Instructional Assistant II - ECSE

Starting Date:
Aug 18, 2026

Location:

Alexandria, Virginia

The Instructional Assistant II for Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) assists in the supervision and instruction of special needs students in early childhood education classrooms, both general and special education, under the supervision of a certified special education teacher. Responsibilities include observing and documenting student progress, implementing instruction and behavior plans, and providing clerical support to the teacher. The position is located with the Central Office Specialized Instruction Team at Douglas Mac Arthur Elementary and reports to the Special Education Teacher and/or the School-based Administrator.

• Education: 48 college credits, AA degree, or demonstrate college-level skills in spelling, reading, writing and math by passing a proficiency test.
• Certificates & Licenses: CPR and First Aid Certification strongly desired. If not certified, must obtain both within 6 months of employment.
• Experience: Targeted job-related education that meets the organization's prerequisite requirements. Job-related experience is required.

• Adapts classroom activities, assignments, and materials under the direction of the teacher to provide all special education students an opportunity to participate in classroom activities.
• Assists children with disabilities during transportation, meals, and personal hygiene tasks.
• Collaborates with teachers regularly to evaluate special education student progress and implement IEP objectives.
• Implements academic instruction taught by a special education teacher for individuals or small groups to meet IEP and district benchmarks.
• Implements behavioral plans designed by the IEP team for students with behavior challenges or other special conditions.
• Instructs special education students in subjects and skills such as math, science experiments, reading, behavioral skills, daily living skills, writing, and verbal skills to support remediation goals.
• Maintains instructional materials and student files/records to ensure availability and reliability.
• Monitors special education students during lunch, playground, and enrichment activities to provide a safe and positive learning environment.
• Performs record keeping and clerical functions such as correcting papers, copying, and preparing instructional materials to support the teacher.
• Assists other personnel as required to support the completion of their work activities.
• Attends meetings and in-service presentations to acquire and convey information related to job functions.
• Responds to emergency situations (e.g., injured student, fights) to resolve immediate safety concerns.

The Virginia Board of Education requires that instructional assistants assigned to work with a teacher who has primary oversight of a student with autism spectrum disorder receive training in student behavior management within 60 days of assignment. The Instructional Assistant II will be provided online instructional modules to meet this requirement at no cost.

Hourly wage: $20.10 to $24.73 an hour. Additional factors in calculation include hours and days worked.

• Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance.
• Tuberculosis Skin Test.
• Public Health Compliance – Must follow safety and health protocols.

Full‑Time

• Penny Hairston, Principal
• Douglas Mac Arthur Elementary School
• Phone:
• Email: penny.hairston.va.us