Instructional Assistant K-3 / Playground Assistant

Pendergast Elementary School District•Avondale, AZ

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The job of Instructional Assistant K-3 is done for the purpose(s) of assisting (under direct supervision) in the supervision and instruction of students; relieving teachers of clerical tasks. The job of Playground Assistant is done for the purpose(s) of providing for the safety and welfare of students during non-classroom activities; communicating observations and incidents that may impact students’ general well-being; and providing appropriate emergency care as may be necessary.

Requirements

High school diploma, GED or equivalent
60 College Credit Hours or AA Degree or proof of successfully passing a State-approved Para-professional assessment https://www.ets.org/parapro/test-takers/about.html
Proof of immunity to Measles and German Measles (MMR)
Fingerprint Clearance Card (IVP)
Skills are required to perform multiple, non-technical tasks with a need to periodically upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions.
Specific skills required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: various specific skills.
Knowledge is required to perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percents, and/or ratios; read a variety of manuals; write documents following prescribed formats; and/or present information to others; and understand complex, multi-step oral and written instructions.
Specific knowledge required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job includes: knowledge of pertinent codes, policies, regulations and/or laws.
Ability is required to schedule activities; collate data; and use basic, job-related equipment.
Flexibility is required to independently work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing specific, defined processes; and operate equipment using defined methods.
Ability is also required to work with a wide diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with variety of data; and utilize specific, job-related equipment.
In working with others, independent problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans.
Problem solving with data requires following prescribed guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is limited.
Specific abilities required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adhering to safety practices; communicating with diverse groups; and meeting deadlines and schedules.

Nice To Haves

Job-related experience
Such alternatives to the above required & preferred qualifications as the Superintendent/Designee may find appropriate and acceptable

Responsibilities

Administers tests for the purpose of assisting teacher in evaluating students’ progress
Assists students, individually or in groups, with lesson assignments for the purpose of presenting and/or reinforcing learning concepts
Assists teachers (e.g. reading, drill work, storytelling, correcting papers, supervising testing, etc.) for the purpose of developing and implementing lesson plans
Assists the teacher with non-instructional duties (e.g. snacks, toileting, clothing routines, etc.) for the purpose of providing assistance to teacher and students as may be required
Confers with teachers for the purpose of assisting in evaluation of students’ progress and/or implementing of students’ objectives
Guides independent study (e.g. enrichment work, remedial work, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring student success
Maintains classroom equipment, student’s files, records, etc., for the purpose of ensuring availability of items and/or documentation as may be required
Monitors individual students, classroom and/or playground activities for the purpose of providing a safe and positive learning environment
Participates in various meetings (e.g. in-service training, etc.) for the purpose of sharing information and/or improving one’s skills/knowledge
Performs record keeping and basic clerical functions (e.g. scheduling, copying, etc.) for the purpose of supporting the teacher in maintaining student files and providing classroom materials
Responds to emergency situations (e.g. injured students, fights, etc.) for the purpose of resolving immediate safety concerns
Assists other personnel as may be required for the purpose of supporting them in the completion of their work activities
Perform such other duties and assumes such other responsibilities as may be assigned by the Superintendent/Designee
Administers first-aid for the purpose of providing immediate emergency care
Assists students with personal care requirements for the purpose of addressing immediate need or referring to appropriate party
Diffuses potential emergency situations for the purpose of minimizing disruptions of campus activities and/or injury to students or staff
Monitors campus environment for the purpose of ensuring unauthorized persons are not on school grounds in violation of school and district policies
Monitors playground equipment for the purpose of providing equipment for playground activities
Monitors students during assigned periods, lunch periods and recesses within a variety of school environments (e.g. restrooms, playgrounds, hallways, classrooms, library, bus stops, cafeteria, etc.) for the purpose of providing for the safety and welfare of students
Reports observations and incidents relating to specific students (e.g. discipline, accidents, inappropriate social behavior, violations of campus rules, etc.) for the purpose of communicating information to teachers and/or administration
Facilitates games among students for the purpose of providing age-appropriate activities