Instructional Assistant (Headstart

Job Title

Assist the classroom teacher in providing instructional support and maintaining a positive learning environment that promotes student achievement, safety, and well-being. Support the implementation of instructional activities, supervise students, prepare instructional materials, and provide assistance with academic, behavioral, and personal care needs as appropriate.

Qualifications:

High school diploma or accredited General Educational Development (GED) certificate. Proof of U.S. equivalency is required for diplomas earned outside the United States. Must be at least 18 years of age. Must successfully complete all required fingerprinting and criminal history background checks before employment. Must successfully complete a required assessment of basic literacy skills.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to support instruction and reinforce academic concepts appropriate to assigned grade levels.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with students, staff, parents, and the community.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse student populations while maintaining professionalism and confidentiality.
• Knowledge of classroom management techniques and child development principles.
• Ability to use computers, email, and district-required software applications.
• Ability to organize tasks, manage time effectively, and work independently under the direction of a teacher.
• Ability to maintain emotional control and exercise sound judgment in stressful situations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist the classroom teacher in implementing instructional activities for individuals and small groups of students.
• Reinforce teacher-directed instruction to improve student learning and academic achievement.
• Monitor student progress and provide feedback to the classroom teacher.
• Assist in maintaining accurate student records and instructional documentation as assigned.
• Prepare instructional materials, learning centers, classroom displays, and educational resources.
• Supervise students during classroom instruction, transitions, lunch, recess, field trips, and other school activities as assigned.
• Assist in maintaining a safe, orderly, and positive classroom environment.
• Support implementation of classroom management procedures and district discipline expectations.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding student records and sensitive information in accordance with district policy and applicable laws.
• Assist students with personal care needs, including hygiene, toileting, feeding, mobility, and other self-care activities, when required by assignment.
• Support students with behavioral, emotional, or physical needs using district-approved strategies and interventions.
• Assist substitute teachers by providing classroom information, schedules, and instructional support.
• Participate in professional learning, faculty meetings, campus activities, and district-required training.
• Collaborate with teachers, administrators, and other staff members to support student success.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the principal or supervising teacher.

Physical Demands:

• Frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, stooping, twisting, reaching, and lifting.
• May be required to run, climb stairs, or respond quickly during emergencies.
• May be required to safely implement approved physical restraint procedures when necessary to prevent imminent harm to a student or others and in accordance with district training and policy.

Environmental Conditions:

• Work is performed both indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• May be exposed to infectious diseases, body fluids, and other health-related hazards common in a school environment.

Regular attendance, punctuality, and dependable performance are essential functions of this position.

Terms of Employment:

Employment is in accordance with the district compensation plan, board policies, and administrative regulations. Evaluation of performance will be conducted in accordance with district policy and established appraisal procedures.