Min-Classroom Preschool Instructional Assistant Teacher

DEPARTMENT: Early Childhood

REPORTS TO: Head Teacher and Assistant Superintendent

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: 1.0 FTE with full benefits and paid leave

SCHEDULE: Monday-Thursday 7:45 am-3:45 pm (8 hours/day)

CAMPUS LOCATION: Wallowa Preschool

WAGE: $15.86-$28.56/hour with full benefits and paid leave

OPEN: Until Filled 

1. General Description of the Position's functions and purpose
This 1.0 FTE Instructional Assistant position ensures, supports, and promotes each child’s learning, well-being, and development in cooperation with the children’s family and other childhood professionals in a manner that is consistent with the Spark Quality Rating and Improvement System, USDA, and Preschool Promise guidelines. The Aide will work under the direct supervision of the classroom teacher to support the instructional needs in the classroom. 

    This position will be the instructional assistant for a specialized mini-classroom serving preschool children with diverse developmental needs, including children with disabilities and typically developing peers. Responsible for implementing a supportive, inclusive learning environment focused on social-emotional development, communication, adaptive, and school readiness skills through individualized and small-group instruction. 

2. Specific Duties and Responsibilities 

• Follows Preschool Promise guidelines and Oregon Administrative Rules/Oregon Revised
  Statutes, and Oregon Early Learning Guidelines. Implements and complies with Spark, Wallowa ESD policies and procedures, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and USDA. 

• Maintain a professional working environment and positive interpersonal working relationships with staff and students.

• Support and maintain a safe and supportive classroom environment with rich learning
  opportunities for all children in care. 

• Supports the supervision of all children’s indoor and outdoor activities while incorporating positive guidance and behavior management techniques that align with the Pyramid Model. 

• Supports a classroom community by providing a safe, calm, and predictable
  environment that engages children in developmentally appropriate activities. 

• Uses positive behavior management of children, using trauma-informed strategies. 

• Maintains confidentiality of children and families as well as classroom staff.

• Works to resolve issues and problems with staff members cooperatively and respectfully.

• Comply with all applicable district, state, and federal guidelines, policies and laws.

• Implement strategies that protect the legal rights of students. Protect the safety, health, and well-being of all students.

• Supervise students in the classroom, lunchroom, locker room, playground, hallways, bus arrival/departure, and other areas as directed.

• Implement instructional strategies that respect individual differences, foster student achievement, and maintain supportive and inclusive environments.

• Implement and modify behavioral strategies for students consistent with classroom and building behavior goals that align with directive from classroom teacher and ESCE specialist.

• Use independent judgment with guidance from licensed teachers and/or specialists.

• Perform work responsibilities effectively under pressure of deadlines, difficult situations, interruptions, high noise levels, and new or emergency situations.

• Maintain and improve professional skills in order to contribute to the learning of all students.

3. Personal Relations

• Working relationships will be required with students, staff, parents, area school staff and administrators, and various other local community partners and agencies. 

• Demonstrate cooperative behavior with colleagues, customers and supervisors.  Must be a team player. 

4. Environment 

• Preschool classrooms, bus loading, outdoor playground. 

• Exposure to body fluids and other infectious materials is possible. 

5. Physical Requirements 

• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds. Frequent sitting and standing/walking. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance  vision, color vision and peripheral vision. 

6. Title of the Person to whom this Position Reports  

• Classroom Teacher

• Assistant Superintendent

• Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education Coordinator 

7. Knowledge/Skills Required by the Job 

• High school diploma or G.E.D. A minimum of two years (72 quarter credit hours) of higher education, an Associates Degree or have met rigorous standards of quality in math, reading, and writing through the WorkKeys Assessment Minimum proficiency scores on Work Keys are: Level 3 – Reading, Math, and Writing.

• ORO Safety Set Courses Completed and willingness to reach Step 5 in ORO over time. 

• Pyramid Model Training upon hire 

*The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of the job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required and scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or provide relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload.