Instructional Assistant - Preschool - Pearson's Corner Elementary School na Hanover County Public Schools, VA

About the Department

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Provides responsible administrative, clerical, and human support in assisting the classroom teacher in the management and instruction of students including those with special needs; performs related tasks as required and directed; all work is performed under the direction and supervision of the classroom teacher, however, the assistant may independently carry out particular aspects of the instructional program. Assists in organizing student's supplies and materials. Ensures everything is in proper place and is readily accessible. Maintains a clean and orderly classroom by helping students in cleaning up materials after instructional activities and making sure that there is no potential hazard present in the classroom. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

(These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.)

• Carry out instructional plans as designated by the classroom teacher and if appropriate the student's IEP plan;
• Assist teachers with instructional activities such as reading to children, assisting children in library, writing the dictation given by young children, helping children locate and use materials, assisting children to understand and follow directions and rules;
• Reinforce skills taught by the classroom teacher;
• Assist children individually with special projects and social/emotional behaviors;
• Assist small groups of children in various subject areas under the supervision of the classroom teacher;
• Supervise small groups of students in class and supervise and assist students during lunch and recess times;
• Collect, record and maintain data on students;
• Assist teachers in providing for the individual needs, abilities, and interests of the students;
• Assist the teacher in implementing daily and long-range lesson plans;
• Record attendance and other information;
• Prepare the classroom for instruction;
• Gather resource and supplementary materials;
• Sets up and operate audio-visual equipment;
• Prepare instructional materials;
• Assist teachers with fire drills;
• Assist teachers with field trips;
• Participate in team meetings when directed;
• Perform related work as required.

Position Duties

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

General knowledge of the practices, methods and techniques used in the teaching children including students with special education needs; ability to maintain files and information; ability to deal effectively with students and teachers; skill in the use of classroom and instructional equipment; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with teachers, parents, students and coworkers.  Able to demonstrate excellent communication skills.  Ability to operate general office equipment, word processing equipment, and computers to accomplish the work assigned. Have an innate passion in dealing with very young children. Must be able to multitask and be flexible as working with kindergartner's age group is often challenging and unpredictable.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Requirements for Title I School Placements:

Must meet the qualifications of “highly qualified” under No Child Left Behind Act of 2001:   

• Has passed the Paraprofessional Assessment with a minimum score of 455or 
• Has a minimum of 48 college creditsor 
• A minimum of an Associate’s Degree.

Assignment placement may require additional training requirements such as and/or specific training on aspects of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). 

High school diploma and previous experience working with groups of children.

A comparable amount of training and experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications.

Preferred:  Associate degree - CDA in Child Development preferred.  Prior experience working with groups of children.

Minimum Qualifications

Other Qualifications

PHYSICAL CONDITIONS:

Frequent walking, standing, lifting up to 50 pounds unassisted, and other physical activities are required. Movement of students by wheelchair and other mechanical devices may be required. Occasional lifting of equipment such as audio-visuals, regular standing, sitting, walking, bending, twisting, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching and significant pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, and various repetitive motions are also required. Must be able to effectively use and operate various items of office related equipment, such as, but not limited to a, personal computer, calculator, copier, and fax machine. Work is typically performed in the classroom.

Updated 7/2016/Rev. 7/11 (Posting Review);Hanover County Public Schools assures Equal Employment Opportunities and equal education opportunities for employees and students as required by Federal and State Orders and Laws.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential tasks. This job description is intended to accurately reflect the position activities and requirements.  However, management and administration reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and assign other duties as necessary.  It is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills, or working conditions associated with the position.