Student Support Associate; Preschool

Position Title

Student Support Associate

Building Principal or Designee

To assist the classroom teacher in helping students to increase their academic and social skills, prepare them for inclusive activities in general education classrooms, and maintain a safe and orderly environment. The Associate will aid in problem‑reduction behavior within school facilities to reduce disruptions and off‑task behavior. Under the teacher’s guidance, the Associate will facilitate all goals and objectives contained in the students’ IEP, including functional academic programming, small group instruction, one‑on‑one tutoring, and assignment completion.

The role supports students' developmental needs by implementing activities that encourage independence and responsibility, ensuring all duties meet standard and demonstrating a positive, cooperative, and safe attitude.

• Supervise and assist students with personal hygiene programming.
• Protect students’ health and safety through CPR, first aid, trach changes, catheter care, and medication administration.
• Assist with environmental mobility programming within community settings.
• Support students during adaptive physical education, special events, field trips, assemblies, tours, and concerts.
• Assist with daily student needs: movement between classes, art, music, PE, PT, recess, restrooms, personal hygiene, occupational therapy.
• Carry out teacher‑directed activities to reach students’ IEP goals individually or in a group.
• Prepare specialized teaching aids and materials as planned by the teacher.
• Implement recommendations from consultants (occupational therapist, PT, speech/language pathologist).
• Enforce classroom rules to maintain a fair, supportive, inclusive learning environment.
• Use reinforcement strategies such as prompting, modeling, shaping.
• Model and guide activities that integrate students with special needs.
• Maintain a safe, clean, orderly environment for all students and staff.
• Provide feedback and reinforcement consistent with the teacher’s behavior management plan.
• Read and comprehend at or above the student’s grade level.
• Develop rapport with students.
• Assist the teacher in facilitating all IEP goals and objectives.
• Interact positively with students using effective communication.
• Greet students and parents upon arrival.
• Help integrate students into the class.
• Maintain confidentiality of all student records.
• Record behavioral data and accident reports.
• Collaborate with teachers, support staff, and administrators on student needs and performance.
• Assist students with classroom assignments and tasks reinforcing teacher concepts.
• Implement behavior control strategies directed by the teacher.
• Use established communication systems for documentation and meetings.
• Encourage caring and helping behaviors among students (e.g., PRIDE rules, Olweus).
• Perform clerical duties and support school supervision as directed.
• Engage in professional development related to student and classroom needs.
• Promote a respectful atmosphere for students and adults.
• Model ethical behavior and positive school culture.
• Use universal health care precautions.

• Accept and follow directions and instructions willingly.
• Implement appropriate student behavior techniques proactively.
• Respond to crisis situations.
• Understand district and school programs applicable to the learning environment.
• Possess or be willing to receive Crisis Prevention Intervention training.
• Collaborate effectively with instructional teams.
• Communicate verbally and in writing professionally with the school community.
• Show genuine interest in helping students and maintain patience.
• Assist students in becoming self‑sufficient and successful in classes.
• Utilize a variety of educational areas such as music, arts, sports, and games.
• Demonstrate leadership in directing student activities.
• Maintain professional growth and required certifications (e.g., Mandatory Reporting, CPR, First Aid).
• Accept and complete assigned responsibilities promptly.
• Effectively manage time and prioritize tasks.

• Support a learning environment by participating in instructional…