Instructional Assistant - Pre-Kindergarten, Special Education

Wake County Public School System; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development opportunities

School holidays off

Job summary

Wake County Public School System in Raleigh, NC seeks an instructional assistant to provide support in classroom activities and administrative tasks. Candidates should possess a high school diploma and be pursuing an Associate's degree or Child Development Associate credential.

The role involves implementing teachers' goals, assisting with diverse student learning, and maintaining a safe environment. Strong communication skills and the ability to work in a team are required for this position.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED; pursuing an Associate's degree in relevant field or CDA credential.
• Ability to support diverse learning styles and backgrounds.
• Knowledge of core subjects and instructional delivery methods.

Responsibilities

• Assist teachers with classroom activities and provide instructional support.
• Plan collaboratively with teachers for special strategies related to licensure.
• Maintain student safety and well-being while supervising.

Skills

Instructional delivery methods

Communication skills

Motivating students

Team collaboration

Behavioral interventions

Student safety supervision

Education

High school diploma or GED with coursework in early childhood education

Child Development Associate (CDA)

Job description

Overview

POSITION PURPOSE:

Performs instructional support work assisting classroom teachers in classroom activities as well as general administrative support tasks. Implements goals and objectives established by licensed teachers and works directly with students. Assists in the instruction of individual students or groups of students in all curricular areas as directed by teachers or administrators. Plans and collaborates with teachers in devising special strategies related to childcare licensure requirements.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSAs)

• Working knowledge of successful instructional delivery methods;
• Working knowledge of the core subjects at the grade level to which employment assignment is made;
• Ability to recognize and support students of diverse backgrounds, learning abilities, and learning styles;
• Ability to protect the confidentiality of personally identifiable information in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) and other applicable federal and state laws, policies, and regulations;
• Ability to work in a team environment and effectively collaborate with others;
• Ability to motivate students;
• Ability to constantly supervise the safety and well-being of students;
• Ability to work with a diverse student population and recognize variations in student backgrounds, abilities, and learning styles;
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both in oral and written form using a variety of communication techniques and tools to ensure the appropriate flow of information, collaborative efforts, and feedback;
• Ability to implement academic and behavioral interventions, as needed;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with school system staff, students, parents, businesses, community agencies, and the public.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or GED and shall hold, or be working toward, an Associate’s degree in birth-through- kindergarten, child development, early childhood education, or an early childhood education related field or a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. Instructional assistants working toward the minimum of an Associate Degree or CDA shall make progress by completing a minimum of six documented semester hours per year; OR
• Meet the employment requirements outlined by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), Pub.L.114-95, AND have one of the following:
  • Six documented semester hours of coursework in early childhood education, OR
  • Two years of work experience in an early childhood setting.

CERTIFICATION AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

• None

Specialized Certification

Dependent upon the need of the school and the student population; principal will determine

• Hold and maintain a Crisis Prevention and Intervention (CPI) certification (specific program to be determined by WCPSS Special Education Services and maintain that certification through the proper renewal process; adhering to all timelines; CPI training will be provided through WCPSS, if needed.)

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• First aid and CPR certifications.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provides assistance with activities and duties that implement the pre‑k licensed program, assists teachers in instructional activities, and assists teachers in ensuring an encouraging, caring, safe and healthy environment for all students.
• Aids teachers with planning and organizing, evaluating instructional activities, developing classroom licensure procedures, and preparing necessary materials; ensures materials for students are readily available according to the needs of the lesson plan.
• Demonstrates professional and technical skills necessary to function effectively in the classroom and to support the school program.
• Works with an individual student and/or specific groups of students in different pre‑k licensed classrooms and/or area of the school, as needed.
• Participates in the district staff development program and continued professional growth in the area of assignment.
• Maintains a positive disposition, exercises good judgement, and remains calm when dealing with students at all times.
• May perform vision and hearing screenings; enters results into the ECATS (Every Child’s Accountability and Tracking System). Initial training and recertification will be provided through WCPSS, if needed.
• Performs other related duties, as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

Must be able to use a variety of office equipment such as computers, scanners, and copiers. Must be able to communicate effectively. At times requires the ability to lift, carry, push, pull, or exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical requirements are consistent with those for medium work. School can contact the school’s Physical Therapist for assistance, if needed, with proper lifting techniques.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Must be able to work in a classroom, an office environment, and come into direct contact with school system staff, students, parents, and the community.

EFFECTIVE DATE: 5/2023