Instructional Assistant, Early Childhood (Head Start)

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

Assist the teacher in the preparation, instruction and management of activities which will enhance student success.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Certification:

High School Diploma or equivalent, required

Associate degree or a minimum of 48 college hours, required

Paraprofessional Certification, preferred (required upon employment)

Special Knowledge/Skills:

Ability to work cooperatively with students and adults; strong interpersonal skills; ability to speak, read, write and follow written and oral instructions in English and in Spanish; First Aid and CPR Training, preferred; basic computer skills, preferred

Experience:

Experience working with children, preferred

Days: 187

Hourly Pay Range:

Minimum: $14.00

Maximum: $19.34

Note: Starting pay for a new hire in a pay range plan will be determined individually based on each person''s job-related experience and salaries paid to peer employees in the same position with similar experience.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Reinforce instruction with large and small groups of students.
• Assist teacher in maintaining a safe, attractive classroom environment that is conducive to learning.
• Assist in supervising students throughout the workday.
• Assist the teacher with clerical duties and record keeping.
• Assist with the preparation of instructional materials.
• Operate equipment to augment ongoing instruction by the teacher.
• Follow McAllen ID customer service standards.
• Perform other duties as assigned by immediate supervisor (primary evaluator).

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

None

EQUIPMENT USED:

Computer, copiers, multimedia equipment and other classroom/office machines

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Mental Demands:

Maintain emotional control under stress

Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Various body movements to facilitate instruction (i.e. dancing, running, bending, skipping, etc.); occasional lifting and/or moving up to 45 pounds and over; ability to provide for sanitation needs and student hygiene as required; assist in the restraining of students in crisis situations.