Title:	PARA 4-Instructional Support Assistant	DBM Classification:	B21/Class 4
Department:	Elementary	Salary Range:	$18.54 - $26.28
Employee Group:	EM SPARK	Prepared Date:	November 2025
Reports to:	School Principal	FTE/FLSA Status:	.38 FTE (3 hours per day) - 10-Months - Non-Exempt

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES

The Instructional Support Assistant supports teachers in delivering instruction and fostering a positive, inclusive learning environment. They assist with implementing lesson plans, provide individual and small-group support, help manage classroom behavior, and prepare instructional materials. The role includes supporting students with diverse needs, supervising during non-instructional times, and promoting equity and inclusion while maintaining confidentiality and adhering to district policies.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Reinforce, practice, and reintroduce academic subjects (reading, math, science, language, etc.) based on lessons delivered by licensed instructional staff.
Work with students in small groups or one-on-one to support learning objectives and daily lessons.
Assist students with daily living skills, health needs, and hygiene as required.
Monitor, assess, and supervise student behavior to ensure consistency with IEPs and classroom expectations.
Implement and provide appropriate consequences for behavior in alignment with district philosophy and individual behavioral plans.
Support licensed staff in adapting and modifying lesson plans for students needing additional help or special accommodations.
Prepare instructional materials and assist with organizing classrooms and daily lesson plans.
Meet with instructional staff to discuss student needs, progress, and strategies for improvement.
Provide input to help identify student concerns, challenges, and successes.
Supervise students during non-instructional times (e.g., study halls, lunch, playground, hallways, and bus loading/unloading) as needed.
Foster an inclusive and culturally responsive environment that supports equity and diversity.
Assist with behavioral management and promote positive behavior reinforcement.
Adhere to district policies, procedures, and confidentiality guidelines.
Perform other related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Early childhood development principles and developmental milestones.
Age-appropriate teaching strategies for preschool-aged children, including play-based learning and hands-on activities.
Social-emotional development and strategies for promoting positive behavior in young children.
Basic concepts in literacy, math, motor skills, and language development for preschool children.
Health and safety guidelines related to young children, including hygiene practices and emergency procedures.
Classroom management techniques and strategies for supporting young children’s behavior.
Supporting the development of foundational academic and social skills in young children.
Creating and organizing developmentally appropriate learning activities and materials.
Encouraging positive interactions among children and promoting inclusive, respectful classroom behavior.
Communicating clearly and effectively with children, parents, and teachers.
Observing and documenting children’s progress and developmental growth.
Using creativity and flexibility to adapt activities to meet the needs of individual children.
Managing classroom routines and transitions to maintain a structured, calm learning environment.
Build trusting, positive relationships with preschool-aged children, promoting a safe and supportive classroom environment.
Adapt to the individual learning needs of children and provide tailored support in various areas.
Stay patient, compassionate, and responsive to the emotional and developmental needs of young children.
Collaborate with teachers, families, and other staff members to support children’s growth and well-being.
Foster an inclusive, culturally responsive environment that supports diversity and encourages each child’s success.
Supervise children effectively, ensuring their safety and engagement throughout the school day.
Remain flexible and proactive in a dynamic, fast-paced early learning environment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Mobility: Frequent walking, standing, bending, crouching, and kneeling to assist students and support classroom activities.
Lifting: Ability to lift, carry, and move up to 25 pounds regularly and up to 50 pounds occasionally, including assisting students with mobility needs if required.
Repetitive Motion: Regular use of hands and fingers for writing, typing, and handling instructional materials.
Visual and Auditory Requirements: Ability to see and hear within normal ranges to monitor student behavior, support instruction, and ensure safety.
Physical Assistance: This may involve supporting students with physical disabilities, including transferring, positioning, or assisting with mobility devices.
Endurance: Capability to actively engage with students throughout the school day, including indoor and outdoor supervision (e.g., recess, field trips).
Speech and Communication: Clear verbal communication to interact effectively with students, staff, and families.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

School Setting: Primarily works in classrooms but may also assist in specialized learning spaces, libraries, cafeterias, playgrounds, hallways, and other school areas.
Student Interaction: Regular, direct interaction with students, including those with diverse learning needs and varying behavioral, emotional, or physical abilities.
Team Collaboration: Works closely with licensed instructional staff, special education teams, and other support personnel to assist students.
Dynamic Environment: Fast-paced and varied, requiring flexibility to shift between instructional support, behavioral management, and supervision tasks.
Supervision Duties: Responsible for student supervision in classrooms and during non-instructional times (e.g., lunch, recess, bus loading/unloading, and field trips).
Exposure to Elements: May work outdoors during recess, field trips, or other activities, subject to varying weather conditions.
Health & Safety Considerations: Potential exposure to bodily fluids or illnesses while assisting students with health or hygiene needs, following proper safety protocols.
Noise Level: Moderate to high, depending on student activities and settings.
Physical Demands: The work involves standing, walking, bending, lifting, and moving throughout the day to support students and instructional activities.
Inclusive Environment: Expected to promote and support a culturally responsive, inclusive, and equitable learning environment for all students.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Experience working with children in an educational, childcare, or related setting.
Associate’s degree or completion of at least two years of post-secondary education (equivalent to 60 college credits).
Experience supporting students.
Preferred: Training in behavior management techniques and culturally responsive practices.
Willingness to participate in ongoing professional development and training.

BENEFIT INFORMATION
St. Louis Park Schools provides a comprehensive benefits package for employees working 20 or more hours per week. Key benefits include:

Health and Dental Insurance
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for medical and dependent care expenses
Life Insurance
Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance

The cost of benefits varies based on the employee group and full-time equivalent (FTE) status. For detailed information, including specific benefits and associated costs, please refer to the applicable group or bargaining unit contract Employment Contracts.