SL: Junior Kindergarten Assistant, 6.5 hours/day, beginning ASAP

Traverse City Area Public Schools•Traverse City, MI

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Junior Kindergarten/Kindergarten Instructional Assistant supports classroom instruction and student learning under the direct supervision of the certified classroom teacher. Reporting directly to the building principal, the role helps foster a positive, inclusive, and effective learning environment. The position is based at Silver Lake Elementary and is scheduled for 6.5 hours per day during the school year, consisting of 180 work days and 9 paid holidays. The anticipated start is ASAP. The assistant works with individual students, small groups, and whole groups; supports diverse learning needs and student plans; prepares and cares for instructional materials and technology; and supervises students during instructional, transition, and other school activities. The role also includes communicating student progress and observations to teachers, collaborating with school staff, supporting substitute teachers, following health and safety protocols, maintaining confidentiality, and participating in required professional development and district training. The position requires a high school diploma, prior experience working with children, and the ability to supervise and nurture children, follow directions, work independently, assist with student progress records, and respond calmly to fast-paced or stressful situations. The work takes place indoors and outdoors, including classrooms, playgrounds, cafeterias, and school grounds, and involves active mobility, varying weather, and moderate-to-high noise levels. The selected candidate must pass a criminal history background check.

Requirements

High school diploma.
Previous experience working with children.
Interpersonal skills to deal effectively and courteously with students and school personnel.
Ability to respond to crises and rapidly developing behavioral needs of students.
Ability to care for, supervise, and nurture children.
Ability to follow directions and work independently.
Ability to assist with maintaining records of student progress.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
Excellent organizational skills.
Strong conflict-resolution and problem-solving abilities.
Dependability, punctuality, and discretion in handling sensitive information.
Commitment to continuous learning and participation in staff training opportunities.
Ability to maintain poise and composure in fast-paced or stressful situations.
Ability to participate in physical activities including walking, standing, bending, stooping, crouching, reaching, pushing, pulling, and lifting up to 50 pounds.
Strong auditory and oral communication skills to interact clearly and effectively with young students, staff, and parents.
Visual and cognitive acuity to observe student behaviors, assess classroom situations, and take appropriate supervisory action.
Ability to exercise critical thinking and sound judgment in response to student needs and administrative expectations.
Ability to pass a criminal history background check.

Nice To Haves

Previous college credit.
WorkKeys certification.
College degree.

Responsibilities

Work with individual students or small groups to reinforce concepts and skills introduced by the teacher, or monitor the whole group during targeted instruction.
Assist in implementing tailored strategies to support diverse learning needs, interests, and abilities.
Prepare, operate, and care for educational technology and instructional media used in the classroom.
Guide students in using instructional materials and learning technology assigned by the teacher.
Organize, distribute, and collect instructional materials, supplies, and student coursework.
Facilitate independent study, enrichment activities, and remedial support designated by the classroom teacher.
Supervise students during non-instructional and transition times, including recess, assemblies, line movement, and emergency drills.
Assist in creating and maintaining classroom displays, bulletin boards, and learning centers.
Support implementation of individual student plans, including IEPs and 504 plans, by providing accommodations and assistance as directed.
Assist students with assistive technology, digital tools, and educational software under teacher guidance.
Collaborate and communicate constructively with classroom teachers, staff, and school teams.
Follow established health and safety protocols.
Lead or assist with large-group activities such as story time, read-alouds, and group practice exercises.
Engage with students in language development, early literacy skills, and interactive communication.
Support students during visits to the Library Media Center and special subjects.
Review completed student work, track daily progress, and assist with proctoring assessments under teacher direction.
Observe and timely communicate student progress, needs, and behavioral observations to the classroom teacher.
Serve as a primary resource and support contact for substitute teachers to help maintain classroom routines.
Maintain professional ethics and protect the privacy and confidentiality of student records and family information.
Participate in required professional development and district training programs.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned by the building administrator or supervisor.
Maintain regular, reliable, and punctual attendance and be available during the school year according to the district calendar.