Instructional Assistant VPI; Virginia Preschool Initiative

Position: Instructional Assistant for VPI (Virginia Preschool Initiative) (2026-2027)
Location: Powhatan

Job Title: Instructional Assistant (Pre-School)

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Employment Status: Classified

VDOE License Required: No

Reports to: Principal

Summary

To provide assistance to the instructional staff in providing effective and productive learning situations in the classrooms. To assist the teachers in helping students achieve knowledge, skills, and attitude necessary to be productive citizens. To assist the teachers in building a quality pre-school classroom that supports the development of children's thinking, problem-solving, and language skills.

Important - VPI program requirements include:

Teachers and instructional assistants will attend, in addition to calendar workdays, at least 15 clock hours per year of professional development focused on:

• Early childhood education topics including best-practices for implementing a high-quality preschool program.
• Demonstrated understanding of nurturing pre-school children

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following.

• Assist in the instruction of students to include educational technology.
• Communicate with students throughout the school day with mutual listening and talking.
• Perform clerical tasks assigned.
• Use machines to duplicate materials.
• Help the teacher put up bulletin boards.
• Supervise the children at lunch, on the playground, in physical education class, in the halls, library, computer laboratory, cafeteria, etc.
• In emergencies, serve as a substitute teacher.
• Keep records as required by the teacher.
• Maintain student information in a confidential manner.
• Provide discipline for students under the direction of the teacher and/or Principal.
• Provide emergency first aid as needed.
• Collect lunch money and other funds as directed by the teacher.
• Secure materials and supplies from the office for teachers.
• Assist getting the students off the bus.
• Must be willing to ride the bus/car, as needed.
• Assist in changing and toileting students as needed.
• Assist in feeding activities if needed.
• Lift, move, carry and otherwise transport equipment and materials weighing up to 35 pounds.
• Work with parent, faculty, and students groups as requested in advancing educational and related activities and objectives.
• Be involved in personal enrichment activities to the extent necessary to keep abreast of developments in the appropriate field related to the essential job functions. (minimum of 15 clock hours per school year on early childhood education topics)
• Performs any other duties that may be assigned by the Superintendent, or designee.

Qualifications

Ability to follow the directions of teachers in teaching and instruction of the grade level or subjects assigned. Ability (to learn) to operate computers. Ability to orally communicate effectively with others, with or without the use of an interpreter. Ability to communicate effectively in writing, using the English language, with or without the use of auxiliary aids or services. Ability to work with and cooperate with supervisory staffs at all levels.

Education and/or Experience

Must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Per the Code of Virginia § 22.1-298.3, paraprofessionals/instructional assistants who work with students with autism must complete the Virginia Department of Education's autism competencies training within 60 days of assignment to such responsibility. Have qualities and personal characteristics necessary for working effectively with students, parents, teachers and administrators.

Language Skills

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of parents or public.

Reasoning/Other Abilities

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out simple one-or two-step instructions. Ability to deal with standardized situations with only occasional or no variables. Ability to communicate respect for families and children. Work involves physical tasks and may involve infrequent operation of office equipment. Above-average amount of walking, bending, standing, stooping, and lifting in a classroom environment.

Work Environment

Work involves exposure to everyday hazards. Work is performed in a classroom and includes the operation of general office equipment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand, walk, run, use hands, talk, see and hear. Depending on the assignment, the employee may be required to move or lift a student with assistance.

Evaluation

Performance on this job will be evaluated in accordance with school board policy and administrative regulations on evaluation of classified personnel.