Instructional Assistant - Special Education, Pre-K

Wake County Public School System•Garner, NC

23h•Onsite

About The Position

The Instructional Assistant-Pre-K Blended supports classroom teachers in instructional and administrative tasks and works directly with students. The assistant implements goals and objectives established by licensed teachers, supports individual students or groups across curricular areas, and may work in Pre-K general education, special education, and/or Title I assignments. The role may involve collaboration with teachers on special strategies related to childcare licensure requirements, when applicable. The position serves the Office of Early Learning at a school site. Assignment may include supporting students with special health care needs and, in preschool special education or blended programs, assisting with IEP-related instructional programs, behavioral intervention plans, assistive technology, and augmentative communication devices. The assistant must maintain CPI certification and participate in district staff development and ongoing professional growth.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED is required for NC Pre-K programs; the employee must hold or be working toward an associate degree in birth-through-kindergarten, child development, early childhood education, or a related field, or hold a Child Development Associate credential.
Instructional assistants working toward the minimum associate degree must complete 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.
For non-NC Pre-K programs, a high school diploma or equivalent is required; Title I assignments also require meeting ESSA employment requirements.
Maintain Crisis Prevention and Intervention (CPI) certification, including completing renewals on time; training will be provided through WCPSS if needed.
Knowledge of Microsoft Office, specifically 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 in oral and written form 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 system 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, including physical, emotional, behavioral, or learning disabilities or impairments.

Responsibilities

Assist with activities that implement the total school program and support teachers in instructional activities and maintaining an encouraging, caring, safe, and healthy environment.
Help teachers plan and organize, evaluate instructional activities, develop classroom licensure procedures, and prepare materials for lessons.
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 maintaining confidentiality.
Coordinate and assist students with special health care needs, including personal hygiene, restroom functions, diapering, mobility assistance, lifting, positioning, transferring, behavioral assistance, and CPI skills.
Support teachers in coordinating instructional programs for special education students, including familiarity with students’ IEPs.
Assist teachers with strategies for implementing students’ behavioral intervention plans.
Assist teachers with low- and high-tech assistive technology and augmentative communication devices to meet classroom-wide and individual student needs.
Perform other related duties as assigned.