Title:
PARA 4-Instructional Support Assistant
DBM Classification:
B21/Class 4
Department:
Elementary
Salary Range:
$21.57 - $27.34
Employee Group:
EM SPARK
Prepared Date:
June 2026
Reports to:
School Principal
FTE/FLSA Status:
0.69 FTE (5.50 hours a day) |10-Months | Non-Exempt
SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES
The Instructional Support Assistant supports teachers in delivering instruction and fostering a positive, inclusive learning environment. They assist with implementing lesson plans, provide individual and small-group support, help manage classroom behavior, and prepare instructional materials. The role includes supporting students with diverse needs, supervising during non-instructional times, and promoting equity and inclusion while maintaining confidentiality and adhering to district policies.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
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Reinforce, practice, and reintroduce academic subjects (reading, math, science, language, etc.) based on lessons delivered by licensed instructional staff.
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Work with students in small groups or one-on-one to support learning objectives and daily lessons.
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Assist students with daily living skills, health needs, and hygiene as required.
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Monitor, assess, and supervise student behavior to ensure consistency with IEPs and classroom expectations.
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Implement and provide appropriate consequences for behavior in alignment with district philosophy and individual behavioral plans.
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Support licensed staff in adapting and modifying lesson plans for students needing additional help or special accommodations.
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Prepare instructional materials and assist with organizing classrooms and daily lesson plans.
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Meet with instructional staff to discuss student needs, progress, and strategies for improvement.
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Provide input to help identify student concerns, challenges, and successes.
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Supervise students during non-instructional times (e.g., study halls, lunch, playground, hallways, and bus loading/unloading) as needed.
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Foster an inclusive and culturally responsive environment that supports equity and diversity.
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Assist with behavioral management and promote positive behavior reinforcement.
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Adhere to district policies, procedures, and confidentiality guidelines.
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Perform other related duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
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Early childhood development principles and developmental milestones.
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Age-appropriate teaching strategies for preschool-aged children, including play-based learning and hands-on activities.
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Social-emotional development and strategies for promoting positive behavior in young children.
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Basic concepts in literacy, math, motor skills, and language development for preschool children.
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Health and safety guidelines related to young children, including hygiene practices and emergency procedures.
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Classroom management techniques and strategies for supporting young children’s behavior.
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Supporting the development of foundational academic and social skills in young children.
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Creating and organizing developmentally appropriate learning activities and materials.
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Encouraging positive interactions among children and promoting inclusive, respectful classroom behavior.
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Communicating clearly and effectively with children, parents, and teachers.
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Observing and documenting children’s progress and developmental growth.
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Using creativity and flexibility to adapt activities to meet the needs of individual children.
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Managing classroom routines and transitions to maintain a structured, calm learning environment.
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Build trusting, positive relationships with preschool-aged children, promoting a safe and supportive classroom environment.
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Adapt to the individual learning needs of children and provide tailored support in various areas.
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Stay patient, compassionate, and responsive to the emotional and developmental needs of young children.
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Collaborate with teachers, families, and other staff members to support children’s growth and well-being.
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Foster an inclusive, culturally responsive environment that supports diversity and encourages each child’s success.
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Supervise children effectively, ensuring their safety and engagement throughout the school day.
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Remain flexible and proactive in a dynamic, fast-paced early learning environment.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
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Mobility: Frequent walking, standing, bending, crouching, and kneeling to assist students and support classroom activities.
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Lifting: Ability to lift, carry, and move up to 25 pounds regularly and up to 50 pounds occasionally, including assisting students with mobility needs if required.
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Repetitive Motion: Regular use of hands and fingers for writing, typing, and handling instructional materials.
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Visual and Auditory Requirements: Ability to see and hear within normal ranges to monitor student behavior, support instruction, and ensure safety.
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Physical Assistance: This may involve supporting students with physical disabilities, including transferring, positioning, or assisting with mobility devices.
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Endurance: Capability to actively engage with students throughout the school day, including indoor and outdoor supervision (e.g., recess, field trips).
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Speech and Communication: Clear verbal communication to interact effectively with students, staff, and families.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
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School Setting: Primarily works in classrooms but may also assist in specialized learning spaces, libraries, cafeterias, playgrounds, hallways, and other school areas.
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Student Interaction: Regular, direct interaction with students, including those with diverse learning needs and varying behavioral, emotional, or physical abilities.
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Team Collaboration: Works closely with licensed instructional staff, special education teams, and other support personnel to assist students.
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Dynamic Environment: Fast-paced and varied, requiring flexibility to shift between instructional support, behavioral management, and supervision tasks.
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Supervision Duties: Responsible for student supervision in classrooms and during non-instructional times (e.g., lunch, recess, bus loading/unloading, and field trips).
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Exposure to Elements: May work outdoors during recess, field trips, or other activities, subject to varying weather conditions.
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Health & Safety Considerations: Potential exposure to bodily fluids or illnesses while assisting students with health or hygiene needs, following proper safety protocols.
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Noise Level: Moderate to high, depending on student activities and settings.
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Physical Demands: The work involves standing, walking, bending, lifting, and moving throughout the day to support students and instructional activities.
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Inclusive Environment: Expected to promote and support a culturally responsive, inclusive, and equitable learning environment for all students.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
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Experience working with children in an educational, childcare, or related setting.
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Associate’s degree or completion of at least two years of post-secondary education (equivalent to 60 college credits).
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Experience supporting students.
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Preferred: Training in behavior management techniques and culturally responsive practices.
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Willingness to participate in ongoing professional development and training.
BENEFIT INFORMATION
St. Louis Park Schools provides a comprehensive benefits package for employees working 20 or more hours per week. Key benefits include:
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Health and Dental Insurance
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Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for medical and dependent care expenses
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Life Insurance
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Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
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Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance
The cost of benefits varies based on the employee group and full-time equivalent (FTE) status. For detailed information, including specific benefits and associated costs, please refer to the applicable group or bargaining unit contract Employment Contracts.
