Early Childhood Classroom Assistant

TITLE: Pre-K Assistant

WHO WE ARE:

Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) is a student-focused, innovative educational organization committed to academic excellence. Our mission is to empower and educate all students to think critically, creatively, and responsibly, to embrace diversity, and to pursue their dreams with a purpose. We are a family of excellent public schools in which every student has the opportunity to succeed and the power to create their own future.

Led by forward-thinking leadership and our commitment to prioritizing students, racial equity, and authentic engagement with our families, team members, and communities, our staff have diverse opportunities to develop their careers in a challenging but rewarding environment. We are an organization for people who are passionate about education and who are committed to the Indianapolis community.

SUMMARY OF OPPORTUNITY:

The Preschool General Education Assistant will work as a member of the preschool team in addition to being a key member of the greater school community. As a Preschool Assistant, you will be part of a team that includes at least one certified preschool teacher.Your work as part of the preschool team will be instrumental to the success of the students in the school.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

The following outlines what your core duties and responsibilities will be for this position and provides a sample overview of what your day-to-day may look like.

Core Duties and Responsibilities

●Assist individual students in performing activities initiated by the teacher

●Supervise children in the hallway, lunchroom, and playground in addition to arrival and dismissal times

●Be aware of student IEP services, IPS and school policies and procedures as well as maintain confidentiality as needed

●Identify who your immediate supervisor is for each of your assigned roles and responsibilities and the various layers of supervision that you may have in your role

●Follow through on implementing decisions made by or with the teacher and implement any new skills learned

●Carry out instructional programs designed and monitored by the teacher and support the development of classroom schedules

●Other duties as assigned

“Day In the Life” Overview

On a regular day, as the Preschool Assistant, you might:

●Provide support to the structure of the classroom

●Help ensure that students have access to learning experiences

●Maintain a positive energy and keep interactions in a positive tone

WHAT YOU’ll BRING: SKILLS AND MINDSETS

As an ideal candidate for this role, you will be able to achieve the following:

●Ability to be flexible and interact with preschool teams and administrators at various schools that need additional support

●Demonstrate a Racial Equity mindset

●Development of the skills appropriate to working in an early childhood setting including maintaining a positive approach to working with students, a flexible mindset, and a willingness to ask clarifying questions

●Use effective, appropriate, and professional communication and listening strategies with students, parents, and school staff

EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION, AND LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS

●48 semester hours; or an Associate Degree; or successfully pass the Para-Pro Assessment

●Evidence of experience in a preschool classroom and/or in the field of early childhood

●Completion of required items (fingerprinting, professional development, CPR, TB tests, etc.) to qualify for working at a certified preschool location.

FLSA CLASSIFICATION:

Non-exempt

ELIGIBILITY FOR REMOTE WORK:

This position is not eligible for remote work.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and use their hands to find, handle, or feel.The employee frequently is required to talk or hear.The employee is required to stand; walk; reach with their hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 20 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

EEOC STATEMENT:

Indianapolis Public Schools, in accordance with its nondiscrimination policies, will not discriminate in its programs, facilities, or employment or educational opportunities on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, familial status, domestic violence victim status, homelessness or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations, or ordinances. Indianapolis Public Schools does not tolerate any form of retaliation or bias-based intimidation, threat, or harassment that demeans individuals’ dignity or interferes with their ability to learn or work.

DISCLAIMER:

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the above representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This job description is illustrative only, and is not a comprehensive list of all essential functions and duties performed by the occupant of this position. Factors such as regular and punctual attendance are not routinely listed in job descriptions, but are an essential function.