Instructional Assistant

About PLN

Founded on Skid Row in 1980, Para Los Niños provides education and wraparound support, serving over 10,000 children, youth, and families annually in some of the most underserved areas in Los Angeles. PLN fosters pathways to success by striving for excellence in education, family support, and comprehensive social-emotional, and community-based services.

Through early education, TK-8th grade education, youth workforce services, and family and community services Para Los Niño’s’ model provides a comprehensive, holistic approach to break the cycle of poverty and help children and youth thrive.

Position Overview

Under the supervision of the assigned teacher and school-site supervising administrator, the Instructional Assistant functions as a support to the teacher in the delivery of small and large group instruction, as well as to support Tiered Interventions (1 & 2), and supervision of students as assigned. Instructional Assistant work to support the academic progress of students in partnership with teachers and other school staff while developing their own teaching ability.

Duties

Instructional Assistant performs a full range of duties, including, but not limited to the following:

Curriculum and Instructional Support

• Support the Strategic Plan through the implementation phases.
• Supports the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support for academics through small group instruction in the areas of in reading, math, and/or writing under the supervision of the classroom teacher assigned.
• Uses data to monitor academic progress of students.
• Prepares and implements academic activities.
• Works cooperatively with teaching staff to review student progress and co-plan weekly academic activities.

• Works with classroom teachers to develop and document student progress toward clearly identifiable academic and learning goals (language goals).
• Assists teacher with reviewing student work to inform instruction and enhance student achievement.
• Supports the teacher with the implementation of innovative content-focused teaching.
• Assists the teacher with developing lesson plans that are based on student needs, observing and reflecting on feedback of classroom instruction.
• Supports the teacher with the integration of technology (in all content areas).
• Assists in implementing modifications and adaptations of environments and curriculum per teacher recommendation.
• Assists with a variety of activities to enhance student learning; assist children in developing appropriate strategies for learning, provide emotional support, have a positive attitude, perform behavior reinforcement functions and guidance. 

Classroom Climate and Culture

• Assists the teacher on creating an environment for learning.
• Works with teachers and school staff to build and support positive behavior expectations by reinforcing school-wide rules and expectations in classrooms and elsewhere on campus.
• Reinforces school-wide rules and expectations throughout the campus.
• Provides a nurturing environment, which supports the individual development of each child.
• Assists teacher in maintaining an environment conducive for student learning and encouraging appropriate behavior by the students using a consistent team approach.
• Assists teacher on field trips by helping students with physical needs, maintaining discipline, and reinforcing learning situations.   

Professional Growth

• Participates regularly in Multi-Tiered Systems of Support professional development opportunities.
• Participates regularly in English Language Development professional development opportunities.
• Participates regularly in professional development opportunities that pertain to specific grade and subject specific collaborative meetings, faculty meetings, and both on-and off-site training.

Supervision and Other Duties

• Assists in record keeping as assigned.
• Participates in special activities and functions as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned by teacher or administrator.

Education and Certification Requirements

• Behavior Safety-Care Emergency Training (B-SET) trained.
• AA Degree or 60 semester units required. Preferred if units are in a major aligned to Education (e.g. Child Development, Child Psychology, Reading Specialist). 
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred.
• Experience working with children for a minimum of three years.

Physical Requirements

To perform this job the individual must be able to carry out all essential functions satisfactorily.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

• Approximately 50% of time is spent sitting, while frequently required to walk, stand and bend.
• Must be able to speak and hear well.
• Good vision is imperative.
• Occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.
• Employee will be required to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds without assistance.

Expectations for All Para Los Niños Staff

Candidates for employment at Para Los Niños, regardless of position, will consistently demonstrate the following: 

• Unwavering belief in and commitment to fulfill the mission of Para Los Niños.
• Deep commitment to the success of all PLN students and families.
• Commitment to excellence and high standards -- for self, students, and colleagues.
• Continuous learning by engaging in reflection, self-assessment, and individual professional development.
• Use of data to inform decisions and drive continuous improvement.
• Ability to thrive as a member of a collaborative team.
• Self-motivation and initiative with solutions-oriented disposition.
• Belief in and ability to develop respectful relationships with families and children informed by the students’ cultural and socioeconomic characteristics.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to effectively handle challenging situations.
• Comfort with basic Microsoft Office applications and a curiosity and propensity to push own adoption of new technology and approaches.
• Regular, punctual attendance and professional appearance.

Para Los Niños is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

It is the established policy of Para Los Niños (PLN) to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without discrimination with regard to race, religious belief (including dress or grooming practices), color, sex, sex stereotype, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions (including breast feeding), age, national origin (including possessing a driver’s license issued under Vehicle Code § 12801.9), ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identification and expression, transgender status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic characteristics, genetic information, family care, marital status, enrollment in any public assistance program, status as military, a veteran or qualified disabled veteran, status as an unpaid intern or volunteer, or any other classification protected by law. PLN also prohibits discrimination based on the perception that anyone has any of those characteristics or is associated with a person who has or is perceived as having any of those characteristics.