Instructional Assistant - Pre-K, Special Programs

Wake County Public School System•Raleigh, NC

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Instructional Assistant-Pre-K provides instructional and general administrative support to classroom teachers and works directly with students. The assistant implements goals and objectives established by licensed teachers and supports individual students or groups across curricular areas as directed by teachers or administrators. The assignment may be blended across Pre-K general education, special education, and/or Title I settings. The position is based at a school site in the Office of Early Learning. In Pre-K special education or blended programs, the assistant supports teachers in coordinating instruction for students with special education needs, using student IEPs, implementing behavioral intervention plans, and using assistive technology and augmentative communication devices. Duties may also include helping students with health care needs, personal hygiene, mobility, and behavioral support. The position operates in a classroom and requires sitting and standing throughout the day, use of standard office equipment, and medium physical work. The workweek is Monday through Friday, with occasional evenings and weekends.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED, and hold or be working toward an associate degree in birth-through-kindergarten, child development, early childhood education, or a related early childhood education field, or hold a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, for NC Pre-K programs.
Instructional assistants working toward the minimum associate degree must complete at least six documented semester hours per year.
For Title I schools, meet employment requirements outlined by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), Public Law 114-95.
For non-NC Pre-K programs, have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Maintain the required Crisis Prevention and Intervention (CPI) certification and renew it according to applicable timelines; CPI training will be provided by WCPSS if needed.
Knowledge of Microsoft Office, particularly Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and Google Apps.
Working knowledge of successful instructional delivery methods and core subjects at the assigned grade level.
Ability to recognize and support students with diverse backgrounds, learning abilities, and learning styles.
Ability to protect confidential personally identifiable information in accordance with FERPA and other applicable laws, policies, and regulations.
Ability to work collaboratively in a team, motivate students, and constantly supervise student safety and well-being.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely orally and in writing using a variety of communication techniques and tools.
Ability to implement academic and behavioral interventions as needed.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with school staff, students, parents, businesses, community agencies, and the public.

Nice To Haves

CPR and First Aid certification.
For Pre-K Special Education and blended programs, experience working with or assisting individuals with special needs.

Responsibilities

Assist with activities and duties that implement the school program and support teachers’ instructional activities and a caring, safe, and healthy environment.
Help teachers plan and organize activities, evaluate instruction, develop classroom licensure procedures, and prepare lesson materials.
Work with individual students or groups in different licensed Pre-K classrooms or school areas as needed.
Participate in district staff development and continued professional growth related to the assignment.
Maintain a positive disposition, exercise good judgment, and remain calm when working with students.
Compile, maintain, and file reports, records, and other required documents while protecting confidentiality.
Coordinate and assist students with special health care needs, including personal hygiene, restroom functions, diapering, mobility, lifting, positioning, transfers, and behavioral support.
Support teachers in coordinating instructional programs for special education students, including becoming familiar with student IEPs.
Assist teachers with implementing students’ behavioral intervention plans.
Assist with classroom implementation of low- and high-tech assistive technology and augmentative communication devices.
Perform other related duties as assigned.