General Description:

Under general supervision, a preschool instructional assistant performs a variety of tasks to assist a teacher. Instructional assistants may perform a wide range of tasks in order to support the efforts of the teacher, meet the needs of all students, and ensure the provision of quality instruction for all students. Instructional assistants may provide one-on-one assistance with academics and behavioral problems and may lead small group activities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assists the teacher or designated supervisor with instructional activities in an exceptional education classroom or one-to-one
• Assists students in reinforcing material already presented through special efforts and repetitions
• Assists students with self-care areas to build independence.
• Prepares and maintains files and reports
• Assists teacher in performing specific duties as assigned or undertaking specialized tasks
• Assists the teacher in providing individual and group instruction designed to meet individual needs and supervises students in out-of-classroom activities during the assigned workday
• Reinforces acceptable student behavior in a consistent and positive manner.
• Encourages proper care and use of school facilities, property and equipment and participates in curriculum development programs as required
• Assists with toileting students, changing diapers and personal hygiene.
• Escorts students when necessary and restrains disorderly student(s) when necessary
• Assists students with mobility needs
• Guides children in working and playing harmoniously with other children
• Helps to maintain individual records for each student and collects and displays suitable materials for educational displays
• Actively participates in faculty and/or department meetings
• Performs other related duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Associate’s degree or completion of 60 hours of college credits from an accredited college or university recognized by the Virginia Department of Education or demonstrated knowledge of and the ability to assist in reading, writing and mathematics instruction by achieving a passing score on the ParaPro Assessment.
• A minimum of one year working experience as an instructional assistant preferred.
• Experience working with children with disabilities preferred.
• Excellent communication, organizational, time management and public relations skills are required.
• Must have the ability to perform basic mathematical calculations and demonstrate excellence in business English, grammar, spelling and punctuation.
• Have the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Must have good skills in operating personal computers and related software.
• Must be adaptable to changing priorities, have the ability to work independently and/or with minimum supervision, and the ability to effectively handle multiple assignments simultaneously.
• Have a good knowledge of and understanding of child growth, development and paraprofessional instructional procedures and practices.
• Considerable patience and the ability to work effectively with children with disabilities, young adults and faculty members are essential.
• Must be able to follow written and oral instructions and to perform all required tasks.
• Must have the ability to assist in the implementation of behavioral intervention programs for children with emotional/behavioral disorders and maintain student disability records in a highly confidential manner.
• Special Requirement: Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
• If hired, you must complete online autism training within 60 days of start date.