Instructional Assistant, Transitional Kindergarten

BERKELEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

BERKELEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT seeks a dedicated classroom paraeducator to support a Transitional Kindergarten teacher in delivering instruction. You will reinforce learning with individuals and small groups, monitor progress, and help maintain a positive, organized classroom environment.

You will also assist with preparing materials, documenting student records, and ensuring safety and proper behavior during activities and field trips. Experience with early childhood education is preferred.

Qualifications

• Graduate high school with six college units in early childhood education.
• One year experience working with students or families in an educational setting.
• Familiarity with ESSA requirements and classroom confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Assist certificated TK teachers in reinforcing instruction to individuals or small groups.
• Monitor student progress and report observations to the teacher.
• Assist with classroom routines, materials, and setting up learning activities.
• Support assessment, enrichment, and behavior management using positive techniques.
• Provide basic first aid and supervise students during activities and field trips.
• Prepare and maintain instructional materials and records as directed.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Instructional support

First aid basics

Education

High school diploma + 6 college units in ECE

Job description

Basic Function and Representative Duties

Basic Function

Under the direction of an assigned administrator, assist certificated Transitional Kindergarten teacher in reinforcing instruction to individuals or small groups of students; monitor and report student progress, perform a variety of supportive activities for certificated personnel; perform other related duties as assigned.

Representative Duties

• Works collaboratively by assisting teachers in assessment, supporting curriculum, student interactions, enforcing safe behaviors, and enhancing social growth of students in the school setting
• Work with team members to assist students in the development and maintenance of appropriate social behaviors through the use of a variety of positive reinforcement techniques, activities and/or materials
• Assist in the development and implementation of plans to meet students’ needs
• Assist with instructional technology as needed
• Direct group activities of students assigned; assist in monitoring students as directed.
• Participate in meetings and professional development as appropriate
• Perform basic first aid when necessary
• Assist teacher with maintaining classroom routines and classroom management
• Assist in caring for and maintaining curriculum materials, manipulatives, equipment, supplies and toys.
• Work with team members to assist in arranging and maintaining a comfortable and inviting setting for learning oriented experiences
• Collaborate with teacher regarding students’ progress and assist in meeting the needs of all children
• Perform routine clerical duties in support of classroom activities such as preparing, keyboarding, duplicating, and filing instructional materials; under the guidance of the classroom teacher, grade student tests and assignments and record grades; assist with maintaining student records and files as assigned
• Assist students in completing classroom assignments, homework, and projects; reinforce instruction and student understanding of classroom rules and procedures; assist students with performing and developing proper social behavior and self-help skills; assist students by answering questions, providing proper examples, emotional support, positive attitude, and general guidance
• Observe and redirect the behavior of students in an educational environment according to approved procedures; report progress regarding student performance and behavior
• Assist the assigned teacher(s) with the implementation of lesson plans, and the administration of tasks as necessary; supervise and monitor student conduct in the classroom, on the playground, and other school areas; accompany students to and from school locations, buses, and on field trips
• Provide tutorial support and early childhood education services to children enrolled in an assigned program; tutor individual students in a variety of subject areas; and assist with implementing lesson plans as assigned by the position
• Collaborate with teacher in planning instructional activities; support and deliver instruction under the guidance of the teacher(s);
• Assist with the development of lesson plans; assist students by answering questions, providing proper examples, emotional support, friendly attitude, and general guidance
• Assist with various student records, files, logs, and reports related to student attendance, progress, and assigned activities;
• Assist with snack and lunch time as assigned; assist children with eating activities; assist students with washing hands and faces after play times and meals, as needed; assist students with toileting
• Provide classroom support to the teacher(s) by setting up work areas and displays, and distributing and collecting paper, supplies, and materials; assist in maintaining a safe, orderly, and sanitary classroom and play environment (e.g., set up activities and store play equipment; clean and disinfect tables, play equipment, and other classroom areas as assigned)
• Assist with active supervision of children in educational settings; accompany and assist with the supervision of students on field trips; use positive reinforcement strategies and other approved techniques to assist students in the development of appropriate behaviors
• Other related duties as assigned

Knowledge and Abilities

KNOWLEDGE OF

General principles of Early Childhood Education

Positive Classroom Management Techniques

Ability To

• Communicate effectively with parents, volunteers, substitutes and other staff both orally and in writing
• Follow teacher’s directions when working with a group of and/or individual students
• Attend meetings as required
• Maintain confidentiality of information
• Attend professional development as necessary and/or required by the position.
• Basic principles and techniques used for reading, language and mathematical instruction.
• Assist teachers with monitoring student progress
• Recognize and understand the needs of young children including developmental self-help skills
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with teachers, specialists, students and others contacted in the course of work
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions
• Assist the teacher with the preparation and maintenance of accurate and up-to-date records, files and other documentation and perform a variety of other basic and routine clerical tasks including checking district email communication daily
• Physical capability sufficient to perform job task.
• Successfully supervise students
• Administer First Aid
• Properly use personal protection equipment (PPE) as provided

Education, Experience And Other Requirements

Any combination equivalent to: graduation from high school supplemented by six (6) units of college- level coursework in early childhood education and one year of experience working with students or families in a social services or educational environment. Incumbents must meet requirements specified under Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).

Early childhood education background and experience working with children ages 3-5 is preferred.

Licenses And Other Requirements

Valid first aid and CPR certificate preferred.

Working Conditions and Additional Information

Environment

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Indoor classroom work environment

Outdoor playground environment

Physical Demands

Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard and classroom equipment

Hearing and speaking to exchange information

Seeing to read a variety of materials and monitor students

Lifting, carrying, pushing, moving, and/or pulling up to 50 pounds with assistance

Sitting or standing for extended periods of time

Bending at the waist, twisting, squatting, and/or kneeling, to assist students and perform various activities in the classroom and on the playground

Walking for extended distances periods of time to monitor and assist students in the classroom, on the playground, and while on field trips

Hazards

Potential contact with blood and other bodily fluids

Exposure to blood borne pathogens and infectious disease

SALARIES: All salaries as stated are based on present information and are subject to change. Appointments are made at the minimum salary shown in the posting and increases are granted at intervals based on anniversary date.

Examination Information

The first step is an application screening to determine whether applicants meet the minimum qualifications listed in the job description.

Qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the following two-part examination process:

• First Examination: Training and Experience Assessment - Qualifying Pass/Fail
• Second Examination: 100% of Final Examination Score

The Training and Experience (T&E) assessment will evaluate each candidate’s complete application, including employment history, education, training, and responses to the required supplemental questions. The supplemental questions align with the approved duties and qualifications for the position.

Candidates must receive a Pass rating on the T&E assessment to proceed to the second examination.

Candidates who pass the T&E assessment will be invited to participate in a second examination. The second exam may consist of a written exam, an oral exam, a performance exam, a structured interview (SI), or a qualification appraisal interview (QAI).

The second examination will determine 100% of the candidate’s numerical examination score and placement on the eligibility list.

The passing score will be set between 50 and 99, under the direction of the Personnel Director, based on factors specific to the examination and recruitment. Once established, the passing score will be applied uniformly to all candidates.

EXAMINATION WEIGHT

FIRST EXAMINATION: T&E — Qualifying Pass/Fail

SECOND EXAMINATION: 100% of the final examination score

Candidates must pass each examination component to proceed. Candidates who do not pass will be notified of their results and applicable review or appeal rights.

OTHER: Proof of identification for completion of Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, must be submitted at the time of processing for employment.

SALARIES: All salaries as stated are based on present information and are subject to change. Appointments are made at the minimum salary shown and increases are granted at intervals based on satisfactory service.

Notification of Non-Discrimination Policy

The Berkeley Unified School District is committed to fostering a positive working environment for its employees. Accordingly, BUSD practices shall be free from discrimination, harassment, intimidation and bullying of any employee based on an employee's actual race, color, ancestry, national origin, ethnic group identification, age, religion, marital status, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or gender expression; the perception of one or more of such characteristics; or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.

The Board also prohibits retaliation against any district employee or job applicant who complains, testi?es or in any way participates in the district's complaint procedures instituted pursuant to this policy.

The following employee has been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination regarding Board Policy 4030:

Compliance Officer and Title IX Coordinator

2020 Bonar Street, Room 116

Berkeley, CA 94702

Phone: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

SALARIES: All salaries as stated are based on present information and are subject to change. Appointments are made at the minimum salary shown and increases are granted at intervals based on satisfactory service.

BENEFITS (FOR PERMANENT EMPLOYEES)

Health plans provide for full coverage for employees and family in the area of medical and dental insurance to a negotiated maximum.

All employees who work an average regular assignment of less than 5-1/2 hours a day (.72 FTE or less) shall be entitled to health insurance coverage and dental insurance coverage on a pro-rated basis.

This position is covered by Social Security and may be eligible for California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), with joint employee and employer paid contributions.

Current members of CalPERS working in other California state, county, city, and school districts can transfer retirement service credit to the District.

All employees are enrolled in an Employee Assistant Program (EAP).

The District also offers various optional benefits including life insurance, short term disability, Vision Service Plan (VSP), and a medical and dependent care flexible spending option.

VACATION

1-3 Years: Ten (10) working days per year until he/she has completed four (4) years of service.

4-9 Years: Fifteen (15) working days per year until he/she has completed ten (10) years of service.

10-14 Years: Twenty (20) working days per year until he/she has completed fifteen (15) years of service.

15+ Years: Twenty-five (25) working days per year.

Regular twelve (12) month employees shall accrue two (2) additional days of vacation per year at each step indicated above.

HOLIDAYS

Annual employees receive seventeen (17) paid holidays per year:

Independence Day

Labor Day

Veterans' Day

Thanksgiving Holiday (3 Days)

Winter Board Holiday (3 Days)

New Year's Holiday (2 Days)

Martin Luther King's Birthday

Lincoln's Birthday

Washington's Birthday

Spring Board Holiday

Malcolm X's Birthday

Memorial Day

Juneteenth

School Year employees may receive sixteen (17) paid holidays, including all of the above except Independence Day (4th of July).

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Classified employees may also participate in professional development activities to enhance their careers.

Health And Character Investigations

Candidates selected for appointment may be required to pass a medical examination given by a Commission-designated physician to determine physical fitness for District employment. The Commission may disqualify any eligible candidates on the basis of the examining physician's report. The District also conducts a fingerprinting background check for all potential candidates for hire. All convictions must be declared and explained on the application; failure to do so will automatically disqualify the application. Tuberculosis tests must be completed and a negative result must be supplied prior to beginning work.