Holland Public Schools is located in Holland, Michigan. The district has four elementary schools, one middle school and one high school and has an enrollment of approximately 3000 students. We offer a dual language immersion program in Spanish in grades K-8. Holland Public Schools has a diverse student population with approximately 47% Latinx, 9% Black, 6% Multiracial, 3 % Asian and 35% White and approximately 64% free and reduced lunch.
Holland is located on the shores of Lake Michigan with an inlet lake, Lake Macatawa. You will love the outdoor activities, the diverse community, and be able to create the lifestyle you choose. Holland provides a small-town charm and big-city amenities. Attend our world-famous Tulip Time Festival, visit one of our neighborhood art fairs, or watch a brilliant sunset over Lake Michigan. No matter what your interests, you won't be disappointed!
Title: Instructional Assistant - Special Education
Location: Holland Heights Elementary
Terms: School Year/ Part-Time: 29 hours/ week
Hours: TBD
Compensation: $17.31 - $20.90/ hour (IA - Level 2)
APPLICANTS: Holland Public Schools encourages applications from historically underrepresented populations, women, and persons with disabilities.
OVERVIEW: Under the direct supervision of a certified staff member, to assist certified professional staff with students in the classroom to meet instructional goals and objectives, personal and health care as determined by the IEP Team including School Health Nurses, inclusion opportunities, behavior and functional skills. This may include supporting accommodations and modifications to the curriculum along with inclusion opportunities, community based instruction and support during field trips.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following.
- Support student learning across all environments
- Carry out academic, behavior, accommodations and personal care plans if required
- Collecting data and/or providing feedback to the Teacher/IEP Team as needed
- Active participant in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs)
- Collaborate with the teaching team to create and modify materials to suit individual student needs.
- Foster a supportive and inclusive atmosphere, promoting positive social interactions, academic support, adaptive skills and emotional development among students.
- Attend IEP meetings as needed
- Attend and participate in professional development as assigned which may include; CPI and Restorative Practices, Vector Training or other training that maybe relevant to the student and/or the position.
- MIPSE training (special education data hub)
- Support District, Building and Classroom Initiatives
- Create and maintain a daily work log, record services in the special education platform related to duties and Medicaid billing (MIPSE).
- Experience working with students with cognitive impairments or related educational backgrounds is preferred.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively within a team.
- Patience, empathy, and a genuine passion for supporting students with diverse learning needs.
- Flexibility and adaptability to accommodate varying student requirements.
- Other duties as assigned
QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must demonstrate the following: The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. - High school diploma or equivalent required; additional relevant certifications or coursework is a plus.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: While performing the essential functions of this job the employee is regularly required to work in a typical special education classroom and traditional school setting, use standard office equipment, read printed materials and a computer screen, and communicate in person, written methods or over the telephone. Candidates must have a valid driver’s license to travel between district buildings, if applicable.
The physical demands for an instructional assistant in a Cognitively Impaired Program might include:- Mobility: Ability to move around the classroom and school environment, assist students in different locations, and accompany them during activities within the school premises.
- Lifting and Positioning: Occasionally lifting or assisting in positioning equipment, materials, or students based on their needs and safety requirements.
- Physical Assistance: Providing physical support or guidance to students with mobility challenges, including assisting with transfers or movement around the classroom.
- Adaptability: Being able to adapt to various physical environments and learning settings, which might involve sitting, standing, or kneeling for extended periods.
- Safety Awareness: Maintaining awareness of safety protocols and being prepared to act swiftly in case of emergency situations or to ensure the safety of students.
It's crucial for instructional assistants to be physically capable of meeting the needs of students with disabilities while adhering to safety guidelines and providing support in various classroom scenarios.
METHOD OF APPLICATION: All candidates should apply online at: www.hollandpublicschools.org.
Per HPS Board Policy, the following information is provided to all new employees:
The employee shall remain free of any alcohol or non-prescribed controlled substance abuse in the workplace throughout his/ her employment in the district.
Holland Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation or transgender identity), disability, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally protected category. Everyone is welcome at our school events as well. Call 616-494-2005 and we will make reasonable accommodations for disabled persons. Inquiries regarding our district's non-discrimination policies should be directed to: Katie Pennington, Deputy Superintendent, Human Resources, 320 W. 24th St., Holland, MI 49423.
