Instructional Aide - Preschool

TITLE: Instructional Aide SUMMARY: Reporting to the Building Principal and/or Director of Student Services and Special Education, the Instructional Aide provides support to special or general educators and assists with special needs or regular students. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Maintains an elevated level of ethical behavior and confidentiality with respect to student records. Assists in regular and special needs instructional programs for students including implementing modified teacher-planned lessons and assessments with small groups of children and/or individuals under the supervision of a general/special educator or specialist. Performs daily classroom routines; supports and implements discipline philosophy of the building; works with students outside of the regular classroom setting to provide reinforcement under the direct supervision of the educator. Supports students in instructional and non-instructional activities, including, but not limited to: arrival and dismissal duties, lunchroom and recess duties, field trips, classroom housekeeping, reading to students, classroom directions, skill-building activities, behavior, and work habits. Implements and maintains student behavior plan and document log of student behaviors. Implements personal health and safety protocols and participates in in-service training programs and/or workshops, as required. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Education and Experience High School Diploma, or equivalent required. Bachelor’s Degree preferred. Minimum of two or more years of experience working with children; post-secondary training and experience working in an educational setting with children of varying abilities are strongly preferred. Restraint Training is required. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of child development and challenges faced by students with learning or substantial disabilities; curriculum expectations; use of computer and relevant educational software applications; use of available assistive technologies, safe operation of school equipment, including but not limited to, office equipment, Hoya lift, and ambulatory aids. Skill-based competencies include interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy; planning and organizing work to meet deadlines. Abilities-based competencies include communicating effectively with students, teachers, and administrators; maintaining cooperative, productive, and flexible working relationships with students and staff; solving practical problems; understanding and carrying out directions. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to remain in a stationary position for extended periods; move or lift up to 30 lbs.; and position oneself to enable assisting special needs students. Accommodations may be made for an individual with disabilities to perform the functions. WORK ENVIRONMENT: This job is performed in a generally clean and healthy indoor school classroom environment. The essential duties and responsibilities listed are intended only as an illustration of the type of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if work is similar, related, or a logical assignment of the position.