Must pass district Proficiency Exam. Ability to: Communicate with students and motivate them to participate in learning activities; Teach students who have special learning needs by watching teachers/specialists; Learn and adapt new procedures and conditions; Apply knowledge and practices with judgment; Recognize hazards to safety; Supervise students in classroom, on field trips and out-of-doors; Understand and carry out oral and written instructions; Establish and maintain effective working relationships. Employee Reports to: Preschool Teacher and Preschool Director Job Goal: To assist teachers in classroom operations; to instruct regularly placed students individually and in small groups; and to perform related work required. Examples of Duties: Supervises classroom and outdoor playground activities to direct students in to safe activities and relationships; Helps students to learn normal oral speech patterns; Observes activities of students and assists the teacher in maintaining order; Sets up and arranges supplies and equipment in the classroom for student use; Observes and records students’ behavior and other significant data; Demonstrates use of teaching aids to students; Administers basic first aid, as needed; Performs related work as required. PHYSICAL REQUIRMENTS This position requires the prospective employee to pass a pre-employment physical. 1. Employee lifts/carries 65 pounds occasionally (less than 33% of the time). 2. Employee lifts/carries 15 pounds frequently (34-66% of the time). 3. Employee lifts/carries 5 pounds constantly (67-100% of the time). 4. Employee's position requires pushing a maximum force of 14.3 pounds on objects. 5. Employee's position requires pulling a maximum force of 14.3 pounds on objects. SALARY LEVEL Range 21 of the ACOE Classified Salary Schedule. SPECIAL EDUCATION INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANT DEFINITION Under the supervision of the program administrator and the direction of a specific certificated staff member, performs the necessary duties to assist in the planning and implementation of a program for special needs children in classrooms. PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES ? Assists in planning and implementing suitable learning experiences for students. ? Helps students develop positive interpersonal relationships with peers and adults. ? Assists in the observation and recording of student development and progress. ? Supervises and/or participates in playground activities. ? Assists in preparing, monitoring, and cleaning up program facilities. ? Operates equipment necessary to program operation. ? Does clerical tasks, e.g. attendance reports, lunch count, and data keeping. ? Functions as an appropriate/positive role model. ? Attends required staff meetings and inservice training. ? Assists in the preparation and maintenance of instruction materials. ? Assists in the supervision of students at assigned tasks in and out of the classroom during normal duty hours. ? May assist students with personal needs, i.e. feeding, toileting, ambulation. ? May participate in I.E.P.T. meetings. ? Provides necessary physical care and emotional support. ? Displays calmness and control while dealing with behavioral problems and restraining “tantrumming behavior.” ? Does related work as required by job-specific position. ? Provides non-routine specialized health care needs which do not require a health/instructional aide; i.e., toileting, administration of epi pen (bee sting) and monitorization of reaction and anaphylactic reaction procedure, hyper or hypoglycerine care for a diabetic (i.e. administration of juice or sugar substitute), assisting when a student has a seizure. Training will be provided as needed. GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS Knowledge of: Child growth and development principles. Academic instruction/behavioral management. First Aid. Health care procedures. Training provided for specialized health care needs which do not require a health aide. Training for CPR certification provided as needed. Ability to: Apply techniques to handle tantrumming behavior and assist physically and severely handicapped students in movement and specialized health care procedures. Work effectively with disabled students. Respect the confidentiality of school related incidents and information. Understand and carry out oral and written instructions. Maintain cooperative relationships with those contacted in course of work. Operate necessary program equipment. Maintain accurate records. Elicit optimum student performance. Maintain positive attitude toward and control of students. DESIRABLE SKILLS Preliminary signing skills. First Aid. One year of child/youth related experience or equivalent training. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE The following is preferred: High school diploma or equivalent, additional training in child development or special education is desirable. Displays competency in academic skills such as reading, writing, and computation (Proficiency Test). PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS This position requires the prospective employee to pass a pre-employment physical. Physical Requirements: 1. Employee lifts/carries 65 pounds occasionally (less than 33% of the time). 2. Employee lifts/carries 40 pounds frequently (34-66% of the time). 3. Employee lifts/carries 20 pounds constantly (67-100% of the time). 4. Employee's position requires pushing a maximum force of 25.2 pounds on objects. 5. Employee's position requires pulling a maximum force of 80 pounds on objects. Mobility: Positions in this class require the mobility to stand, stoop, reach and bend. Vision: Positions in this class require vision (which may be corrected) to read small print. SALARY LEVEL Range 26 of the ACOE Classified Salary Schedule. EXTENDED LEARNING INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANT DEFINITION Under general direction, the Extended Learning Instructional Aide will assist the Extended Learning Instructor in implementing the Extended Learning Program. The primary function of this employee is to assist the Instructor in the daily operations of the before and after school program. To instruct regularly placed students individually and in small groups; and to perform related work as required. To assist the students with the daily homework assignments and to help maintain a safe and healthful environment for the children in the Extended Learning Program. The Extended Learning Instructional Aide will be responsible to the Extended Learning Instructor, the Site Supervisor, and the Extended Learning Program Director. TYPICAL DUTIES ? Supervises classroom and outdoor playground activities to direct students into safe activities and relationships. ? Maintains professionalism and confidentiality. ? Helps student on a daily basis with their homework assignments. ? Observes activities of students and assists the teacher in maintaining order. ? Sets up and arranges supplies and equipment in the classroom for students to use. ? Demonstrates a positive role model to the students at all times. ? Administers basic first aid, as needed. ? Maintains professional competence through in-service education activities provided by the district and/or self-elected professional growth activities. ? Performs related work as required. PREFERRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES ? Knowledge of youth issues and ability to lead groups of children in school based activities. ? Understand and carry out oral and written instructions. ? Positive attitude towards children of all socio-economic and cultural backgrounds. ? Team player, willing to learn, committed to serving Amador County children. ? Learn and adapt new procedures and conditions. ? Establish and maintain effective working relationships. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS High school graduate or GED diploma. Experience in a Child Care Center, Preschool, or Recreation program or 6 units or training in ECE/CD is desirable. A passing score on the district proficiency exam. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS This position requires the prospective employee to pass a pre-employment physical. 1. Employee lifts/carries 65 pounds occasionally (less than 33% of the time). 2. Employee lifts/carries 15 pounds frequently (34-66% of the time). 3. Employee lifts/carries 5 pounds constantly (67-100% of the time). 4. Employee's position requires pushing a maximum force of 14.3 pounds on objects. 5. Employee's position requires pulling a maximum force of 14.3 pounds on objects. SALARY LEVEL Range 21 of the ACOE Classified Salary Schedule.