Instructional Assistant - Pre-Kindergarten (Title 1)

Wake County Public School System•Raleigh, NC

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Performs instructional support work assisting classroom teachers with classroom activities and general administrative support. Implements goals and objectives established by licensed teachers and works directly with students, providing individual or small-group instruction in curricular areas as directed by teachers or administrators. The assignment may be blended across Pre-K general education, special education, and/or Title I school sites. The assistant may plan and collaborate with teachers on strategies related to childcare licensure requirements, when applicable. The position supports classroom instruction and the overall school program, helping maintain an encouraging, caring, safe, and healthy environment. Depending on the assignment, the role may include supporting students with special health care needs, assisting with behavioral interventions, and helping implement assistive technology and augmentative communication devices. The job is based at a school site in a classroom environment and is scheduled Monday through Friday, with occasional evenings and weekends.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED/equivalent.
For NC Pre-K programs: 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 instructional assistants working toward the minimum associate degree for NC Pre-K programs: make progress by completing at least six documented semester hours per year.
For Title I schools, meet the employment requirements outlined by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), Public Law 114-95.
Maintain Crisis Prevention and Intervention (CPI) certification, complete the applicable renewal process, and adhere to renewal timelines; training will be provided through WCPSS if needed.
Considerable knowledge of Microsoft Office, specifically Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and Google Apps.
Working knowledge of successful instructional delivery methods and core subjects at the grade level of the assignment.
Ability to recognize and support students from diverse backgrounds and with varied learning abilities and styles.
Ability to protect 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 in oral and written form using varied 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.
Ability to perform the physical demands of the role, including sitting and standing throughout the day and exerting up to 50 pounds occasionally, 25 pounds frequently, and 10 pounds constantly.

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 teachers with instructional activities and duties that support the total school program and a caring, safe, and healthy student environment.
Help teachers plan and organize instruction, evaluate activities, develop classroom licensure procedures, and prepare lesson materials so they are available as needed.
Work with individual students or groups in different licensed Pre-K classrooms or areas of the school, as needed.
Participate in district staff development and continued professional growth in the assigned area.
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 preserving confidentiality.
Coordinate and assist students with special health care needs, including personal hygiene, restroom functions, diapering, mobility assistance, lifting, positioning, transferring, and behavioral support using CPI skills.
For Preschool Special Education/Blended programs, support teachers in coordinating instruction for special education students, including familiarity with student IEPs.
For Preschool Special Education/Blended programs, assist teachers with strategies for implementing student behavioral intervention plans.
For Preschool Special Education/Blended programs, assist with implementation of low- and high-tech assistive technology and augmentative communication devices to meet class-wide and individual student needs.
Perform other related duties as assigned.