Instructional Assistant - Special Education/ Floater (Full-Time)

Holland Public Schools; United States; On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Holland Public Schools in Holland, Michigan, is seeking an Instructional Assistant - Special Education/ Floater for West Elementary. This full-time role (34 hours/week) runs 8:15 AM–3:45 PM, with compensation of $17.83–$21.52 per hour.

The IA Level 2 position supports behavior management, IEP goals, and inclusive classroom participation. Responsibilities include implementing behavior supports, data tracking, de-escalation, and collaboration with teachers and staff to promote student engagement

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; additional certifications are a plus.
• Experience with children in educational or behavioral settings preferred.
• PBIS or BIPs familiarity is highly desirable.
• Experience with students with disabilities, especially behavioral challenges, is a plus.
• Ability to remain calm in high-stress situations and use de-escalation techniques.
• Willingness to be trained in CPI/TCI or similar crisis intervention methods.
• Basic understanding of child development, SEL, and inclusive practices.
• Strong communication and collaboration with teachers and administrators.
• Basic computer literacy for data collection and documentation.
• Deescalation and restorative practices training or willingness to train.

Responsibilities

• Implement behavior intervention strategies under certified staff direction.
• Monitor and record student behavior data as part of PBIS or BIP.
• Provide reinforcement, redirection, and support to keep students engaged.
• Utilize de-escalation strategies while maintaining dignity and safety.
• Support social-emotional skill development through modeling and coaching.
• Assist students in participating in classroom activities and adapt materials as needed.
• Reinforce instruction in small groups or one-on-one settings.
• Support IEP goals and accommodations as directed by staff.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding student performance.
• Assist in creating and maintaining an organized, safe learning environment.
• Supervise students during non-instructional times and transitions.
• Prepare instructional materials and supplies; promote inclusion.
• Maintain communication with teachers and team members on progress.
• Participate in meetings and professional development related to behavior support.

Skills

PBIS/BIPs familiarity

Deescalation techniques

Trauma-informed care

Strong communication

Team collaboration

Data collection & documentation

Behavior support strategies

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Instructional Assistant - Special Education/ Floater (Full-Time) JobID: 1822

• Position Type: Support Staff/ Instructional Assistant
• Date Posted: 11/3/2026
• Date Available: ASAP

Holland Public Schools is located in Holland, Michigan. The district has four elementary schools, one middle school and one high school and has an enrollment of approximately 3000 students. We offer a dual language immersion program in Spanish in grades K-8. Holland Public Schools has a diverse student population with approximately 47% Latinx, 9% Black, 6% Multiracial, 3 % Asian and 35% White and approximately 64% free and reduced lunch. Holland is located on the shores of Lake Michigan with an inlet lake, Lake Macatawa. You will love the outdoor activities, the diverse community, and be able to create the lifestyle you choose. Holland provides a small-town charm and big-city amenities. Attend our world-famous Tulip Time Festival, visit one of our neighborhood art fairs, or watch a brilliant sunset over Lake Michigan. No matter what your interests are, you won't be disappointed!

Title: Instructional Assistant - Special Education/ Floater (Full-Time)

Location: West Elementary

Terms: School-Year/ Full-Time (34 hours/ week)

Hours: 8:15 AM - 3:45 PM

Compensation: $17.83 - $21.52/ hour (IA - Level 2)

APPLICANTS:

Holland Public Schools encourages applications from historically underrepresented populations, women, and persons with disabilities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Implement behavior intervention strategies and supports under the direction of certified staff and/or behavior specialists.
• Monitor and record student behavior data as part of a Positive Behavior Support Plan (PBSP) or Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP).
• Provide consistent reinforcement, redirection, and support to help the student remain engaged and regulated throughout the day.
• Use de-escalation strategies as trained, maintaining student dignity and safety at all times.
• Support the development of student social-emotional skills through direct modeling and coaching.
• Assist the student in accessing and participating in classroom activities and instruction, including adapting materials as needed.
• Reinforce teacher-delivered instruction in small groups or one-on-one settings, based on individual needs.
• Support the implementation of IEP goals and accommodations as directed by special education staff.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding student performance and needs.
• Assist the classroom teacher in creating and maintaining an organized, safe, and engaging learning environment.
• Supervise students during classroom activities, transitions, lunch, recess, and other non-instructional times as needed.
• Prepare and organize instructional materials and supplies.
• Provide support to all students in the classroom to promote inclusion and positive peer interactions.
• Maintain regular communication with the classroom teacher and other team members regarding student progress and concerns.
• Participate in team meetings, training, and professional development related to behavior support and instructional strategies.
• Follow district protocols and policies regarding behavior management, safety, and student support.
• Assist with toileting or physical care needs, if necessary and trained to do so.
• Provide substitute support coverage for other instructional aides if needed.
• Adapt to changes in student schedules, programming, or building assignments when required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalent required; additional relevant certifications or coursework is a plus.
• Experience working with children or youth in an educational, childcare, or behavioral setting, strongly preferred.
• Training or familiarity with Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) or Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) is highly desirable.
• Knowledge or experience with students with disabilities, especially those with emotional or behavioral challenges, is a plus.
• Ability to remain calm, patient, and supportive in high-stress situations.
• Experience implementing de-escalation techniques and trauma-informed care practices preferred (e.g., CPI, TCI, or other crisis intervention training - or willingness to be trained).
• Basic understanding of child development, social-emotional learning, and inclusive practices.
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively with teachers, related service staff, and administrators.
• Basic computer literacy for data collection, communication, and documentation.
• Deescalation and restorative practices trained or willing to be trained.
• Professional Development aligned with District policies and procedures

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Moving Equipment: Carrying craft supplies, moving child-sized tables and chairs, and moving outdoor play equipment.
• Low-Level Positioning: Frequent kneeling, stooping, crouching, squatting, and crawling on the floor to engage with children at eye level.
• Seating Adaptation: Sitting on the floor or in child-sized furniture for long stretches during circle time, games, or meal supervision.
• Repetitive Bending: Leaning over low sinks, changing tables, activity tables, and floor spaces.
• Prolonged Standing & Walking: Spending prolonged periods of time on your feet on tile floors or uneven playground terrain.
• Quick Reaction Time: Running or moving swiftly to intercept a child running toward danger, catching a falling child, or stepping in during playground conflicts.

Per HPS Board Policy, the following information is provided to all new employees: The employee shall remain free of any alcohol or non-prescribed controlled substance abuse in the workplace throughout his/her employment in the district.

Holland Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, height, weight, marital status, handicap, disability, or limited English proficiency in any of its programs or activities. Inquiries regarding the district's non-discrimination policies should be directed to: The Director of Human Resources, Holland Public Schools, 320 West 24th Street, Holland, MI 49423 [phone].

Postings current as of 11/5/2026 10:11:47 PM CST.

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