PreK Teaching Assistant

Indianapolis Public Schools; Columbus (IN); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established educational institution is seeking a dedicated paraprofessional to support certified staff and assist students in achieving their academic goals. This role involves providing instructional support in reading, mathematics, and computer skills while fostering a positive learning environment. The ideal candidate will demonstrate effective communication, compassion, and the ability to work with diverse student populations. Join a collaborative team that values educational excellence and student success, and contribute to the development of future leaders in a dynamic school setting.

Benefits

Competitive Starting Hourly Rate

Additional $1 per hour from referendum funds

Supportive Work Environment

Professional Development Opportunities

Qualifications

• Ability to assist students in various educational tasks and activities.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work with diverse individuals.

Responsibilities

• Assist students with academic tasks and reinforce learning objectives.
• Support classroom management and maintain a safe learning environment.

Skills

Instructional Support

Reading and Language Arts Reinforcement

Mathematics Assistance

Computer Instruction

Behavioral Management

Effective Communication

Confidentiality Maintenance

Relationship Building

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

48 Hours of College Credit

Tools

Personal Computers

Office Software (Word, Excel)

Job description

Indiana Public Schools | Columbus , IN 47202

Under the direct supervision of a certified staff member, to assist certified professional staff with students in the classroom to meet instructional goals and objectives, and to free certified professional employees from non-professional duties to enable them to make a contribution to other aspects of the educational program, such as curriculum development.

Essential Job Functions

• Assists and guides students to reinforce reading, language arts, mathematics, computer instruction, and other skills.
• Works with students individually and in small groups to reinforce basic learning and implement assigned programs.
• Assists professional staff in the administration and correction of classroom exercises, tests and assessments.
• Assists in classroom preparations and strategies for reinforcing instructional materials and skills according to individual student needs.
• Assists with record-keeping procedures to document student learning and performance.
• Assists with classroom behavioral management to minimize disruptions, ensure a safe and orderly classroom, and ensure students are on task.
• Assists students in non-instructional areas, such as supervising the student lunch programs, bus duty, playground duty, corridor, study hall, and other related non-instructional areas.
• Accompanies students on field trips for the purpose of assisting with supervision.
• Constructs, copies and distributes educational materials as needed.
• Assists teacher with parent contact as requested to foster effective and participatory parent involvement in student education.
• Assists students with special needs in all aspects of classroom instruction to maximize inclusion, learning, achievement of IEP objectives, etc.
• Participates in IEP process and serves as resource for the student personnel evaluation team as needed.
• Assists students with disabilities with activities of daily living for the purpose of maximizing their ability to participate in school or learning activities.
• Follows all applicable safety rules, procedures and regulations governing the proper manner of assistance for all students, including those with disabilities or other special needs.
• May assist in the training of other paraprofessionals.

Additional Duties

• Assist counseling or building administration, as needed.
• Perform any other related duties as assigned.
• Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.

Equipment

Use standard office equipment, such as personal computers and copiers.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide, and perform arithmetic operations as needed to assist students.
• Ability to understand, apply and use personal computers and software applications (e.g., Word, Excel).
• Ability to work with a diverse group of individuals.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of information regarding students, employees and others.
• Ability to establish a supportive and compassionate relationship with students with special needs.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with students, staff and others contacted in the course of work.
• Ability to report work orally or in writing to supervisor as required.
• Effective writing and verbal communication skills.

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards

Works in standard office and school building environments.

Ability to work outdoors during outdoor student activities.

Qualifications Profile

• Any combination of education and experience providing the required skill and knowledge for successful performance would be qualifying. Typical qualifications would be equivalent to:
• High School diploma or equivalent.

Terms of Employment

Less than 12 months.

Highly Qualified applicant will have 48 hours of college credit or pass ParaPro test.

Classified Staff Salary Matrix Grade 5 if not highly qualified, Grade 8 if highly qualified.

Other conditions and stipulations as listed in the Classified Staff Handbook.

Starting Hourly Rate Placement: Grade 5 $16.03 or Grade 8 $16.97 (could include Parapro, CDA, 48 college credits).

An additional $1 per hour will be paid from referendum funds.