Instructional Assistant/Paraprofessional (2026-2027 School Year)

Wayne Hills Preschool Center; Waynesboro (VA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Waynesboro Public Schools Wayne Hills Preschool Center in Waynesboro, VA is seeking an Instructional Assistant/Paraprofessional for the 2026-2027 school year. Starting January 4, 2027, you will support students with disabilities under the direction of the teacher and principal, assisting with instructional, behavioral, physical, and emotional needs.

Requirements include a high school diploma or GED, ParaPro certification, autism training, and minimum age of 21.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Must obtain or possess Highly Qualified Paraprofessional Certification through the ETS ParaPro Assessment.
• Must complete Autism Spectrum Disorder training through the VCU Autism Center for Education Paraprofessional Training.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Demonstrated physical and emotional ability to perform required duties.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism.
• Demonstrated interest and ability in working with students with disabilities and diverse learning needs.

Responsibilities

• Adhere to assigned work schedules and attendance requirements.
• Follow assignments, responsibilities, and directions provided by the teacher and/or principal.
• Comply with all School Board policies, procedures, and state and federal regulations related to special education services and classroom operations.
• Assist the teacher in implementing daily instructional activities and long-range educational plans.
• Utilize planning and preparation time effectively.
• Prepare and organize instructional and classroom materials as directed.
• Support students’ individual academic, behavioral, communication, social, and functional needs.
• Assist with behavior management and implementation of behavior intervention strategies as directed by instructional staff.
• Support classroom routines and assume appropriate classroom responsibilities as assigned by the teacher.
• Demonstrate the physical, emotional, and mental capacity necessary to perform assigned duties safely and effectively.
• Assist assigned student(s) with personal care and daily living tasks, which may include toileting, changing clothing, feeding, lifting and transferring, mobility support, and other related physical assistance.
• Assist in meeting students’ health, medical, and safety needs as trained and directed.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding student information and records.
• Foster a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the principal and/or special education teacher.

Skills

Paraprofessional Certification

Autism Training

Interpersonal Skills

Confidentiality

Teamwork

Maturity 21+

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Instructional Assistant/Paraprofessional (2026-2027 School Year)

Waynesboro Public Schools Wayne Hills Preschool Center - Waynesboro, Virginia Open in Google Maps

Starting Date: Jan 4, 2027

Job Description

Primary Function

Under the direction of the classroom teacher and school administration, assist in providing instructional, behavioral, physical, and emotional support to students receiving special education services in order to help each student achieve their maximum academic, social, behavioral, and functional potential.

Work closely with one or more students with disabilities on a regular basis to provide the support necessary for meaningful participation in the school division’s special education program and educational environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Must obtain or possess Highly Qualified Paraprofessional Certification through the ETS ParaPro Assessment
  ( ETS ParaPro Assessment ).
• Demonstrated physical and emotional ability to perform required duties.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism.
• Demonstrated interest and ability in working with students with disabilities and diverse learning needs.

Required certifications and training must be completed within 90 days of employment as a condition of continued employment.

Reports To

Principal and/or Special Education Teacher

Performance Responsibilities

• Adhere to assigned work schedules and attendance requirements.
• Follow assignments, responsibilities, and directions provided by the teacher and/or principal.
• Comply with all School Board policies, procedures, and state and federal regulations related to special education services and classroom operations.
• Assist the teacher in implementing daily instructional activities and long-range educational plans.
• Utilize planning and preparation time effectively.
• Prepare and organize instructional and classroom materials as directed.
• Support students’ individual academic, behavioral, communication, social, and functional needs.
• Assist with behavior management and implementation of behavior intervention strategies as directed by instructional staff.
• Support classroom routines and assume appropriate classroom responsibilities as assigned by the teacher.
• Demonstrate the physical, emotional, and mental capacity necessary to perform assigned duties safely and effectively.
• Assist assigned student(s) with personal care and daily living tasks, which may include:
  • toileting and hygiene assistance,
  • changing clothing,
  • feeding,
  • lifting and transferring,
  • mobility support, and
  • other related physical assistance.
• Assist in meeting students’ health, medical, and safety needs as trained and directed.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding student information and records.
• Foster a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the principal and/or special education teacher.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to use hands and arms for handling, reaching, lifting, and assisting students. Duties may require significant walking, standing, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and assisting with physical interventions necessary to maintain a safe educational environment.

The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Specific vision abilities required include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Terms of Employment

Evaluation

Performance will be evaluated in accordance with School Board policy and administrative regulations governing support personnel evaluation.

Job Details

Job ID: 5990035
Application Deadline: Posted until filled
Posted: Nov 11, 2026 5:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Jan 4, 2027

Job Description

Instructional Assistant/ Paraprofessional

Primary Function

Under the direction of the classroom teacher and school administration, assist in providing instructional, behavioral, physical, and emotional support to students receiving special education services in order to help each student achieve their maximum academic, social, behavioral, and functional potential.

Work closely with one or more students with disabilities on a regular basis to provide the support necessary for meaningful participation in the school division’s special education program and educational environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Must obtain or possess Highly Qualified Paraprofessional Certification through the ETS ParaPro Assessment
  ( ETS ParaPro Assessment ).
• Must complete Autism Spectrum Disorder training through the
  VCU Autism Center for Education Paraprofessional Training .
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Demonstrated physical and emotional ability to perform required duties.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism.
• Demonstrated interest and ability in working with students with disabilities and diverse learning needs.

Required certifications and training must be completed within 90 days of employment as a condition of continued employment.

Reports To

Principal and/or Special Education Teacher

Performance Responsibilities

• Adhere to assigned work schedules and attendance requirements.
• Follow assignments, responsibilities, and directions provided by the teacher and/or principal.
• Comply with all School Board policies, procedures, and state and federal regulations related to special education services and classroom operations.
• Assist the teacher in implementing daily instructional activities and long-range educational plans.
• Utilize planning and preparation time effectively.
• Prepare and organize instructional and classroom materials as directed.
• Support students’ individual academic, behavioral, communication, social, and functional needs.
• Assist with behavior management and implementation of behavior intervention strategies as directed by instructional staff.
• Support classroom routines and assume appropriate classroom responsibilities as assigned by the teacher.
• Demonstrate the physical, emotional, and mental capacity necessary to perform assigned duties safely and effectively.
• Assist assigned student(s) with personal care and daily living tasks, which may include:
  • toileting and hygiene assistance,
  • changing clothing,
  • feeding,
  • lifting and transferring,
  • mobility support, and
  • other related physical assistance.
• Assist in meeting students’ health, medical, and safety needs as trained and directed.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding student information and records.
• Foster a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the principal and/or special education teacher.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to use hands and arms for handling, reaching, lifting, and assisting students. Duties may require significant walking, standing, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and assisting with physical interventions necessary to maintain a safe educational environment.

The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Specific vision abilities required include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Terms of Employment

185-Day Contract
7 hours per day

Evaluation

Performance will be evaluated in accordance with School Board policy and administrative regulations governing support personnel evaluation.

Position Type: Full-Time
Salary: $20,814 to $32,674 Per Year
Job Categories:

Instructional Support > Paraprofessional / IA

Job Requirements

• Citizenship, residency or work visa required