Job Description

Holland Public Schools is located in Holland, Michigan. The district has four elementary schools, one middle school and one high school and has an enrollment of approximately 3000 students. We offer a dual language immersion program in Spanish in grades K-8. Holland Public Schools has a diverse student population with approximately 47% Latinx, 9% Black, 6% Multiracial, 3 % Asian and 35% White and approximately 64% free and reduced lunch.

Holland is located on the shores of Lake Michigan with an inlet lake, Lake Macatawa. You will love the outdoor activities, the diverse community, and be able to create the lifestyle you choose. Holland provides a small-town charm and big-city amenities. Attend our world-famous Tulip Time Festival, visit one of our neighborhood art fairs, or watch a brilliant sunset over Lake Michigan. No matter what your interests are, you won't be disappointed!

Title: Instructional Assistant - Special Education/ Floater (Full-Time)

Location: West Elementary

Terms: School-Year/ Full-Time (34 hours/ week)

Hours: 8:15 AM - 3:45 PM

Compensation: $17.83 - $21.52/ hour (IA - Level 2)

APPLICANTS: Holland Public Schools encourages applications from historically underrepresented populations, women, and persons with disabilities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following.

1. Implement behavior intervention strategies and supports under the direction of certified staff and/or behavior specialists.
2. Monitor and record student behavior data as part of a Positive Behavior Support Plan (PBSP) or Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP).
3. Provide consistent reinforcement, redirection, and support to help the student remain engaged and regulated throughout the day.
4. Use de-escalation strategies as trained, maintaining student dignity and safety at all times.
5. Support the development of student social-emotional skills through direct modeling and coaching.
6. Assist the student in accessing and participating in classroom activities and instruction, including adapting materials as needed.
7. Reinforce teacher-delivered instruction in small groups or one-on-one settings, based on individual needs.
8. Support the implementation of IEP goals and accommodations as directed by special education staff.
9. Maintain confidentiality regarding student performance and needs.
10. Assist the classroom teacher in creating and maintaining an organized, safe, and engaging learning environment.
11. Supervise students during classroom activities, transitions, lunch, recess, and other non-instructional times as needed.
12. Prepare and organize instructional materials and supplies.
13. Provide support to all students in the classroom to promote inclusion and positive peer interactions.
14. Maintain regular communication with the classroom teacher and other team members regarding student progress and concerns.
15. Participate in team meetings, training, and professional development related to behavior support and instructional strategies.
16. Follow district protocols and policies regarding behavior management, safety, and student support.
17. Assist with toileting or physical care needs, if necessary and trained to do so.
18. Provide substitute support coverage for other instructional aides if needed.
19. Adapt to changes in student schedules, programming, or building assignments when required.

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must demonstrate the following: The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.

1. High school diploma or equivalent required; additional relevant certifications or coursework is a plus.
2. Experience working with children or youth in an educational, childcare, or behavioral setting, strongly preferred.
3. Training or familiarity with Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) or Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) is highly desirable.
4. Knowledge or experience with students with disabilities, especially those with emotional or behavioral challenges, is a plus.
5. Ability to remain calm, patient, and supportive in high-stress situations.
6. Experience implementing de-escalation techniques and trauma-informed care practices preferred (e.g., CPI, TCI, or other crisis intervention training � or willingness to be trained).
7. Basic understanding of child development, social-emotional learning, and inclusive practices.
8. Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively with teachers, related service staff, and administrators.
9. Basic computer literacy for data collection, communication, and documentation.
10. Deescalation and restorative practices trained or willing to be trained.
11. Professional Development aligned with District policies and procedures

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands of a Special Education Instructional Assistant require mobility, lifting, and continuous movement throughout the day. Activites include, but are not limited to:

1. Moving Equipment: Carrying craft supplies, moving child-sized tables and chairs, and moving outdoor play equipment.
2. Low-Level Positioning: Frequent kneeling, stooping, crouching, squatting, and crawling on the floor to engage with children at eye level.
3. Seating Adaptation: Sitting on the floor or in child-sized furniture for long stretches during circle time, games, or meal supervision.
4. Repetitive Bending: Leaning over low sinks, changing tables, activity tables, and floor spaces.
5. Prolonged Standing & Walking: Spending prolonged periods of time on your feet on tile floors or uneven playground terrain.
6. Quick Reaction Time: Running or moving swiftly to intercept a child running toward danger, catching a falling child, or stepping in during playground conflicts.

METHOD OF APPLICATION: All candidates should apply online at: www.hollandpublicschools.org.

Per HPS Board Policy, the following information is provided to all new employees:

The employee shall remain free of any alcohol or non-prescribed controlled substance abuse in the workplace throughout his/her employment in the district.

Holland Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, height, weight, marital status, handicap, disability, or limited English proficiency in any of its programs or activities. Inquiries regarding the district's non-discrimination policies should be directed to: The Director of Human Resources, Holland Public Schools, 320 West 24th Street, Holland, MI 49423 (616) 494-2000.