Position Title:  Instructional Assistant – Kindergarten

Pay Grade:  6                                                          Period of Employment:  9.5 Months

Description Approved/ Revised:  04/2021       FLSA Status:  Non-Exempt

Supervised by and/or Reports to:  Classroom Teacher, Department Supervisor, School Administrators

General Responsibilities: Assists kindergarten students as directed by the kindergarten classroom instructor; contributes in making the classroom a challenging, safe, and stimulating learning environment, and supports the classroom instructor in making the classroom run smoothly with minimal disruption.

Essential Duties:

(This list is intended solely as an illustration of the various types of work performed.  The omission of specific duties does not exclude their addition if they are similar to or a logical extension of the position.)

• Supports the kindergarten classroom teacher by assisting the students as needed or directed.
• Helps set up the kindergarten classroom for the start of each school year and break down and clean the kindergarten classroom at the end of the school year.
• Helps prepare the kindergarten classroom for daily instruction and helps clean up the classroom at the end of the day.
• Provides care and supervision of the students at all times.
• Escorts students when required.
• Identifies and prepares materials for daily class work.
• Assists the instructor in creating an environment that is conducive to learning and appropriate to the maturity and interests of the students.
• Collaborates with the kindergarten classroom teacher on classroom arrangements and organization.
• Aids the kindergarten instructor in administering individual student assessments.
• Conducts learning exercises with small groups in reading and math.
• Supports the kindergarten teacher with clerical duties.
• Monitors hallways.
• Uses the tenants of Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports (PBIS) to ensure students are safe, respectful, and responsible.
• Observes and manages student behavior; collaborates with the Kindergarten teacher on behavior plans and their implementation.
• Performs bus duty by assisting students on and off the bus.
• Assists with field trips.
• Provides assistance to the encore teachers when the students are in the classroom.
• Carries out personal care duties for the students when necessary.
• Studies and implements medical action plans established for student safety with appropriate training from nursing staff.
• Completes proper training and maintains certifications if required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requisite Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• General knowledge of all students – especially those with special needs, food and other types of allergies.
• Broad knowledge of the practices, methods, and techniques used in classroom teaching and classroom management .
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to follow directions given by classroom instructor.
• Exhibit patience with students and staff.
• Ability to monitor student safety.
• Ability to interact with students, staff, and parents.
• Ability to maintain student behavior and maintain classroom instruction during the teacher’s absence.
• Ability to work independently with students towards IEP goals under the guidance of the teacher.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Serves as role model.

Requisite Education and Experience:

• Must possess a high school diploma or equivalent (GED).
• Must possess a minimum of 60 college credit hours; or an Associate’s Degree or higher; or have successfully passed the Para Pro Assessment.
• Experience in an educational setting and/or prior teaching/instructional experience preferred.

Physical Requirements:

Must have the use of sensory skills in order to effectively communicate and interact with other employees and the public through the use of the telephone and personal contact as normally defined by the ability to see, read, talk, hear, handle or feel objects and controls.  Physical capability to effectively use and operate various items of office related equipment, such as, but not limited to: a personal computer, calculator, copier, and fax machine. Some significant climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, or repetitive motions required.

Manassas City Public Schools assures equal employment opportunities and equal education opportunities for employees and students as required by federal and state orders and laws.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential tasks.

This job description is intended to accurately reflect the position activities and requirements.  It is neither intended to be, nor should it be construed as, an all-inclusive list of the responsibilities, skills, or working conditions associated with the position.  The administration reserves the right to modify, assign, or remove duties as necessary. 

Manassas City Public Schools (MCPS) does not discriminate in employment nor in the provision of educational programs, services and activities on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by law.