SL: Junior Kindergarten Assistant, 6.5 hours/day, beginning ASAP

Silver Lake Elementary School; Traverse City (MI); On-site; USD 22,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

Traverse City Area Public Schools’ Silver Lake Elementary School in Traverse City, Michigan, is seeking a Junior Kindergarten/Kindergarten Instructional Assistant for immediate start. The role supports classroom instruction under the supervision of the certified teacher and reports to the building principal.

Responsibilities include assisting with small groups, preparing materials, using educational technology, supervising students, implementing IEP/504 accommodations, and maintaining a safe,

Qualifications

• Minimum education is a high school diploma; college credit or degree preferred.
• Interpersonal skills to interact courteously with students and staff.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and manage classroom safety.

Responsibilities

• Support individual students or small groups to reinforce concepts.
• Prepare, organize, and care for instructional materials and equipment.
• Supervise during non-instructional times and transitions, including recess.
• Assist with IEP/504 accommodations and assistive technology guidance.
• Maintain collaboration with teachers and follow health and safety protocols.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Crises management

Experience with children

Ability to lift 50 pounds

Organizational skills

Discretion with sensitive information

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Traverse City Area Public Schools Silver Lake Elementary School - Traverse City, Michigan Open in Google Maps

Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

Employee Group:TCCAPSA

Classification:III

Status:School year - 180 work days + 9 paid holidays

The Junior Kindergarten/Kindergarten Instructional Assistant supports classroom instruction and student learning under the direct supervision of the certified classroom teacher. Reporting directly to the building principal, this role plays a key part in fostering a positive, inclusive, and effective learning environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Work with individual students or small groups to reinforce concepts and skills introduced by the teacher, or monitor the whole group during targeted instruction.
• Assist in implementing tailored strategies to support diverse learning needs, interests, and abilities.
• Prepare, operate, and care for educational technology and instructional media used in the classroom.
• Guide students in mastering instructional materials and learning technology assigned by the teacher.
• Organize, distribute, and collect instructional materials, supplies, and student coursework.
• Facilitate independent study, enrichment activities, and remedial support designated by the classroom teacher.
• Supervise students during non-instructional and transition times, including recess, assemblies, line movement, and emergency drills.
• Assist in creating and maintaining engaging classroom displays, bulletin boards, and learning centers.
• Supports the implementation of individual student plans, such as IEPs and 504 plans, providing accommodations and assistance as directed.
• Assists students with the use of assistive technology, digital tools, and educational software under teacher guidance.
• Maintains clear and constructive collaboration and communication with classroom teachers, staff, and school teams.
• Follows established health and safety protocols to ensure a safe learning environment for all students.
• Lead or assist with large group activities, including story time, read-alouds, and group practice exercises.
• Engage actively with students in language development, early literacy skills, and interactive communication.
• Support students during visits to the Library Media Center (LMC) and special subjects.
• Review completed student work, track daily progress, and assist in proctoring assessments under teacher direction.
• Observe and communicate student progress, needs, or behavioral observations to the classroom teacher in a timely manner.
• Serve as a primary resource and support contact for substitute teachers to ensure continuity of classroom routines.
• Uphold high standards of professional ethics, student privacy, and confidentiality regarding student records and family information.
• Participate in required professional development and district training programs.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned by the building administrator or supervisor.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:

• Minimum education requirement is a high school diploma. Previous college credit, WorkKeys certification or college degree preferred.
• Interpersonal skills necessary to deal effectively and courteously with students and school personnel.
• Skills in crises and rapidly developing behavioral needs of students.
• Previous experience working with children.
• Ability to care for, supervise, and nurture children.
• Ability to follow directions.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to assist with maintaining records of student progress.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Strong conflict-resolution and problem-solving abilities.
• High level of dependability, punctuality, and discretion in handling sensitive information.
• Commitment to continuous learning and participation in staff training opportunities.
• Ability to maintain poise and composure in fast-paced or stressful situations.

Physical and Mental Requirements:

• Ability to maintain regular, reliable, and punctual attendance.
• Ability to participate in physical activities required in an early childhood setting, including walking, standing, bending, stooping, crouching, reaching, pushing/pulling, and lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Strong auditory and oral communication skills to interact clearly and effectively with young students, staff, and parents.
• Visual and cognitive acuity to observe student behaviors, assess classroom situations, and execute appropriate supervisory actions.
• Ability to exercise critical thinking and sound judgment in responding to student needs and administrative expectations.

Environmental Conditions:

Work is performed in indoor and outdoor educational settings, including classrooms, playgrounds, cafeterias, and school grounds. Tasks involve exposure to varying weather conditions, moderate-to-high noise levels, and active mobility across indoor and outdoor surfaces in close proximity to young children.

