Instructional Assistant - Special Education, Preschool

Wake County Public School System; Cary (NC); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Wake County Public School System is seeking an Instructional Assistant-Preschool Special Education to support licensed teachers, provide one-on-one assistance, and help implement Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for preschool students.

The on-site role involves collaborating with classroom staff, preparing instructional materials, monitoring student behavior, and assisting with adaptations to meet diverse learning needs while maintaining confidentiality and a positive learning environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent with some college credits or Work Keys.
• Experience supporting students, preferably in special education.
• Ability to follow classroom strategies and maintain confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-on-one support to address academic, functional, or behavioral needs.
• Assist with implementing IEP goals and classroom behavior plans.
• Prepare materials and maintain classroom displays.
• Monitor student safety and collaborate with teachers and staff.

Skills

Classroom activities knowledge

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Google Apps

Instructing SPED students

Customer service

Organizational skills

Clear written and oral communication

Relationship building

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate or bachelor’s degree in any field (or 48 credits)

96 professional development hours or Work Keys

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Google Apps

Job description

Overview

POSITION TITLE (Oracle title)

INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANT

WORKING TITLE

Instructional Assistant-Preschool Special Education

SCHOOL/DEPARTMENT

Office of Early Learning

LOCATION

School Site

PAY GRADE

Noncertified Grade 21

FLSA STATUS

Nonexempt

ELIGIBILITY FOR EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT

No

WORK WEEK SCHEDULE

Monday-Friday (occasional evenings and weekends)

POSITION PURPOSE:

Under general supervision, performs a variety of instructional, technical and clerical tasks to assist a licensed classroom teacher. Completes a wide range of tasks in order to meet the needs of all students and ensure quality instruction. Assists the classroom teacher by providing one-on-one assistance to address academic, functional or behavioral issues. Provides support with instructional programs relating to special education students and their Individual Education Plans (IEP).

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSAs)

• Considerable knowledge of classroom activities and routines;
• Considerable knowledge of Microsoft Office, specifically Microsoft Word, Excel, and Power Point; Google Apps;
• Working knowledge of effective methods for instructing special education students;
• Excellent customer service skills and organizational skills;
• 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 establish and maintain effective working relationships with school system staff and parents/guardians.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or equivalent, and shall hold or be working towards an associate or bachelor’s degree in any field; OR
• 48 hours of college semester credits as evidence through transcript; OR
• 96 Professional Development hours and the successful completion of the Work Keys Assessments.

CERTIFICATION AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

None

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• • Experience working as a special education services teacher assistant;
  • CPR and First Aid certification.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Follows all rules, policies and procedures of Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) along with state and federal regulations pertaining to special education services.
• Works with individual students or small groups of students to reinforce learning of skills introduced by the teacher.
• Assists the teacher in devising special strategies for reinforcing skills based on student individual needs, interests, and abilities.
• Assists with implementing any behavior intervention plans under the direction of the teacher and/or district staff.
• Assists the teacher by creating and modifying instructional materials to match student abilities.
• Monitors student behavior and assist with maintaining a structured classroom environment by providing positive reinforcement or redirection, as necessary. May accompany student(s) to special area classes or electives.
• Monitors the safety and well-being of students.
• Collaborates with teacher to understand the needs of each student.
• Performs clerical duties, as needed; collects data under the direction of the teacher, develops and maintains classroom displays.
• Maintains confidentiality of student information.
• Participates in professional development and trainings to maintain knowledge base and obtain skills needed to work with special education students.
• Performs other related duties, as assigned.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This job operates in a classroom environment and requires sitting and standing throughout the day. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, scanners, and copiers. The position, at times, must be able to come into direct contact with school system staff, staff members of external funding agencies, and the community. Work is considered medium physical work, requiring the exertion of 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.

EFFECTIVE DATE:10/2024

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