Instructional Aide - Preschool (2026-27)

Columbia • Columbia, MO

1d • 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 and in small groups.
• Add, subtract multiply and divide using units of American money, weight, volume and distance.
• Understand and follow verbal and written instructions, Solve problems involving concrete variables within standardized situations.
• Establish and maintain positive relationships with others while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries; Demonstrate excellent oral, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills; Demonstrate excellent listening skills.
• Speak and hear in an environment where numerous conversations and activities may be taking place simultaneously; Move around a classroom to interact with and manage students/groups of students; Read handwritten or printed material; The selected applicant will frequently stand, stoop, bend and kneel; The selected applicant must physically assist students with feeding, self-care, and toilet tasks as needed; The selected applicant may have to quickly follow or catch up to a mobile student and redirect the student back to the appropriate class or activity. The selected applicant must 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 with a 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 bus arrival/dismissal.
• Provide direct caregiving services (i.e., feeding, toileting, personal care) under the supervision of teachers and staff.
• Perform other duties as necessary to support the mission and vision of Columbia Public School District.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree