Instructional Assistant - TK

Palmdale School District • Palmdale, CA

11d • Onsite

About The Position

Under the supervision of a certificated teacher and site administrator, the Instructional Assistant performs duties supporting Transitional Kindergarten (TK) educational programs and the learning needs of students ages 3 to 5. The role supports early childhood development, including social, motor, pre-academic, and emotional-regulation skills through play-based learning. It involves preparing learning materials, assisting with classroom management, and providing personal care such as toileting, feeding, and cleanliness support.

The position works part-time for seven hours per day on a 182-day work calendar, in accordance with program needs. The job is primarily performed indoors in a climate-controlled environment, with some outdoor student activities. The role may involve exposure to adverse weather, bloodborne pathogens or illness, sanitizing agents, and classroom noise. The District provides a benefits package for employees and eligible dependents, subject to the applicable contract year and benefit terms.

Requirements

• Some Instructional Assistant experience working with preschool-aged children in an educational or child-care setting.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• At least 12 completed units of Early Childhood Education (ECE) or Child Development coursework from a regionally accredited college or university.
• Meet one of the ESSA proficiency alternatives in reading, writing, math, and classroom instruction: an associate degree or higher; completion of 48 units from a nationally accredited college or university; or passage of a proficiency test administered by the Palmdale School District.
• Applicants using a degree or 48 or more college units to satisfy the academic proficiency requirement must attach official college transcripts to the application; otherwise, they must pass the academic proficiency assessment in addition to the job-specific examination.
• Foreign high school or college-level coursework must be supported by a Foreign Equivalency Certification from a professional agency recognized by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
• Applicants who meet minimum qualifications must take a qualifying written multiple-choice and oral examination; valid picture identification is required for admission.
• Ability to perform physical tasks that may include lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, climbing, balancing, stooping, squatting, kneeling, bending, overhead and horizontal reaching, and manipulating instructional materials, writing instruments, and a computer keyboard and mouse.
• Sufficient hearing and speaking ability to exchange information.

Responsibilities

• Support the classroom teacher in classroom and learning-station activities and projects, including general cleanup afterward.
• Support classroom routines such as arrival, meals and snacks, rest time, dismissal, outings, and other activities; oversee bus loading and unloading.
• Observe students; provide individualized or small-group instruction; answer questions; and counsel and calm students as needed.
• Assist in supervising students and maintaining order in the classroom, on school grounds, and during playground and other activities.
• Assist children with self-help skills, hygiene, and toilet training as required.
• Support the teacher in assessing programs and organizing instructional materials.
• Maintain a neat, orderly, and attractive learning environment, including preparing bulletin-board materials and classroom decorations.
• Attend and participate in staff in-service sessions and other meetings as required.
• Prepare and operate audiovisual, computer, standard office, and other related equipment that supports the instructional program.
• Perform general clerical duties.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and term life insurance for each employee and eligible dependents, per contract year.
• Seventeen paid holidays that fall within the work year, pursuant to the District's Collective Bargaining Agreement with CSEA Chapter 296.
• Sick leave granted in proportion to daily hours worked.
• Vacation earned at the prescribed rate as part of compensation, becoming vested after completion of the initial probationary period.
• Upon becoming permanent, a one-step salary advance, with future annual advances up to the fifth step of the salary schedule.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED