CLASS CODE:  8327

LOCAL DISTRICT CLASSIFICATION PLAN

CLASS TITLE:         INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANT I - PRESCHOOL

ESSENTIAL FUNCTION: 

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

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

      Instructional Assistant I (Preschool) assists a certificated teacher by performing a variety of support functions in a preschool classroom setting.  Preschool Instructional Assistant II works within a complex program typically requiring additional skills and characterized by increased independence of action.

BASIC REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:

• Implement all rules and regulations, policies and administrative guidelines as adopted by the Board of Education and/or the school SBDM Council.
• 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, and be knowledgeable of early childhood education.
• 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 training on and assist in implementing the following:  state-required environmental observation tool and the state-approved developmental screener for gross and fine motor skills, cognitive functioning, communication skills, and social-emotional skills.
• Participate in ongoing Child Find activities.
• Participate in training on the nature and needs of children with autism; the nature and needs of young children and their families, including those with special needs.
• Assist in providing an environment of acceptance that helps each child develop a positive self-concept, enhance the child’s individual strengths, and foster social relationships.
• Encourage children to solve problems, initiate activities, explore, experiment, question, and gain mastery through learning by doing (concrete experiential learning.)
• Promote language understanding and use in atmosphere that encourages both communication among children and between children and adults.
• Accompany preschool teacher on home visits with children and families.
• Assist preschool teacher in collecting child outcome data for federal reporting.
• Assist preschool teacher with ongoing observation and recording of each child’s growth and development for the purpose of planning individualized instruction.
• Provide appropriate supervision during learning labs to help children develop language, math, science, social studies, and problem-solving skills.
• Provide appropriate supervision during meals to help children develop language, understanding, and problem-solving skills.
• Provide positive guidance with consistent, clear rules presented in developmentally appropriate ways.
• Provide adaptations for children with special needs.
• Maintain appropriate adult-child ratios pursuant to 704 KAR 3:140, Section 6.
• Participate in a minimum of 18 hours of job-related professional development annually.
• Participate in meetings and in-service training programs as assigned.
• Perform related duties as assigned.
• Remain at school or assigned district location during the entire work day unless excused by the principal or the designated representative.
• Maintain a professional appearance as an example for students.

• Incorporate the use of technology in daily tasks.
• Maintain regular attendance.
• Adhere to the Professional Code of Ethics.

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.
• Developmentally appropriate practices for young children.
• 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 student behavior according to approved policies and procedures.
• Operate instructional and office equipment.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

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.  

Also:   48 hours college credit evidenced by college transcript or successful completion of Kentucky Paraeducator Assessment test.  CDA may be required.  Must maintain certification in emergency first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR.)

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

Salary and work year to be established by the Board of Education.

EVALUATION:  Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board’s policy on Evaluation of Classified Personnel.

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this job classification.  These statements are not intended to be a complete list of responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so assigned.  Responsibilities and duties assigned are at the discretion of the supervisor.