Instructional Aide - Preschool (2026-27)

Columbia•Columbia, MO

2d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is to assist the teacher with reinforcing concepts/skills, monitoring student progress, assisting with discipline and assisting with the planning process for instructional goals or implementation of the intervention program. This is a full-time position.

Requirements

Missouri substitute teaching certificate
36+ college credit hours, or Associates degree, or 20-hour DESE sub course.
Prior experience in a school setting and/or working with young people.
Read, comprehend, and produce written and oral instructions, correspondence, and memos
Communicate one-on-one, in small groups, and in large groups.
Add, subtract multiply and divide using units of American money, weight, volume and distance.
Understand and follow verbal and written instructions
Interpret instructions presented in written, oral, diagram or schedule form
Solve problems involving concrete variables within standardized situations.
Perform basic computer skills including word processing and basic data entry related to student needs on district-provided technology
Readily utilize smart boards, projectors and other instructional technology provided by the district
Adhere to all District policies and procedures regarding technology usage.
Establish and maintain positive relationships with students, faculty and staff while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries
Identify needs and abilities of individual students and to adapt instructional methods accordingly
Perform multiple tasks simultaneously.
Frequently stand, stoop, bend and kneel
Frequently move throughout the building and must be able to walk long distances
Physically assist students with feeding, self-care, and toilet tasks as needed
Regularly lift 30 pounds.
May have to quickly follow or catch up to a mobile student and redirect the student back to the appropriate class or activity.
Have both close and distance vision.
Consistent and regular attendance is an essential function of this position.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree
Missouri teaching certificate
Previous teaching experience
Ability to work in a team-teaching setting
A strong desire to teach and be responsible for instructing children as assigned.
Professional and friendly demeanor
Demonstrated ability to work well with a variety of individuals in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

Assist the staff in implementing lesson plans or programs to meet the learning needs of a particular group of children.
Work with staff to carry out daily classroom activities or program needs, supervising students, providing instructional support and caregiving services under supervision of staff.
Assist the teachers in supervising students in non-classroom settings such as lunchroom/playground supervision and arrival/dismissal.
Facilitate and stay involved in active participatory learning
Perform other duties as necessary to support the mission and vision of Columbia Public School District.