Job Title:                      Instructional Assistant, Pre-K Head Start (Candidate Pool) 24-25        

Wage Status:               Non-exempt

Reports to:                   Principal of assigned campus and Director Early Education Services

Dept./School:              Early Education Services; Elementary Campus

Pay Grade:                   Paraprofessional - PG 2   

Days:                           187                 

Primary Purpose: 

Assist teacher in preparation and management of classroom activities and administrative requirements. Work under supervision of certified teacher. 

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:  

Associate’s degree (Early Education preferred) OR

Valid Child Development Associate (CDA) credential (required for Head Start)

Valid Texas educational aide certificate (may be obtained after hired) 

Recent (within 12 months of hiring) physical exam and cleared tuberculosis test

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Ability to work well with children and families
• Ability to communicate effectively 
• Willing to be trained in Crisis Prevention Intervention and to implement as needed 
• Willing to be trained in Conscious Discipline® and to implement in all situations with children 
• CPR and First Aid required, but may be obtained after employment 

Experience: 

Some experience working with children in educational settings preferred

Major Responsibilities and Duties: 

Instructional Support: 

•   Assist teacher in preparing instructional materials and classroom displays.
•   Assist with administration and scoring of objective testing instruments or work assignments. 
•   Help maintain neat and orderly classroom. 
•   Help with inventory, care, and maintenance of equipment. 
•   Help teacher keep administrative records and prepare required reports. 
•   Provide orientation and assistance to substitute teachers. 

Student Management: 

• Use principles and practices of Conscious Discipline® philosophy in all situations involving instruction and student management.
• Conduct instructional exercises assigned by the teacher; work with individual students or small groups.
• Help supervise students throughout school day, inside and outside classroom, including lunchroom, bus, and playground
• Keep teacher informed of special needs or problems of individual students.
• Share responsibility for toileting or custodial issues 

Other: 

• Communicate any family information gained clearly and immediately to Family Services Facilitator and teacher.
• Communicate personal plans to teacher and other team members as applicable
• Contribute with all Head Start staff to maintain positive and effective campus team.
• Participate in faculty meeting and special events as assigned.
• Participate to improve own professional performance through workshops, staff development, conferences, college courses, and other training opportunities.
• Perform other duties as assigned by program or campus staff.
• Follow campus and district directives, policies, and procedures.
• Conduct oneself in a professional manner at all times, but especially during school hours and at school related events.

Supervisory Responsibilities: 

None

Equipment Used: 

Copier, computer, I-pad and other classroom equipment 

Maintain emotional control under stress. 

Moderate standing, stooping, bending, and lifting. 

Working Conditions: 

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors: 

The working conditions described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and expectations.

 Regularly sit, talk or hear; frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; frequent repetitive hand motions; prolonged use of computer; occasionally lift and/or move up to 10-50 pounds; occasionally required to stand, walk reach with hands and arms; vision abilities include close vision; and color vision, regularly work with frequent interruptions, maintain emotional control under stress; the noise level is usually moderate. The employee may spend long hours in intense concentration which requires attention to detail and high levels of accuracy.  There are a number of deadlines associated with this position, which may cause significant stress.  The employee must also deal with a wide variety of people on various issues. Predictable and regular attendance expected. 

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.