Work Schedules:

Must be available to report during the school year consistent with the district’s school year calendar.

The individual selected for this position will be required to pass a criminal history background check.

SL: Junior Kindergarten Assistant, 6.5 hours/day, beginning ASAP

Traverse City Area Public Schools Silver Lake Elementary School - Traverse City, Michigan Open in Google Maps

This job is also posted in Traverse City Area Public Schools

Job Details

Job ID: 5983314
Application Deadline: Posted until filled
Posted: Nov 05, 2026 5:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Immediate

Job Description

Employee Group:TCCAPSA

Classification:III

Status:School year - 180 work days + 9 paid holidays

Location:Silver Lake Elementary

Master Agreement

TCCAPSA Benefits Summary

Retirement Benefits

General Summary:

The Junior Kindergarten/Kindergarten Instructional Assistant supports classroom instruction and student learning under the direct supervision of the certified classroom teacher. Reporting directly to the building principal, this role plays a key part in fostering a positive, inclusive, and effective learning environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Work with individual students or small groups to reinforce concepts and skills introduced by the teacher, or monitor the whole group during targeted instruction.
• Assist in implementing tailored strategies to support diverse learning needs, interests, and abilities.
• Prepare, operate, and care for educational technology and instructional media used in the classroom.
• Guide students in mastering instructional materials and learning technology assigned by the teacher.
• Organize, distribute, and collect instructional materials, supplies, and student coursework.
• Facilitate independent study, enrichment activities, and remedial support designated by the classroom teacher.
• Supervise students during non-instructional and transition times, including recess, assemblies, line movement, and emergency drills.
• Assist in creating and maintaining engaging classroom displays, bulletin boards, and learning centers.
• Supports the implementation of individual student plans, such as IEPs and 504 plans, providing accommodations and assistance as directed.
• Assists students with the use of assistive technology, digital tools, and educational software under teacher guidance.
• Maintains clear and constructive collaboration and communication with classroom teachers, staff, and school teams.
• Follows established health and safety protocols to ensure a safe learning environment for all students.
• Lead or assist with large group activities, including story time, read-alouds, and group practice exercises.
• Engage actively with students in language development, early literacy skills, and interactive communication.
• Support students during visits to the Library Media Center (LMC) and special subjects.
• Review completed student work, track daily progress, and assist in proctoring assessments under teacher direction.
• Observe and communicate student progress, needs, or behavioral observations to the classroom teacher in a timely manner.
• Serve as a primary resource and support contact for substitute teachers to ensure continuity of classroom routines.
• Uphold high standards of professional ethics, student privacy, and confidentiality regarding student records and family information.
• Participate in required professional development and district training programs.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned by the building administrator or supervisor.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:

• Minimum educational requirement is a high school diploma. Previous college credit, WorkKeys certification or college degree preferred.
• Interpersonal skills necessary to deal effectively and courteously with students and school personnel.
• Skills in crises and rapidly developing behavioral needs of students.
• Previous experience working with children.
• Ability to care for, supervise, and nurture children.
• Ability to follow directions.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to assist with maintaining records of student progress.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Strong conflict‑resolution and problem‑solving abilities.
• High level of dependability, punctuality, and discretion in handling sensitive information.
• Commitment to continuous learning and participation in staff training opportunities.
• Ability to maintain poise and composure in fast‑paced or stressful situations.

Physical and Mental Requirements:

• Ability to maintain regular, reliable, and punctual attendance.
• Ability to participate in physical activities required in an early childhood setting, including walking, standing, bending, stooping, crouching, reaching, pushing/pulling, and lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Strong auditory and oral communication skills to interact clearly and effectively with young students, staff, and parents.
• Visual and cognitive acuity to observe student behaviors, assess classroom situations, and execute appropriate supervisory actions.
• Ability to exercise critical thinking and sound judgment in responding to student needs and administrative expectations.

Environmental Conditions:

Work is performed in indoor and outdoor educational settings, including classrooms, playgrounds, cafeterias, and school grounds. Tasks involve exposure to varying weather conditions, moderate-to-high noise levels, and active mobility across indoor and outdoor surfaces in close proximity to young children.

Work Schedules:

Must be available to report during the school year consistent with the district’s school year calendar.

Background Checks:

The individual selected for this position will be required to pass a criminal history background check.

Position Type: Full Time, School Year
Salary: $15.86 to $19.31 Per Hour, previous public school experience

Job Requirements

• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Contact Information

• Human Resources
• 1009 S Oak Street
• Traverse City, Michigan 49684
• Phone: [phone]
• Fax: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]

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