CAMPBELL COUNTY
GILLETTE, WYOMING

Instructional Assistant I
Instructional Assistant II
Instructional Assistant III

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class.  Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job and/or department.

DEFINITION

To assist in providing appropriate services to children within the inclusive classroom while closely following National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) criteria and Developmentally Appropriate Practices  (DAP).

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Instructional Assistant I

Exercise technical and/or functional supervision over substitutes and volunteers.

Receive general supervision from assigned supervisor.

Instructional Assistant II

Exercise technical and/or functional supervision over substitutes and volunteers.

Receive general supervision from assigned supervisor.

Instructional Assistant III

Exercise technical and/or functional supervision over substitutes and volunteers.

Receive direction from assigned supervisor.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Instructional Assistant I - This is the entry/journey level in the class series and serves as the training class for Instructional Assistants.  Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the positions at the level II, but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods.  Since this class is often used as a training level, employees may have limited or no related work experience.

Instructional Assistant II - This is the journey level in the class series.  Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the department. Positions in this class series are normally filled by advancement from Level I requiring three to four years experience and successful performance or Child Development Associate (CDA) or Early Childhood Associate Degree. When filled from the outside, the employee is required to have prior related experience which allows them to meet the qualification standards for Level II.

Instructional Assistant III - This is the advanced journey level in the class series. Positions in this class series are normally filled by advancement from Level II requiring three to four years experience and an Early Childhood Associate Degree or CDA. When filled from the outside, the employee is required to have prior related experience and education which allows them to meet the qualification standards for the Level III.

EXAMPLES OF IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Important and essential duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

  1. Assist during small and large groups to facilitate the development of the diverse needs of children within the classroom.
  2. Adapt materials necessary to meet the individual needs of children within the foundations of the classroom curriculum.
  3. Participate with the classroom team by providing safe and effective early intervention/early childhood services.
  4. Follow through with programs developed by the Early Intervention Team within the classroom environment in order to meet individual children's goals and objectives.
  5. Supervise and implement appropriate hygiene habits for all children; maintain a safe/healthy environment through sanitizing, cleaning mats, cleaning up various bodily fluids and health checks; assist children in any way to  ensure a positive classroom/interaction experience.
  6. Assist with positive open communications with children and their families.
  7. Develop and organize materials as may be necessary to meet individual children's needs and curriculum adaptations.
  8. Assist with filing and organization of children's file material; maintain confidentiality of client at all times.
  9. Read pertinent material on child development, early intervention, and disabling conditions to increase knowledge.
  10. Adhere to safe work practices and procedures.
  11. Attend and participate in staff meetings and related activities; attend workshops, conferences, and classes to increase knowledge; serve on committees as assigned.

OTHER JOB RELATED DUTIES

Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

JOB RELATED AND ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

Instructional Assistant I

    Knowledge of:

    • Basic child development.
    • Proper lifting procedures.
    • Proper hand washing, sanitation and health procedures.
    • CPR, First Aid and other emergency procedures.
    • Principles and practices of working safely.

    Skill to:

    • Operate modern office equipment.

    Ability to:

    • Learn to understand the development levels of children.
    • Learn to work with preschool children with diverse needs.
    • Learn NAEYC criteria.
    • Learn DAP.
    • Learn to observe and document activities, interests, and behaviors.
    • Learn judgement and decision making skills.
    • Learn to assist with classroom management.
    • Learn to follow curriculum philosophy.
    • Learn to adapt materials, equipment, and activities as needed.
    • Learn to implement proper lifting procedures.
    • Learn to provide emergency care to children.
    • Assist children with proper hygiene procedures.
    • Maintain client's confidentiality.
    • Maintain certifications by attending continuing education classes.
    • Exercise good judgement, flexibility, creativity, and sensitivity in response to changing situations and needs.
    • Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Instructional Assistant II

In addition to the items listed under Instructional Assistant I:

    Knowledge of:

    • Child development.
    • NAEYC criteria.
    • DAP.

    Ability to:

    • Observe and appropriately document child's activities, interests, and behaviors.
    • Maintain classroom in the absence of an Instructor.
    • Adhere to curriculum philosophy and objectives.
    • Understand the development levels of children.
    • Work with preschool children with diverse needs.
    • Understand and apply NAEYC criteria and DAP

        •  

    • Assist instructors with classroom management.

        •  

    • Implement proper lifting procedures.
    • Adapt materials, equipment, and activities as needed.
    • Provide emergency care to children.

Instructional Assistant III

In addition to the items listed under Instructional Assistant II:

    Knowledge of:

    • Advanced child development.

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING GUIDELINES:
Any combination equivalent to experience and training that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills, and abilities would be:

Instructional Assistant I

    Experience:

    • No prior or some experience in working with young children and their families.

    Education/Training:

    • Equivalent to a high school education including general training and experience.

Instructional Assistant II

    Experience:

    • Three to four years experience at the Instructional Assistant I level.

    Education/Training:

    • Equivalent to a high school education including some specialized training and/or college courses in child development. Note: with Early Childhood Associate Degree or CDA incumbent may be placed at this level.

Instructional Assistant III

    Experience:

    • Three to four years experience at the Instructional Assistant II level.

    Education/Training:

    • Early Childhood Associate Degree or CDA.

LICENSE, CERTIFICATE, OR REGISTRATION:
Must be current or obtained within a specified time frame as defined upon employment.

Instructional Assistant I, II, III

    • CPR/First Aid.

     

WORKING CONDITIONS:
Essential duties require the following:

    Working Environment:

    • Moderate exposure to extreme cold, heat and noise, working outdoors, chemicals and bodily fluids.  Exposure to typical playground activities.

    Physical Activities:

    • Essential functions require maintaining physical condition necessary for moderate activity such as sitting, standing, walking, kneeling, crouching/stooping/squatting, and lifting an average of 50 lbs.

Reviewed By.................. Date:
Position Incumbent(s)........ 08/08/02
Supervisor/Department Head... 08/08/02
Personnel Committee.......... 08/14/02
Human Resources.............. 08/15/02
Board (if applicable)........
Commissioners................ 08/20/02
Effective Date............... 08/20/02
Revision Date................

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

    Reviewed By................ Date:
    Position Incumbent(s)......
    Supervisor/Dept Head....... 07/19/05
    Personnel Committee........ 08/30/05
    Human Resources............ 08/30/05
    Board (if applicable)......
    Commissioners.............. 09/07/05
    Effective Date............. 09/07/05

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.