What are the responsibilities and job description for the Instructional Assistant (IA) - Pre-K, Early Childhood Programs (ECP) 2026-2027 position at Pasco County Schools?
Estimated Start Date: 08/10/2026
Location: Connerton Elementary, 9300 Flourish Dr., Land O' Lakes, FL 34637
Specialty: Early Childhood Programs - Voluntary Prekindergarten Education Program (VPK)
Age (4-5)
School Related Personnel - SRP
Full-Time, Benefit Eligible
JOB SUMMARY
Responsible for assisting teacher(s) in providing a well-organized, smoothly functioning educational environment in which students of pre-kindergarten age can take full advantage of the instructional program and available resources, under the direct supervision of a Highly Qualified Teacher.
REQUIRED EDUCATION, TRAINING & EXPERIENCE
- Associate Degree, completion of 60 semester hours of college or passing score of 457 on the ParaPro Test
- All employees must satisfactorily complete any required training. All employees must meet all mandated federal and state health requirements
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES & REGISTRATIONS
- Satisfactory completion of American Red Cross First Aid course, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) course, and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) course, or complete within three months of hire
- Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential, or complete within two years of hire
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
- Health Exam: Requires an initial health examination by physician upon offer or an official Post-Offer Employment Testing (POET)
- TBD: Screening for tuberculosis to assure no significant risk to the health and safety of others
- Knowledge of federal and state guidelines related to Pre-Kindergarten Services
- Satisfactory completion of American Red Cross First Aid course, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) course, and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) course, or complete within three months of hire
- Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential, or complete within two years of hire
New staff members hired after the VPK program begins must complete these trainings within two months:
- Standards for Four Year Olds
- Most have Emergent Literacy for VPK Instructors
- How to Administer the VPK Assessment
- Language and Vocabulary in the VPK Classroom
- Integrating the Standards: Phonological Awareness
- VPK Assessment Instructional Implications
Current and former parents or guardians of children served by the Head Start program will receive preference for employment in Head Start vacancies for which they apply.
Click here for Job Description.
BACKGROUND SCREENING:
Pasco County Schools utilizes the Florida Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse for fingerprinting and Level II background screening.
For more information about the Florida Clearinghouse and Level II background screening requirements, including eligibility assessments and compliance guidelines, please visit https://info.flclearinghouse.com
Notification of Nondiscrimination: The District School Board of Pasco County does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, marital status, disability, or age in its programs, services, and activities or in its hiring and employment practices.