Preschool Special Education Instructional Assistant

Summer Hill Preschool Learning Center; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 30,600 - 47,058; Full time

Job summary

Richmond Public Schools seeks an Instructional Assistant to support teachers in an exceptional education classroom or one-to-one at Summer Hill Preschool Center. The role includes assisting with instructional activities, reinforcing material, and supervising students during the school day.

The position is non-exempt, 9.5-months within 191 days, 7 hours per day, with a starting date of August 17, 2026. Candidates should have at least an associate degree or 60 college credits and pass the ParaPro

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.
• A minimum of 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 are required.
• Must have the ability to perform basic mathematical calculations and demonstrate excellence in business English, grammar, spelling and punctuation.
• Have the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Must have good skills in operating personal computers and related software.
• Must be adaptable to changing priorities, have the ability to work independently and/or with minimum supervision, and the ability to effectively handle multiple assignments simultaneously.
• Have a good knowledge of and understanding of child growth, development and paraprofessional instructional procedures and practices.
• Considerable patience and the ability to work effectively with children with disabilities, young adults and faculty members are essential.
• Must be able to follow written and oral instructions and to perform all required tasks.
• Must have the ability to assist in the implementation of behavioral intervention programs for children with emotional/behavioral disorders and maintain student disability records in a highly confidential manner.
• Special Requirement: Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
• If hired, you must complete online autism training within 60 days of start date.

Responsibilities

• Assists student(s) in reinforcing material already presented through special efforts and repetitions.
• Assists student(s) 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.
• Assists the teacher in providing 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 in a consistent and positive manner.
• Encourages proper care and use of school facilities, property and equipment and participates in curriculum development programs as required.
• Assists with toileting student(s), changing diapers and personal hygiene.
• Escorts student(s) when necessary and restrains out of control student(s) when necessary.
• Assists student(s) with mobility needs.
• Guides children in working and playing harmoniously with other children.
• Helps to maintain individual records for each student and collects and displays suitable materials for educational displays.
• Performs other related tasks as required.

Skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Time management

Public relations

Basic math

Business English

Independent worker

Education

ParaPro / AA / 60 credits

Tools

Computer software

Job description

Richmond Public Schools seeks an Instructional Assistant to support teachers in an exceptional education classroom or one-to-one at Summer Hill Preschool Center. The role includes assisting with instructional activities, reinforcing material, and supervising students during the school day.

The position is non-exempt, 9.5-months within 191 days, 7 hours per day, with a starting date of August 17, 2026. Candidates should have at least an associate degree or 60 college credits and pass the ParaPro