Preschool Instructional Assistant

Preschool Instructional Assistant

Teacher assistants may perform any of a wide range of duties depending on where and with whom they work. One of the major responsibilities of the teacher assistant is to work alongside the teacher to provide more interaction time for children and to visually supervise children at all times. When an assistant is in the classroom, she/he is expected to talk with children, ask questions, play with them, and take care of their needs as well as to keep them safe. Since the assistant's foremost responsibility is to follow the teacher's direction, it is important to determine, to some extent, the nature of duties to be performed. Suggestions for these duties may be found on the following pages. They are not designed to limit the role of the assistant or to infringe upon the responsibility of the teacher. Instead, it is hoped they will serve as a stimulus for other activities.

Child care assistants are responsible for carrying out the teacher's plans before and after regular school hours. He/she should report to the teacher the effectiveness of the plans and work with the teacher to change plans as needed.

Teacher Assistant General Duties

A. Perform clerical responsibilities.

• Keep abreast of plans to see that materials are available.
• Record and transfer data as instructed by the teacher.
• Receive any fees and keep records of the same.
• Obtain and organize supplies and materials.
• Operate media equipment.
• Check attendance.
• Be responsible for the care of materials and equipment.

B. Render assistance in large group activities

• Assist with physical education activities, both indoors and out.
• Help with field trips and supervise children for their safety.
• Assist in serving meals and snacks.
• Strive to make mealtime a learning experience.
• Assist with all classroom activities.
• Read or tell stories to groups of children.
• Assist/participate in circle time activities.
• Supervise students closely in the classroom and on the playground.

C. Work with small groups and individuals.

• Give special attention to children who have been absent.
• Attend to any children who become ill.
• Observe and monitor student activities.
• Engage children in conversations related to play and learning.
• Ask open-ended questions to encourage thinking and inquiry skills.

D. Check physical conditions of the room.

• Assist in arranging or rearranging furniture.
• Assist with displaying student work.
• Help keep centers neat/organized.
• Keep tables and counters clean.

E. Assist in building pupils' self-concept - developing wholesome feelings.

• Learn and call children by name.
• Encourage children to try again when failure is met.
• Give reassurance with a smile or friendly look.
• Give praise or admiration for achievement.
• Give comfort, reassurance, and fair treatment when mishaps occur.
• Learn something about the children to help you identify with them.
• Encourage creative play.
• Recognize the importance of each child's family by learning about the child's family and including family names during activities with the child.
• Ask open-ended questions as opposed to questions requiring one-word answers.

F. End of day responsibilities.

• Close windows.
• Straighten the room and sanitize toys.
• Turn off the air conditioner.
• Turn off the lights.
• Turn off the radio, computers, etc.
• Make sure the outside door is locked.
• Make sure the playground area is cleaned up.

Teacher Assistant Job Expectations

1. Support and assist with the implementation of our School Improvement Plan.

2. Be supportive of the ACSP's staff both at work and in the community.

3. Be professional, positive, enthusiastic, persuasive, self-confident, committed, and concerned.

4. Adhere to the rules and regulations of the Asheville City Schools and ACSP.

5. Comply with the code of ethics of the teaching profession, particularly in matters dealing with confidential information.

6. Work in any special area assigned by the administrators, child care specialist, or office staff.

7. Work closely and continuously with students on an individual or small group basis as suggested by the teacher.

8. Use materials as suggested in a planning session with the teacher.

9. Initiate steps to improve the learning environment.

10. Gain each student's confidence and establish trust; work to enhance each child's self-esteem.

11. Demonstrate knowledge of activities, materials, and student needs by being able to plan, implement, and evaluate learning experiences.

12. Determine the student's degree of interest and acquire techniques for teaching students that will be meaningful, non-threatening, and comfortable.

13. Possess the ability to motivate.

14. All assistants are required by child-care licensing to secure additional training through classes, workshops, and conferences. It is the responsibility of the assistant to investigate the number of hours required and to obtain appropriate training.

Teacher Assistant Qualifications

Minimum Job Qualifications:

• At least a two-year college degree or 48 hours of college credit in EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION within the last 5 years.
• Two years of college required.
• Evidence of previous successful work experiences with children is desirable.
• Knowledge of child growth, development, and behavioral characteristics.
• Interest in and willingness to work with children.
• Ability to take and follow directions.
• Ability and willingness to maintain confidentiality of information, including child behaviors.
• Manners and dress appropriate to the school setting.
• Ability to relate well to people.
• Punctuality and dependability.
• Willingness to study, cooperate, and support school activities.
• Ability to demonstrate effective written and oral expression.
• A positive attitude, a willing spirit, and team commitment.
• Hold a CDA credential or be willing to obtain one if required by the program.
• Hold an AA degree in Early Childhood, or be willing to obtain one if required by the program.
• Pass a criminal background check.
• Secure at least three positive employment/character references.
• Pass all medical requirements.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR STANDARDS REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Physical Requirements: Must be physically able to operate power tools and mechanical equipment. Must be able to exert up to 25 pounds frequently. Physical demand requirements are for Medium Work.
• Data Conception: Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable, functional, structural, or composite characteristics (whether similar or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people, or things.
• Interpersonal Communication: Requires the ability to speak and/or signal people to convey or exchange information. Includes giving instructions, assignments, or directions to subordinates or assistants.
• Language Ability: Requires the ability to read simple forms. Requires the ability to prepare time sheets and supply requisitions using the prescribed format.
• Intelligence: Requires the ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagrammatic form; to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in or from standardized situations.
• Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, and to follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in Standard English.
• Numerical Aptitude: Requires the ability to utilize mathematical formulas, to add, subtract, divide, and multiply.
• Form/Spatial Aptitude: Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width, and shape.
• Motor Coordination: Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes rapidly and accurately when using tools.
• Manual Dexterity: Requires the ability to handle a variety of items, such as maintenance equipment. Must