Preschool Instructional Aide

Union Township School Corporation; Valparaiso (IN); On-site; USD 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Union Township School Corporation in Valparaiso, Indiana is seeking an Instructional Aide to assist certified staff in the classroom. This role involves supporting students to achieve educational goals, managing classroom behaviors, and preparing learning materials.

The ideal candidate will have a high school diploma, experience with children needing assistance, and the ability to use standard office equipment like computers. A collaborative and compassionate approach is essential for this position. Benefits and professional development opportunities are available.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• Completion of college level coursework preferred.
• Experience with children requiring additional assistance is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Assist students in the classroom to meet instructional goals.
• Reinforce reading, language arts, and math skills.
• Maintain safety and order in the classroom.

Skills

Ability to carry out instructions

Arithmetic operations

Use of personal computers

Compassionate relationship with students

Effective communication skills

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Successful completion of college level coursework

Experience working with children

Tools

Personal computers

Job description

Instructional Aide

Position Purpose: 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 additional duties such as assisting during study/work times 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 and uses educational materials as needed.
• Assists teacher with parent contact as requested to foster effective and participatory parent involvement in student education.
• Assists students with additional needs in all aspects of classroom instruction to maximize inclusion, learning, achievement of student objectives, etc.
• Serves as resource for the student personnel evaluation team as needed.
• Assist students with additional needs with activities 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 aides.

Additional Duties

• Assist guidance, pupil services staff 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.

Travel Requirements

Travel between schools, or between schools and central offices, may be required for certain positions.

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 extraneeds.
• 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. Also see the Summary of Physical, Sensory and Environmental Requirements Needed to Perform Essential Job Duties for this position.

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.
• Successful completion of college level coursework or passing of state examination.
• Prior experience working with children who require more assistance is desirable.