Full-time Developmental (Special Education) Preschool Assistant at Jefferson Elementary School

Developmental Preschool Teacher Assistant

Full-time; 7 hours per day; 188 days paid days per school year (includes 5 paid holidays); # of days paid is pro-rated if hiring during the school year

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Benefits include: Health Insurance (some options include premiums that are 100% paid for the employee); $20,000 life insurance policy; enrollment in the Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System (5% employee contribution required); optional dental and/or vision insurance; paid sick days; paid personal day; paid holidays

You must meet the minimum education requirements to apply for this position as follows: 48 college credit hours (semester); or associate's or high degree; or passing score on the Parapro assessment

Nature of Work

Employees in this classification assist developmental preschool teachers by working with children with special needs in the classroom. Daily activities vary depending upon the age of the children and the learning capacity of the students. Activities associated with the job include working with individual students or students in small groups to reinforce learning objectives, grading and correcting work assignments, preparing materials for lesson plans, attending to the personal needs of students, and monitoring the performance and behavior of students in class and in the cafeteria. The transportation of students may be required. Incumbents must be capable of providing effective instruction to elementary and middle school age children and maintain a high level of energy while interacting with students. Job performance is typically evaluated by several teachers through observation of interactions with students, ability to impart knowledge and skills to students, and personal organizational skills.

Illustrative Examples of Work

• Work with individual students or small groups of students to reinforce learning objectives.
• Instruct special needs students according to their Individual Education Plans (IEP's).
• Check notebooks and work assignments, grades, and corrects as necessary.
• Monitor the behavior of students on the playground, cafeteria, and common areas and disciplines when necessary.
• Attend to the personal needs of special needs children when necessary.
• Make copies of learning materials, tests, lesson plans, calendars, and related teaching materials.
• Read stories to small groups of children and interpret intended learning objectives.
• Assist physically challenged children to move about the school facility.
• Transport special needs students when necessary.
• Decorate bulletin boards, common areas, and classrooms according to established themes or lesson plans.
• Assist with cleaning and organizing assigned classrooms.
• Assist children upon arrival and departure from the school facility and attend to their needs as required.
• Assist in the execution of emergency drills.
• Conduct art activities and other instructional assignments as directed by the classroom teacher.
• Perform related duties as required.

Necessary Requirements of Work

Minimum education requirement is 48 college credit hours (semester) or passing score on the Parapro assessment. Additional course work in elementary education, experience providing instruction to elementary school age children, ability to successfully interact with students, parents, and co-workers, strong organizational skills or any equivalent combination of education and experience to provide the following critical knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Knowledge of basic educational and learning curriculum for elementary and middle school age children according to established educational attainment standards.
• Knowledge of basic aptitude and diagnostic tests for children attending elementary and middle school.
• Knowledge of state and federal guidelines for interacting with children attending public schools.
• Knowledge of basic instructional aides and techniques for instructing elementary age children.
• Ability to communicate effectively with children, parents, teachers, and co-workers.
• Ability to maintain order and discipline with small and large groups of children.
• Ability to develop lesson plans and supplemental learning activities for individual students or small groups of students.
• Ability to administer tests and accurately assess the results.
• Ability to organize personal time and activities to meet multiple job demands and work assignments.
• Ability to attend to the personal needs of physically challenged students.
• Ability to perform the physically demanding aspects of the job.
• Skill in the operation of laminating equipment, copiers, video equipment, and related instructional equipment.