PENDERGAST SCHOOL DISTRICT

                                                                     Job Description

JOB TITLE:  Instructional Assistant Preschool Special Education  

SUMMARY:    The job of Instructional Assistant Preschool Special Education is done for the purpose(s) of assisting (under direct supervision) in the supervision and instruction of students; relieving teachers of clerical tasks; assisting students by providing and developing students’ adaptive and behavioral skills.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma, GED or equivalent
• 60 College Credit Hours or AA Degree or proof of successfully passing a State-approved Para-professional assessment
• First Aid/ CPR Training
• Fingerprint Clearance Card IVP
• Proof of TB Test, negative results 
• Ability to obtain a Food Handler Card

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Job-related experience

Such alternatives to the above required & preferred qualifications as the Superintendent/Designee may find appropriate and acceptable

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Adapts classroom work under the direction of the teacher for the purpose of providing a method to support and/or reinforce classroom objectives
2. Administers evaluations for the purpose of assisting the teacher in evaluating students’ progress and/or recognizing the individual needs of the student
3. Administers first-aid and assistance to medically fragile and/or injured students, under supervision (e.g. tube feeding to students, toileting, etc.) for the purpose of providing appropriate care for ill children as assigned
4. Assists teachers and parents for the purpose of implementing lesson plans and/or developing students’ adaptive and behavioral skills
5. Confers with teachers, parents and/or appropriate personnel for the purpose of assisting in evaluation of students’ progress and/or implementing students’ objectives
6. Implements behavioral plans for the purpose of meeting students’ social and daily living skills as needed
7. Implements instructional programs and lesson plans under the supervision of the teacher for the purpose of assisting the teacher and student academically
8. Maintains students’ files/records as pertains to special education files/records for the purpose of ensuring a safe and appropriate learning environment
9. Monitors individual students, classroom and/or playground activities for the purpose of maintaining a safe and positive learning environment
10. Performs record keeping and basic clerical functions, scheduling, copying, etc., for the purpose of supporting the teacher in maintaining student files and providing classroom materials
11. Processes cash receipts for field trip activities for the purpose of ensuring the receipt of funds for special events
12. Responds to emergency situations (e.g. injured students, fights, etc.) for the purpose of resolving immediate safety concerns
13. Assists other personnel as may be required for the purpose of supporting them in the completion of their work activities
14. Participates in various meetings for the purpose of sharing information and/or improving one’s skills/knowledge
15. Perform such other duties and assumes such other responsibilities as may be assigned by the Superintendent/Designee

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:  

Skills are required to perform multiple, non-technical tasks with a need to periodically upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions.  Specific skills required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: various specific skills.

Knowledge is required to perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percents, and/or ratios; read a variety of manuals; write documents following prescribed formats; and/or present information to others; and understand complex, multi-step oral and written instructions.  Specific knowledge required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job includes: knowledge of pertinent codes, policies, regulations and/or laws; basic first-aid and health care.

Ability is required to schedule activities; meetings and/or events; collate data; and use basic, job-related equipment.  Flexibility is required to independently work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing specific, defined processes; and operate equipment using defined methods.  Ability is also required to work with a wide diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with variety of data; and utilize specific, job-related equipment.  In working with others, independent problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans.  Problem solving with data requires following prescribed guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is limited.  Specific abilities required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adhering to safety practices; communicating with diverse groups; and working under time constraints. 

RESPONSIBILITY:

Responsibilities include: working under limited supervision following standardized practices and/or methods; leading, guiding, and/or coordinating others; and operating within a defined budget.  Utilization of significant resources from other work units is sometimes required to perform the job’s functions.  There is some opportunity to significantly impact the Organization’s services.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: 

The usual and customary methods of performing the job’s functions require the following physical demands:  significant lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling; some climbing and balancing; significant stooping, kneeling, crouching and/or crawling; and significant fine-finger dexterity.  Generally the job requires 50% sitting, 35% walking and 15% standing.  The job is performed under minimal temperature variations.