BASIC FUNCTION:

Assist a certificated teacher in providing instruction to individual or small groups; monitors and report student progress.

Assist with daily classroom operations, including instructional experiences for all assigned children to enhance their development in the social, emotional, physical, creative and cognitive processes.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

Instructional Assistant I incumbents assist a certificated teacher by performing a variety of support functions in a regular classroom setting. Instructional Assistant II incumbents work within a complex program typically requiring additional skills and characterized by increased independence of action.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:

• Provide instruction to small group, large group and/or individuals to all children (DLL, special needs also) through activities and conversation that promotes higher order thinking and cognition appropriate to the development levels and learning styles of children. (CLASS)

• Write anecdotal notes that follow best practices guideline and procedural requirements.

• Work as a member of a team with other staff, volunteers and administrators, therapists and substitutes.

• Assist with ongoing assessment process through data collection and recording.

• Administer classroom discipline/nonviolence program using behavioral management techniques and strategies consistent with Second Steps, 1,2,3 Magic, DECA or as instructed.

• Implement behavioral plans, IEP’s following approved guidelines.

• Maintain the education central file (set up, organization) and timely placement of documents and artifacts.

• Organize and maintain Home/Book reading program for children/families.

• Maintain appropriate voice tones in dealing with children.

• Provide a supportive environment in which children can begin to learn and practice appropriate and acceptable behaviors as individuals and as a member of a group.

• Provide a supportive and nurturing, respectful and safe environment through the use of gestures, verbal and non-verbal interactions with children. (CLASS)

• Help children to understand, acquire, and use means of communicating thoughts and feelings.

• Communicate effectively with children through the art of active questioning, active feedback and language stimulation techniques, non verbal and verbal means of communication. (CLASS)

• Assist with providing various opportunities to appreciate children, families, and their culture.

• Discuss issues that affect the program with appropriate staff (teacher) and follow up on resolutions as needed.

• Participate in home visits and/or parent–teacher conferences through appropriate engagement with the children and family and by having necessary documentation and materials ready and prepared as directed by Teacher.

• Assist with promoting good health by thoroughly continuing daily health checks, hand washing and tooth brushing.

• Provide for constant supervision of all children (special needs, DLL) during all activities-both indoors and out of doors.

• Perform daily cleaning routine of classroom and playground.

• Perform playground checks as scheduled.

• Assist with organizing the classroom and maintain a safe and healthy learning environment.

• Assist with organizing classroom space into functional areas that are recognizable by children.

• Assist with providing a developmentally appropriate, print rich environment in which children learn about books, literature and writing. (Labeling items, writing materials)

• Assist with providing a variety of equipment, activities, and opportunities to promote the physical development of children.

• Assist with providing activities and opportunities that encourage curiosity, exploration, and problem solving skills appropriate to the development levels and learning styles of children.

• Assist with providing opportunities that stimulate children to play with sound, rhythm, language, materials, space, and ideas in individual ways, and to express their creative abilities.

• Supervise the playground through supportive play and materials.

• Manages technology through the use email, Microsoft software programs, SmartBoards, Child PLUS,

• Serve as a bus monitor on assigned routes / following all established guidelines as needed.

• Any other duties as instructed by supervisor(s) or Director

Tutor individuals or small groups of students, reinforcing and implementing instruction as directed by the teacher; maintain records of student progress.

Participate as member of an instructional team including remediation teams.

Prepare and organize lessons as directed by the teacher; administer and score a variety of tests according to established guidelines; assist in determining English proficiency of identified students.

Assist in administering diagnostic and other tests; score and record test information.

Monitor and report behavior of students according to approved procedures; report progress regarding student performance and behavior; check and assist students with lab work as necessary.

Perform routine clerical duties such as preparation of instructional and classroom materials; operate copy machines; maintain classroom records; maintain attendance records.

Provide support to the teacher by setting up work areas, displays and exhibits, operating audio-visual equipment, operating educational training equipment and distributing and collecting paper and supplies.

Assist in overseeing students while in labs; provide for supplies inventory as necessary.

Assist students by providing proper examples, emotional support, a friendly attitude and general guidance.

Confer, as needed, with teachers concerning programs and materials to meet student needs.

Contact parents of students who are absent; make home visits as necessary.

Assure the health and safety of students by following health and safety practices and regulations.

Direct group activities of students as assigned; assist in monitoring lunchroom and playground activities as assigned; assist in emergency drills, assemblies, play periods and field trips.

Participate in meetings and in-service training programs as assigned.

Perform related duties as assigned.

QUALITY STANDARDS (Head Start specific): (Individualized according to position)

• Exhibits professional and helpful manner with internal and external customers, when applicable:
• Greets external customers with a smile and introduces him/herself.                                 
• Acknowledges customers by name.                                                             
• Actively listens to customer concerns and responds politely and professionally.                           
• Responds promptly to management and co-worker requests.                                             
• Demonstrates courtesy to co-workers.                                                         
• Demonstrates willingness to assist in time of customer.                                          
• Resolves internal and external customer problems and grievances in a timely fashion. If issues cannot be resolved the same day, gives customer a timeframe for resolution.                           
• Cooperates with others to resolve customer problems.                                            
• Resolves conflict with peers, co-workers, and management in a private setting.
• Avoid use of cell phone while children are in the classroom

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

KNOWLEDGE OF:
Basic subjects taught in the District schools, including arithmetic, grammar, spelling, language and reading. Safe practices in classroom and playground activities. Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary. Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy. Basic record-keeping techniques.

ABILITY TO:
Learn child guidance principles and practices. Communicate and maintain effective relationships with students, parents, staff and the public including members of ethnic communities. Perform routine clerical duties in support of classroom activities. Print and write legibly. Add, subtract, multiply and divide quickly and accurately. Understand and follow oral and written directions. Learn procedures, functions and limitations of assigned duties. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Learn to apply and explain policies and procedures related to school and program activities. Work cooperatively with others. Monitor, observe and report students behavior according to approved policies and procedures. Operate instructional and office equipment.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Head Start specific: (Individualized according to position)

CDA (Child Development Associate) minimum

Requirement is an AA degree (Associate) in Early Childhood Education

Any combination equivalent to: high school diploma, G.E.D. Certificate or demonstrated progress toward obtaining a G.E.D. as required by Kentucky law and some experience in working with children in an organized setting. Minimum of 48 college credit hours required or completion of the para-educator test.