Developmental Preschool Instructional Assistant - Part-Time

Peoria Unified School District•Glendale, AZ

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Developmental Preschool Instructional Assistant supports students with disabilities and specialized educational programs on campus, working under the direction of school administration, special education teams, and teachers. The role provides individualized assistance in classroom and other school environments, helps students participate in instruction and daily activities, and contributes to a positive and supportive learning environment. The position is part-time, lasts for a nine-month term, and is assigned to Canyon Elementary in Glendale, Arizona.

Requirements

Associate degree or higher, or at least two years of post-secondary education equivalent to 48 semester hours from an accredited higher education institution, or demonstrated knowledge by meeting the rigorous standard on the district’s Paraprofessional Assessment.
Possess or obtain an Arizona IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card.
Pass a background clearance check.
Provide a Social Security number for AHCCCS provider purposes.
Obtain and maintain an Arizona driver's license.
Complete training in CPR, First Aid, Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (CPI), and specialized training for students with disabilities if needed.
May be required to demonstrate written and oral fluency in English.
Knowledge of applicable federal, state, county, and city statutes, rules, policies, and procedures, and applicable district and departmental policies and procedures.
Understanding of the needs and characteristics of students with a variety of disabilities, including Specific Learning Disability, Other Health Impaired, and Emotional Disability.
Knowledge of classroom and behavior management, record/file/database management, child development stages, and developmental delays.
Flexibility, common sense, and good judgment.
Ability to follow oral and written directions; identify, prevent, and deescalate negative behaviors; and assist students in progressing toward IEP goals.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, vendors, students, parents, the public, and others conducting business with the district.
Skill operating a personal computer and a variety of software applications.

Nice To Haves

Prior work experience with high-risk students with special needs is preferred.

Responsibilities

Meet the needs of students with disabilities on campus under the direction of school administration and special education teams.
Monitor and assist students in multiple classroom environments so they can complete tasks, stay focused, and receive accommodations specified in their Individual Education Plans (IEPs).
Cover absences for Classroom Independence Assistants and assistants in specialized programs.
Assist in teaching and modeling workplace skills and positive behaviors.
Assist students with daily living skills, including feeding, toileting, and mobility.
Monitor, intervene in, and redirect student behaviors; take steps to prevent and deescalate behavior.
Use assistive technology and assist students in using it.
Collect data related to IEP goals.
Lead individual and small-group student activities under teacher direction.
Facilitate communication between general education and special education teachers.
Escort students to and from classes, activities, and transportation buses as needed.
Maintain documentation and student-file records, and maintain and update computer files.
Perform other assigned duties, which may include playground or cafeteria monitoring.
Prepare instructional materials and copies, and prepare and distribute learning materials according to teacher direction.
Assist students in using educational tools.