Substitute Instructional Aide - Preschool

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist in providing care, supervision and learning activities to preschool-age children in a classroom environment.

• Provide children with proper examples, emotional support, friendly attitude and general guidance.

• Assist an assigned teacher with the implementation of lesson plans.

• Assist children with projects and assignments; read books to students as assigned; assist children with letter and word pronunciation and recognition.

•  Perform a variety of clerical duties such as preparing, typing and duplicating instructional materials.

• Take and record attendance as required.

• Provide classroom support to the teacher by setting up work areas and displays as assigned; distribute and collect paper and supplies.

• Observe and control behavior of children in the classroom according to approved procedures.

• Monitor children during outdoor activities as directed.

• Assist in the assessment of student skills and progress; report progress regarding student performance and behavior.

• Assure the health and safety of children by following health and safety practices and procedures.

• Maintain a learning environment in a safe, orderly and clean manner.

• Sanitize and clean toys, tables and other classroom areas as needed. 

• Monitor and interact with children during games, play, outings, snack and other recreational activities.

• Maintain daily records related to students' observations. 

• Communicate with students in English and a designated second language to facilitate the learning process as assigned by the position.

• Provide oral and written translation between teachers, parents, staff and others as required; translate notes, letters and other materials as needed.

• Operate standard classroom and office equipment including a copier and computer as assigned.

• Attend and participate in meetings, in-services and parent conferences as directed. 

• Assist with monitoring inventory levels of classroom supplies; assist in ordering, receiving and maintaining appropriate inventory levels of supplies as assigned. 

• Perform related duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge Of:

• Basic principles and practices of early childhood development.

• Child guidance principles and practices.

• Classroom procedures and appropriate child conduct.

• Basic instructional methods and techniques.

• Safe practices in classroom and playground activities.

• Basic subjects taught in District schools, including arithmetic, grammar, spelling, language and reading.

• Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.

• Operation of standard office and classroom equipment.

• Oral and written communication skills.

• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.

• Basic record-keeping techniques.

Ability To:

• Assist in providing care, supervision and learning activities to preschool-age children in a classroom environment.

• Assist with planning and implementing a variety of activities to meet the needs and interests of children.

• Assist in the preparation of instructional materials and provide routine clerical support.

• Sanitize and clean toys, tables and other classroom areas as needed.

• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.

• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

• Monitor, observe and report child behavior and progress according to approved policies and procedures.

• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.

• Observe health and safety regulations.

• Maintain student records and files.

• Operate standard office and classroom equipment.

Required Job Functions

• See and read a computer screen and printed matter with or without vision aids.

• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate standard office and classroom equipment.

• Bending at the waist, kneeling or crouching to assist students.

• Sitting or standing for extended periods of time.

• Lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling heavy objects up to 150 pounds occasionally, 60 pounds frequently, and 20 pounds constantly.

Work Conditions

Employees in this position will be required to work indoors in a classroom environment and/or outdoors consisting of tables, chairs, orthopedic devices and playground equipment; come in direct contact with students, parents, district staff and the public.