Instructional Assistant - Head Start

Instructional Assistant I - Head Start

Paducah Paducah Head Start Preschool – Paducah, Kentucky Open in Google Maps

This job is also posted in Paducah Public Schools

Job : 5799327

Final date to receive applications: Jul 03, 2026 11:59 PM (Central Standard Time)

Posted: Jun 24, 2026 5:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: To Be Determined

BASIC FUNCTION: Assist a certificated teacher in providing instruction to individuals or small groups, monitoring and reporting 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.

• Provide instruction to small groups, large groups, and/or individuals to all children (DLL, special needs) through activities and conversation that promotes higher‑order thinking and cognition appropriate to development levels and learning styles of children.
• Write anecdotal notes that follow best‑practice guidelines and procedural requirements.
• Work as a member of a team with other staff, volunteers, administrators, therapists, and substitutes.
• Assist with ongoing assessment through data collection and recording.
• Administer classroom discipline/non‑violence program using behavioral‑management techniques and strategies consistent with Second Steps, 1, 2, 3 Magic, DECA or as instructed.
• Implement behavioral plans and IEPs following approved guidelines.
• Maintain the education central file (setup, 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 group members.
• Provide a supportive and nurturing, respectful and safe environment through the use of gestures, verbal and non‑verbal interactions with children.
• Help children to understand, acquire, and use means of communicating thoughts and feelings.
• Communicate effectively with children through active questioning, active feedback, and language‑stimulation techniques, both verbal and non‑verbal.
• 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 children and families, and by having necessary documentation and materials ready as directed by the teacher.
• Assist with promoting good health by thoroughly continuing daily health checks, hand washing, and tooth brushing.
• Provide constant supervision of all children (special needs, DLL) during all activities—indoors and outdoors.
• Perform daily cleaning routine of classroom and playground.
• Perform playground checks as scheduled.
• Assist with organizing the classroom and maintaining a safe and healthy learning environment.
• Assist with organizing classroom space into functional areas recognizable by children.
• Assist with a developmentally appropriate, print‑rich environment in which children learn about books, literature, and writing (labeling items, writing materials).
• Assist with a variety of equipment, activities, and opportunities to promote the physical…