Instructional Assistant- Special Education Pre-K

Wake County Public School System•Raleigh, NC

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Instructional Assistant-Pre-K supports classroom teachers with instructional activities and general administrative tasks. The assistant implements goals and objectives established by licensed teachers, works directly with students, and assists with individual or group instruction 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 classrooms or school sites. The role may also include planning with teachers on special strategies related to childcare licensure requirements, when applicable. For Pre-K special education and blended programs, the assistant supports teachers in coordinating instruction for students with special education needs, including familiarity with students’ IEPs, behavioral intervention plans, assistive technology, and augmentative communication devices. The role requires maintaining a safe, caring, and healthy environment, protecting confidential information, and supporting students’ health care needs. The position is based at a school site and operates in a classroom environment.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED/equivalent, depending on program assignment.
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 NC Pre-K instructional assistants working toward the minimum associate degree, complete at least six documented semester hours per year.
For Title I school assignments, meet employment requirements outlined by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), Public Law 114-95.
Maintain Crisis Prevention and Intervention (CPI) certification for the applicable program and complete renewals within required timelines; training will be provided by 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 assigned grade level.
Ability to recognize and support students with diverse backgrounds, learning abilities, and learning 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 environment and establish effective working relationships with school staff, students, parents, businesses, community agencies, and the public.
Ability to motivate students and constantly supervise their 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 perform medium physical work, exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 25 pounds frequently, and/or up to 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 with activities and duties that implement the total school program and support teachers in instructional activities.
Help ensure an encouraging, caring, safe, and healthy environment for students.
Assist teachers with planning, organizing, and evaluating instructional activities; developing classroom licensure procedures; and preparing materials according to lesson plans.
Work with individual students or groups in different Pre-K licensed classrooms and/or areas of the school 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 support, lifting, positioning or transferring students, and behavioral assistance using CPI skills.
Support teachers in coordinating instructional programs for special education students, including familiarity with students’ IEPs.
Assist teachers with implementing students’ behavioral intervention plans.
Assist teachers with implementing low- and high-tech assistive technology and augmentative communication devices to meet class-wide and individual student needs.
Perform other related duties as assigned.