Preschool Instructional Assistant I

Mercer County Schools 

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Instructional Assistant I                                  Reports to: Assistant Director of Special Education

Job Class Code: 7320                                                   Work Schedule: 6.5-8 Hours/180 Days

Pay Scale: See Current Salary Schedule                         Approval Date: 

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES

BASIC FUNCTION: Assist a certified preschool teacher in managing a classroom and implementing early childhood educatin activities.  Responsibilities include supervising students, assisting with small groups, and helping children develop cognitive, language, self-help/adaptive, social-emotional, and motor skills. They ensure a safe, nurturing environment and help maintain classroom operations (including cleaning, feeding and toileting needs).

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS: Instructional Assistant I incumbents assist a certificated teacher by performing a variety of support functions in a preschool classroom setting.  Instructional Assistant incumbents work within a complex program typically requiring additional skills and characterized by increased independence of action.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES: 

• Teach individuals or small groups of students, reinforcing and implementing instruction as directed by the teacher; maintain records of student progress.
• Monitor and report behavior of students according to approved procedures; report progress regarding student performance and behavior; check and assist students with work as necessary.
• Perform routine clerical duties such as preparation of instructional and classroom materials; operate copy machines; maintain classroom records; maintain attendance records.
• Assist students by providing proper examples, emotional support, a friendly attitude and general guidance.
• Ensure the health and safety of children, assist with hygiene and meals, and supervise indoor/outdoor play.
• Guide positive child behavior, promote sharing and conflict resolution, and help children learn daily routines.
• Confer, as needed, with teachers concerning programs and materials to meet student needs.
• With the preschool teacher, make home visits as necessary.
• Assure the health and safety of students by following health and safety practices and regulations.
• Direct group activities of students as assigned; assist in monitoring lunchroom and playground activities as assigned; assist in emergency drills, assemblies, play periods and field trips.
• Participate in meetings and in-service training programs as assigned.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Early childhood development and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Safe practices in classroom and playground activities.
• Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
• Basic record-keeping techniques.

ABILITY TO:

• Learn child guidance principles and practices.
• Communicate and maintain effective relationships with students, parents, staff and the public including members of ethnic communities.
• Perform routine clerical duties in support of classroom activities.
• Print and write legibly.
• Add, subtract, multiply and divide quickly and accurately.
• Must be able to sit on small chairs, kneel, stoop, and stand for extended periods.
• Ability to frequently lift, carry, push, or pull objects weighing up to 30 pounds
• Understand and follow oral and written directions.
• Learn procedures, functions and limitations of assigned duties.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Learn to apply and explain policies and procedures related to school and program activities.
• Work cooperatively with others.
• Monitor, observe and report students behavior according to approved policies and procedures.
• Operate instructional and office equipment.
• Provide health services as needed and as dictated by student population for which training and authorization have been provided.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Must pass the Paraeducator Assessment in accordance with State Regulations or have completed 64 college credit hours.

IMPORTANT NOTES

Work actually performed by incumbents in this position may vary. Although this document may be used for recruiting, staffing, or career planning, the information contained herein should only be used as a guideline or recommendation for the content and qualifications for this position. An individual’s ability to meet the qualifications and capabilities described in this document is not a guarantee of employment or promotion. Mercer County School District reserves the right to make changes to this document as deemed necessary without providing advance written notice. This employer does not knowingly discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, or national origin.