Title: PARA, Class 4- Instructional Program Assistant

Department: Teaching and Learning

Group: EM SPARK

Reports to: Building Principal

Salary Range: $18.54 - $26.28 per hour

Prepared Date: November 2024

FTE: .75 (6 hours per day)

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the guidance of licensed and professional instructional staff, this classification represents a broad grouping of varied positions providing instructional support and assistance to children. Positions assigned to this classification are expected to have gained or learned basic knowledge, skills, and fundamentals of learning theory, child development, behavioral management/modification, and general instructional fundamentals in order to work in the classroom with groups of students or 1:1 in the areas of instructional reinforcement and student learning assistance. Responsibilities and duties are performed under the immediate supervision of licensed instructional personnel and involve assisting and guiding students in the reinforcement of District curriculum and academic subject areas such as reading, math, science, language, or other classroom subjects by implementing behavioral plans and/or monitoring and enforcing appropriate behavior in accordance with instructional lesson plans and/or student IEP’s. Positions assigned to this classification also provide assistance and support in terms of preparing exercises/drills for students which are better suited to their learning needs, recording tests, copying materials for the classroom, correcting papers/tests, updating and maintaining classroom records, files and supplies. Specific duties and responsibilities of any position will vary from program-to-program and building-to-building and the essential duties listed below are intended to be illustrative and representative of the nature and level of duties that might be required of the classification as a whole.

Essential duties outlined below are intended as “representative” examples of the level, nature and decision making expected of positions assigned to this classification.  The duties below are not intended to be a comprehensive listing of all duties and tasks performed by the employees assigned to this classification. A classification description, unlike job description or position description, is designed to capture the general expectations, complexity level, and nature of work of any position that may be allocated to this classification.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Reinforces, practices, and reintroduces reading, math, science, language, and other academic instructional subjects, concepts, and lessons delivered in the classroom by licensed instructional staff.
• Works with students in the classroom in small groups or on a 1:1 basis.
• Carries out and implements daily objectives to assist the student in learning the material and daily lessons provided by licensed instructional staff.
• Provides assistance to students in daily living skills, health needs, and/or hygiene needs, if required.
• Monitors, assesses, and supervises student behaviors to assure consistent behavioral management consistent with any student IEP or to reinforce appropriate behavior and learning within the classroom.
• Implements and provides appropriate consequences for inappropriate behavior consistent with District philosophy, rules, and/or individual behavioral plans.
• Assists licensed staff in adapting and modifying lesson plans for students with special needs or in need of additional reinforcement/practice.
• Assists instructional personnel in the preparation of classrooms, daily lesson plans, and activities.
• Assembles classroom materials and supplies needed.
• Assists students with daily living skills or routines.
• Types tests, handouts or other materials.
• Copies and duplicates materials needed for lesson plans.
• Assists in correcting tests, scoring tests, recording test results, etc.
• Meets with instructional staff to discuss student needs and student progress.
• Provides input and assists staff in identifying problems, concerns, issues, or student progress.
• Assists other District personnel in supervising students during study halls, lunchrooms, playgrounds, hallways, or in bus loading/unloading.
• Performs the duties of “student monitor” but on a more limited basis.
• Performs other comparable duties of a like or similar nature as assigned.
• Attends training sessions, workshops, seminars, etc. to keep skills and knowledge current.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Knowledge of basic math, reading, language, science, or other academic concepts pertinent to area of assignment.
• Knowledge of general learning concepts, theories, and fundamentals.
• Knowledge of child development fundamentals and concepts.
• Knowledge of problem solving and conflict resolution techniques.
• Knowledge of behavioral management strategies, crisis intervention, and methods.
• Knowledge of District policies, guidelines, rules, or philosophy pertaining to discipline and appropriate student behavior and consequences.
• Supervising student behavior and applying consistent consequences for appropriate and inappropriate behaviors.
• Adapting lesson plans to the individual needs of students to facilitate their learning and to assist them in meeting any individual learning plans and objectives
• Reading and interpreting documents, administrative policies, manuals, department guidelines, and operational procedures.
• Writing routine correspondence, routine reports, memos, documents, charts, or other correspondence/recording keeping requirements of the job.
• Presenting, reintroducing and reinforcing information in 1:1 and/or small group situation to students, parents, staff, or other employees concerning District/program routines, polices, rules, learning principles, concepts, and other lesson plans.
• Taking instruction and direction from licensed personnel and following classroom/program routines.
• Learning and applying academic subject material relevant to their duties and needed in the reinforcement or tutoring of students.
• Interacting with and serving as a role model concerning learning and behaviors.
• Dealing appropriately with student conflict and behavioral issues consistently and in accordance with District guidelines, disciplinary principles, and/or individual student plans.
• Reinforcing and assisting students in acquiring or performing basic living skills or health needs.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force continuously, and/or negligible amount of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects in the performance of the job.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Work is performed typically in a school in a classroom setting. Position holders may be exposed to student conflicts, inappropriate behaviors, acting out behaviors, and verbal outbursts. The potential for risks and hazards can be minimized given District procedures, job training, risk management procedures of the District, and supervision/direction provided by professional staff.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• AA degree or the completion of 60 post-secondary credits in relevant subject areas. If hired prior to 2005, employee must be able to pass state competency test/requirements.
• Major field of study or degree emphasis: Child development, human development, learning, behavioral management, or closely related area
• No specific licenses or certification required to gain entry into the classification. District may require specific certifications, courses and/or licenses after hiring depending upon the specific job assignment, or needs of the District.