Title:
PARA 4-Instructional Assistant
DBM Classification:
B21/Class 6
Department:
Elementary
Salary Range:
$18.54 - $26.28 per hour
Employee Group:
EM SPARK
Prepared Date:
July 2025
Reports to:
School Principal
FTE/FLSA Status:
.75FTE - 10-Months-Non-Exempt
6 hours per day
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.
|
