Preschool Itinerant Instructional Assistant

Peoria Unified School District • Peoria, AZ

2d • Onsite

About The Position

Provides a variety of instructional assistance and support services associated with general and specialized educational programs and student needs across the school campus. This role involves meeting the needs of students with disabilities under the direction of school administration and special education teams, monitoring and assisting students in various classroom environments, and providing accommodations per their Individual Education Plan (IEP). The assistant will also cover for absences of other assistants, help teach and model workplace skills and positive behaviors, and assist students with daily living skills such as feeding, toileting, and mobility. Additionally, the role includes supporting behavior management, utilizing assistive technology, collecting data for IEP goals, leading group activities, facilitating communication, escorting students, maintaining documentation, preparing instructional materials, and assisting students with educational tools.

Requirements

• Have obtained an associate (or higher) degree OR Have at least two years of post-secondary education that is equivalent to at least 48 semester hours from an accredited higher education institution OR Have met a rigorous standard of quality by demonstrating knowledge on a Paraprofessional Assessment, available at the Peoria Unified School District Office.
• Must possess or obtain an Arizona IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card.
• Must be able to pass a background clearance check.
• Must be able to provide a Social Security number for AHCCS provider.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain an Arizona driver's license.
• Must be able to complete training in CPR, First Aid, Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (CPI), and specialized training for students with disabilities if needed.
• Demonstrates understanding of the unique needs and characteristics of students with a variety of disabilities (i.e. Specific Learning Disability, Other Health Impaired, Emotional Disability).
• Knowledge of principles of classroom and behavior management.
• Knowledge of the principles of record, file and database management.
• Knowledge of principles of child development stages and developmental delays.
• Demonstrates flexibility, common sense and good judgment.
• Skill in following oral and written directions.
• Skill in identifying, preventing and deescalating negative behaviors.
• Skill in assisting students in progressing on Individual Education Plan (IEP) goals.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relations with co-workers, vendors, students, parents, the general public and others having business with the school district.
• Skill in operating a personal computer utilizing a variety of software applications.

Nice To Haves

• May be required to demonstrate fluency in English: written and oral communications.
• Preference will be given to candidates that have prior working experience with high risk students with special needs.

Responsibilities

• Meets needs of all students with disabilities on their campus under the direction of school administration and special education teams.
• Monitors and assists students in multiple classroom environments to complete tasks, stay focused and provides accommodations per the Individual Education Plan (IEP).
• Covers for absences for Classroom Independence Assistants (CIAs) and assistants in specialized programs.
• Assists in teaching and modeling workplace skills and positive behaviors.
• Assists students in daily living skills such as feeding, toileting, mobility.
• Provides support in monitoring, intervening, and redirecting student behaviors.
• Acts to prevent and deescalate student behavior.
• Utilizes and assists student with utilization of assistive technology.
• Assists in data collection related to IEP goals.
• Leads individual and small group activities with students under teacher direction.
• Facilitates communication between general education and special education teachers.
• Escorts students to and from classes, activities, and transportation buses as needed.
• Maintains documentation and records for student files; maintains and updates computer files.
• Performs other duties as assigned, including but not limited to playground or cafeteria monitor.
• Prepares instructional materials and copies.
• Prepares and distributes learning materials according to teacher direction.
• Assists students to use educational tools.

Benefits

• 9 months term of employment

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree