Instructional Assistant - Elementary - Elmont Elementary School

Hanover County Public Schools•Ashland, VA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Provides administrative, clerical, and human support to assist the classroom teacher with student instruction and classroom management. Work is performed under the classroom teacher’s direction and supervision, although the assistant may independently carry out particular aspects of the instructional program. The assistant organizes student supplies and materials, keeps them accessible, and helps maintain a clean, orderly classroom free of potential hazards. The role supports instruction across subject areas, reinforces skills taught by the teacher, and helps address students’ individual needs, abilities, interests, and social-emotional behaviors. The assistant may help prepare lessons and learning materials, collect student data, monitor students in class and during other activities, and assist with personal hygiene, including toileting as needed. The position is assigned to a school, works in a classroom, and reports to a teacher. For Title I school placements, the candidate must meet the stated “highly qualified” requirements through a qualifying paraprofessional assessment score, college credits, or an associate degree. The posting also lists a high school diploma and prior experience working with groups of children, with comparable training and experience potentially substituting for minimum qualifications. Assignment may require additional training, such as training related to Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Requirements

For Title I school placements, meet the “highly qualified” requirement under the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 by passing the Paraprofessional Assessment with a minimum score of 455, having at least 48 college credits, or holding at least an associate degree.
High school diploma and previous experience working with groups of children; comparable training and experience may be substituted for minimum qualifications.
General knowledge of practices, methods, and techniques used in teaching children, including students with special education needs.
Ability to maintain files and information and to deal effectively with students and teachers.
Skill in using classroom and instructional equipment.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with teachers, parents, students, and coworkers.
Excellent communication skills.
Ability to operate general office equipment, word-processing equipment, and computers.
Passion for working with very young children.
Ability to multitask and be flexible while working with kindergarten-age children.
Ability to meet the listed physical demands, including frequent walking, standing, lifting up to 50 pounds unassisted, and other physical activities.
Ability to use and operate office equipment such as a personal computer, calculator, copier, and fax machine.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree; a Child Development Associate (CDA) is preferred.
Prior experience working with groups of children.
Additional training may be required for assignment placement, such as training on aspects of Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Responsibilities

Assist teachers with instructional activities in reading, writing, mathematics, science, social studies, and other classes.
Reinforce skills taught by the classroom teacher.
Assist children individually with social-emotional behaviors, including understanding and following directions and rules.
Assist small groups of children in various subject areas under the classroom teacher’s direction.
Collect, record, and maintain student data as directed by the teacher.
Assist teachers in addressing students’ individual needs, abilities, and interests.
Assist teachers in implementing daily and long-range lesson plans.
Help develop, prepare, and gather instructional materials and learning aids.
Prepare the classroom for instruction and organize student supplies and materials so they are accessible.
Help maintain a clean and orderly classroom, including helping students clean up equipment and checking for potential hazards.
Participate in meetings when directed, including staff meetings, parent meetings, and training.
Monitor students during class, off-site educational trips, lunch, and recess.
Assist students with personal hygiene, including toileting as needed.
Perform related work as required.