About this role
Description: Small Wonders GSRP Student Support Aide /Instructional Aide (Pool) Position Type: Support Staff Building(s): DSISD Main Campus, Satellite Locations, & Learning Center Closing Date: Until Filled Starting Date: August 24, 2026 RESPONSIBLE TO: Early Childhood Director & Supervisor of Learning Center & Satellite Locations LENGTH OF CONTRACT YEAR: 6.5 Hours per Day, 5 Days per Week In Accordance with the Master Agreement - Position begins August 24th - June 4th - schedule below is subject to change based on Small Wonders Programming start/end date (Small Wonders 8:30-3:30 Monday-Thursday) (Friday 8:15-3:15 - Learning Center or Satellite Locations) duty-free, unpaid lunch QUALIFICATION
• Meet the standards for highly qualified paraprofessionals as defined by MDE. High school graduate with at least two years of study at an institution of higher education (equal to 60 semester hours), or obtain an associate's degree (or higher), or meet a rigorous standard of quality and demonstrate, through passage of an approved formal state academic assessment in the following areas: knowledge of, and the ability to assist in; instructing reading, writing, and mathematics; or knowledge of, and the ability to assist in; instructing reading readiness, writing readiness, and mathematics readiness, as appropriate.
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• High school graduate or equivalent with a minimum of two (2) years of successful experience as an aide in a daycare training program or a trainable classroom or equivalent experience and be recommended by an administrator who has supervised the work of the aide for at least one year.
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• Possess a valid Michigan driver's license.
• Preferred: Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development, or a valid CDA Credential
• Required: Michigan Child Care Background Check Consent and Disclosure, fingerprint clearance through LARA, clearance through the Public Sex Offender Registry (PSOR), a signed abuse and neglect statement on file, and an active MiRegistry account and membership. **DSISD can provide assistance with these requirements if not already established before employment
RESPONSIBILITIES: Small Wonders GSRP Student Support Aide
• Implement IEP accommodations as detailed in the IEP
• Review and practice lessons previously introduced by the verified teacher to reinforce instruction
• Prepare and organize specialized learning tools, sensory materials, or simplified worksheets under teacher guidance to modify and/or adapt materials
• Assist the student with organizing materials, managing time, and transitioning smoothly between activities
• Consistently apply approved proactive strategies as outlined in the behavior management system or intervention plan
• Employ crisis prevention and de-escalation techniques to manage aggressive, disruptive, or self-injurious behaviors safely
• Accurately log behavioral data, academic progress, and sensory breaks using charts or digital tracking tools required by the IEP team
• Provide close proximity supervision during transition times, recess, and lunch, to prevent behavioral incidents
• Assist in activities of daily living, including toileting, diapering, feeding, changing clothes, and personal hygiene
• Assist with transfers, guide the student safely through the learning space, and support the proper use of adaptive physical equipment
• Monitor the student for specific health indicators and follow the emergency medical protocols trained by the school staff
• Ensure the students' argumentative and alternative communication device, FM system, or other assistive technology is charged, functional, and actively utilized throughout the day
• Coach the student through social scenarios, turn-taking, and cooperative play during learning times to foster meaningful inclusion
• Use picture exchange systems or visual schedules to communicate effectively based on the student's primary language mode
• Adhere strictly to FERPA and IDEA regulations regarding the privacy of the student's records and diagnoses
• Provide regular feedback to the supervising teacher regarding what strategies are working or not to support the completion of the IEP and daily appropriate support for the student
• All other support as outlined in the IEP per IDEA regulations
• Other duties as assigned by the Director/Supervisor
Instructional Aide Duties:
• Complement Instruction: (i.e., assisting the teacher during the lesson by helping pupils who may be having difficulty in understanding or in keeping up with the class).
• Supplement instruction: (i.e., assisting the teacher by working with individuals or small groups of pupils on follow-up activities specified by the teacher).
• Reinforce Instruction: (i.e., assisting the teacher by administering, under supervision and direction, remedial or drill activities for individuals or small groups).
• In collaboration with the program supervisor and program teachers, class assignments will be determined based upon the supervisor's discretion.
• Assist with daily lunchroom activities (to include feeding activities).
• Accompany student(s) on community-based instruction.
• Be able to swim and/or access the water to assist in the water safety program.
• Assist with receiving students and preparing for their departure.
• Assist with bathroom activities (to include toileting and diapering, if necessary).
• Assist with student lifting and positioning, including two-person lifts when necessary. (Ability to independently lift 50 pounds is necessary)
• Assist students as needed when carrying out behavior plan procedures. This may include the ability to physically handle a student weighing up to 200 pounds.
• Participation in the provided Crisis Prevention Institute training.
• Regular, reliable attendance
• Persons having a chauffeur's license preferred.
• Assume other responsibilities as assigned by the administration.