Instructional Assistant - Virginia Preschool Initiative

Martin Luther King Jr. Preschool Learning Center; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 30,600 - 47,058; Full time

Job summary

Richmond Public Schools is seeking an Instructional Assistant at the Maymont Preschool Center to support teachers in an exceptional education setting. The role emphasizes one-to-one and group instructional activities, behavioral support, and record-keeping.

Qualified candidates will have a ParaPro assessment or equivalent education, 60 college credits or an associate degree, and strong communication and organizational skills.

Qualifications

• Must have an associate degree or 60 college credits, with a ParaPro assessment passing score or equivalent credential.
• Experience as an instructional assistant is preferred and working with children with disabilities is a plus.
• Strong communication, organization, time management and public relations skills required.
• Proficiency in basic math and strong business English, grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

Responsibilities

• Assist teacher with instructional activities in an exceptional education setting.
• Reinforce instructional material and support student independence in self-care tasks.
• Prepare and maintain files and student records for reports and displays.
• Provide individual and small-group instruction and supervise students during the day.
• Maintain discipline and promote positive behavior and safe use of facilities.
• Assist with mobility, toileting, and behavior support as needed.

Skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Time management

Public relations

Mathematical calculations

English grammar/spelling

Interpersonal relations

Computers / PC skills

Adaptability

Teamwork

Education

Associate’s degree

60 college credits

ParaPro assessment passing score

Job description

Instructional Assistant - Virginia Preschool Initiative

Richmond City Public Schools – Martin Luther King Jr. Preschool Learning Center, Richmond, Virginia.

Job ID: 5822827

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

Posted: Jul 08, 2026 4:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Aug 17, 2026

Job Description

Job Title: Instructional Assistant

Terms of Employment: Grade 108.2 9.5-month Support (191 Day, 7 hours)

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Work Location: Maymont Preschool Center

Immediate Supervisor: School Principal

General Description: The Instructional Assistant assists the teacher or designated supervisor with instructional activities in an exceptional education classroom or one-to-one setting.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assists students in reinforcing material through special efforts and repetitions.
• Assists students with self-care areas to build independence.
• Prepares and maintains files and reports.
• Assists teacher in performing specific duties as assigned or undertaking specialized tasks.
• Provides individual and group instruction designed to meet individual needs and supervises students in out-of-classroom activities during the assigned workday.
• Reinforces acceptable student behavior consistently and positively.
• Encourages proper care and use of school facilities, property and equipment and participates in curriculum development programs as required.
• Assists with toileting students, changing diapers and personal hygiene.
• Escorts students when necessary and restrains out-of-control students when necessary.
• Assists students with mobility needs.
• Guides children in working and playing harmoniously with other children.
• Maintains individual records for each student and collects and displays suitable materials for educational displays.
• Performs other related tasks as required.

Qualifications

• Passing score on the ParaPro Assessment or Associate’s degree or completion of 60 hours of college credits from an accredited college or university recognized by the Virginia Department of Education.
• Minimum one year working experience as an instructional assistant preferred.
• Experience working with children with disabilities preferred.
• Excellent communication, organizational, time management and public relations skills required.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations and demonstrate excellence in business English, grammar, spelling and punctuation.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Good skills in operating personal computers and related software.
• Adaptable to changing priorities, able to work independently and/or with minimum supervision, and able to effectively handle multiple assignments simultaneously.
• Good knowledge of and understanding of child growth, development and paraprofessional instructional procedures and practices.
• Considerable patience and ability to work effectively with children with disabilities, young adults and faculty members essential.
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions and perform all required tasks.
• Must have the ability to assist in implementing behavioral intervention programs for children with emotional/behavioral disorders and maintain student disability records in a highly confidential manner.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
• If hired, you must complete online autism training within 60 days of start date. For information regarding the training and to complete the training modules please visit vcuautismcenter.org

How to Apply

All applicants (including RPS employees) must submit an online application. Please access the website at www.rvaschools.net.

Applicants must upload a current resume, transcript, and license if applicable. Three references’ names and contact information will be required if selected for interview.

Richmond Public Schools will conduct a background investigation, fingerprinting, and tuberculosis screening as a condition of employment. EOE.

Additional Details

START DATE: Based on School Board approval

Position Type: Full-Time

Salary: $30,600 to $47,058 Per Year

Contact Information

• Crystal Hartsfield, Principal
• Martin Luther King Jr. Preschool Learning Center
• Phone: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]