About this role
Dorchester County Public Schools is currently accepting applications for PreK Instructional Assistants-HQ. Working under the direction of the school principal and the content supervisor, this position works with students in decision making, interpersonal development, and academic growth by providing the strategies, resources, and instruction to enable each student to meet the demands of the Maryland College and Career Readiness Standards. PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Supports teachers in work with individual students and students in small groups in order to reinforce and promote academic and behavioral successes.
• Assists the teacher in implementing activities consistent with the curriculum guide, resources and training provided.
• Assists teacher with implementation of classroom duties, routines, and instruction.
• Works with groups of students to reinforce material initially introduced by the teacher.
• Obtains daily lessons and class work of assigned students from teachers and returns it during teachers' planning period the next day in order for students to remain current with their class work.
• Serves as a liaison between the teacher and student and monitors attendance, behavior, and academic progress.
• Employs instructional strategies and materials that are most appropriate for achieving stated objectives when formal instruction is necessary.
• Assists the administration in implementing all the policies and rules Governing student conduct.
• Guides independent study, enrichment work, and other student supports planned by the teacher. Provide instructional, behavioral and social emotional supports and services to all students.
• Assists the teacher in implementing activities consistent with the curriculum guide, resources and training provided.
• Assists teacher with implementation of classroom duties, routines, and instruction.
• Works with groups of students to reinforce material initially introduced by the teacher.
• Works with the teacher to facilitate activities for all children both indoors and outdoors.
• Assist individual children in need of special attention in areas including, but not limited to, academics, social, emotional, and behavioral supports.
• Assists the teacher in planning and maintaining a safe, clean learning environment and in assuring the well-being and safety of the children in his/her care.
• Assists with the provisions of specially designed instruction and consistent implementation of student(s)' Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) under the direction of the teacher.
• Assists in assessment and data collection for students to assist in planning targeted instruction and Individualized Education Program (IEP) services and supports under the direction of the teacher.
• Delivers academic interventions and implements proactive behavioral supports/ interventions.
• Intervenes in crisis situations in the school environment as needed, which may include use of non-violent CPI when student exhibits aggressive behavior.
• Assist students with personal hygiene, including designing toileting schedules, toileting/changing and activities of daily living.
• Assists individual children in need of special attention.
• Sets up, and/or operates, instructional technology, laboratory equipment, and computer programs.
• Assists the teacher in providing a high-quality program and supports teacher as they move through the EXCELS and Accreditation process.
• Participates in professional learning opportunities.
• Provides periodic class coverage in absence of a classroom teacher.
• Provides class coverage for the teacher during “rest time.”
• Attends and supports students during resource classes each day (inside and outside of the classroom).
• Assists with recess duty daily.
• Positively interacts with others.
• Attends faculty/staff meetings.
• Participates in staff in-service programs as assigned.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Maintains a high level of ethical behavior and confidentiality of information about students.
• Participate in staff in-service programs as assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
• Deemed Highly Qualified according to MSDE standards by possessing an Associate's Degree, 48 college credits, or successful completion of the Paraprofessional examination and the CDA certificate; (CDA is not required if the candidate possesses an Associate Degree).
• Previous experience in a classroom setting preferred;
• Familiarity with accepted practices and procedures in working with students, to include those with behavioral problems;
• Ability to demonstrate a high degree of understanding and acceptance of all children and interest in the education of students with special needs;
• Ability to follow instructions;
• Ability to accept supervision;
• Ability to communicate effectively.