About this role
Title: PARA 4-Instructional Support Assistant DBM Classification: B21/Class 4
Department: Elementary Salary Range: $21.57 - $27.34
Employee Group: EM SPARK Prepared Date: June 2026
Reports to: School Principal FTE/FLSA Status: 0.69 FTE (5.50 hours a day) |10-Months | Non-Exempt
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.