Instructional Assistant - Special Education, Pre-Kindergarten

Wake County Public School System; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 28,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Wake County Public School System in Raleigh, NC is seeking an instructional assistant to support special education students and coordinate IEP-related activities. The role emphasizes confidentiality, collaboration with teachers, and compliance with district policies.

The position requires ensuring a safe learning environment, assisting with planning and materials, and supporting students with diverse needs in regular classroom settings.

Qualifications

• Basic knowledge of instructional support practices.
• Ability to work with diverse learners.
• Familiarity with classroom routines and safety procedures.

Responsibilities

• Support teachers with instructional programs for students with IEPs.
• Assist in implementing behavioral intervention plans.
• Help plan, organize, and prepare instructional activities and materials.
• Maintain confidentiality of student information (FERPA).
• Collaborate with staff, families, and community agencies.
• Provide in‑class support to promote student independence.
• Assist with assistive technology and communication devices as needed.
• Document reports and required records securely.
• Participate in district staff development and growth.
• Assist with student transitions between classes and health needs.

Skills

Team collaboration

Communication

Confidentiality (FERPA)

Behavior management

Student safety supervision

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Apps

Job description

Position Purpose

Provides support and assists in coordinating instructional programs relating to special education students and their Individual Education Plans (IEP). Monitors programs with students with disabilities, maintains confidentiality, and complies with federal, state, and local laws, regulations, guidelines, and procedures as they relate to the special education program throughout the district. Maintains an environment conducive to learning.

Minimum Qualifications

• Considerable knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Power Point) and Google Apps.
• Working knowledge of successful instructional delivery methods.
• Working knowledge of general classroom activities and routines.
• Ability to protect confidentiality of personally identifiable information (FERPA).
• Ability to work in a team environment and effectively collaborate.
• Ability to motivate and constantly monitor and supervise the safety and well-being of students.
• Ability to recognize and support students from diverse backgrounds, abilities, exceptionalities, behavioral needs, and learning styles.
• Ability to communicate clearly in oral and written form using various techniques and tools.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, students, parents, businesses, community agencies, and the public.

Education, Training, and Experience

• High school diploma or GED.

For Title I schools:

• Meet ESSA employment requirements.
• Have either 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

• Maintain Crisis Prevention and Intervention (CPI) certification and renew as required (training provided by WCPSS).

Preferred Qualifications

• CPR and First Aid certification.
• Experience working with or assisting individuals with special needs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Support teachers in coordinating instructional programs for special education students, familiar with students’ IEPs.
• Assist teachers with strategies related to students’ behavioral intervention plans.
• Aid teachers with planning, organizing, evaluating instructional activities, developing classroom procedures, and preparing necessary materials.
• Demonstrate professional and technical skills to support student achievement and the school program.
• Maintain a positive disposition, good judgment, and remain calm with students.
• Provide in‑class support while promoting progress toward independence and self‑determination.
• Assist teachers with implementation of low‑ and high‑tech assistive technology and augmentative communication devices.
• Compile, maintain, and file reports, records, and required documents, maintaining confidentiality.
• Participate in district staff development and professional growth.
• Coordinate, assist, and facilitate student transitions between classes, including special health care needs such as personal hygiene, mobility assistance, seizure control, feeding, adaptive equipment, behavioral assistance, and CPI skills.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities – SATA Only

• Assigned a one‑on‑one instructional assistant role for a student with severe to profound learning disabilities.
• Attend and complete specialized training as determined by the student’s IEP.

Work Environment / Physical Requirements

This job operates in a classroom environment requiring sitting and standing throughout the day. The role requires use of standard office equipment such as computers, scanners, and copiers. Work is considered medium physical effort, requiring the exertion of up to 50 pounds occasionally, up to 25 pounds frequently, or up to 10 pounds constantly, moving objects. Contact with a physical therapist may be available if needed.

Effective Date

3/2025

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general purpose and responsibilities for this position. They are not intended as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. This description may be revised by HR and approved at any time.