Instructional Assistant, Special Education, Special Assignment (1-1) - Wake County Public School System

POSITION PURPOSE: 

Performs instructional support work assisting classroom teachers in classroom activities as well as general administrative support tasks. Implements goals and objectives established by licensed teachers and works directly with students. Assists in the instruction of individual students or groups of students in all curricular areas as directed by teachers or administrators. Plans and collaborates with teachers in devising special strategies for reinforcing skills and concepts based on the understanding of individual students.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSAs)

• Working knowledge of successful instructional delivery methods;
• Working knowledge of the core subjects at the grade level to which employment assignment is made; 
• Ability to recognize and support students of diverse backgrounds, learning abilities, and learning styles;
• Ability to protect the confidentiality of personally identifiable information in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) and other applicable federal and state laws, policies, and regulations;
• Ability to work in a team environment and effectively collaborate with others;
• Ability to motivate students;
• Ability to constantly supervise the safety and well-being of students;
• Ability to work with a diverse student population and recognize variations in student backgrounds, abilities, and learning styles;
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both in oral and written form using a variety of communication techniques and tools to ensure the appropriate flow of information, collaborative efforts, and feedback;
• Ability to implement academic and behavioral interventions, as needed; 
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with school system staff, students, parents, businesses, community agencies, and the public.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or GED and shall hold, or be working toward, an Associate’s degree in birth-through kindergarten, child development, early childhood education, or an early childhood education related field or a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential.  Instructional Assistants working toward the minimum of an Associate’s

degree or CDA shall make progress by completing a minimum of six documented semester hours per year; OR

• Meet the employment requirements outlined by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), Pub.L.114-95, AND have one of the following: 

• Six documented semester hours of coursework in early childhood education, OR
• Two years of work experience in an early childhood setting. 

CERTIFICATION AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

• None

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• First aid and CPR certifications.
  
  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:   

1. Provides assistance with activities and duties that implement the total school program, assists teachers in instructional activities, and assists teachers in ensuring an encouraging, caring, safe and healthy environment for all students.  
2. Aids teachers with planning and organizing, evaluating instructional activities, developing classroom procedures, and preparing necessary materials; ensures materials for students are readily available according to the needs of the lesson plan.
3. Demonstrates professional and technical skills necessary to function effectively in the classroom and to support the school program.
4. Works with an individual student and/or specific groups of students in a different classroom and/or area of the school, as needed. 
5. Participates in the district staff development program and continued professional growth in the area of assignment.
6. Maintains a positive disposition, exercises good judgement, and remains calm when dealing with students at all times.
7. May perform vision and hearing screenings; enters results into the Electronic Access Student Information System (EASi, student’s electronic records system.) Initial training and recertification will be provided through WCPSS, if needed.
8. Performs other related duties, as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT  

Must be able to use a variety of office equipment such as computers, scanners, and copiers.  Must be able to communicate effectively.  At times requires the ability to lift, carry, push, pull, or exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.  Physical requirements are consistent with those for medium work. School can contact the school’s Physical Therapist for assistance, if needed, with proper lifting techniques.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Must be able to work in a classroom, an office environment, and come into direct contact with school system staff, students, parents, and the community.  

EFFECTIVE DATE:  5/2023

DISCLAIMER:  The above statements are intended to describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this position.  They are not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and skills that may be required of the employees assigned to this position.  This description may be revised by the supervisor, with HR review and approval, at any time.