Niles Community Schools

Special Education Instructional Assistant - Cognitively Impaired

6/5/26

Full-time position for the 26-27 school year

Reports to: Howard-Ellis Principal and Education Administrator (or designee)

Niles Community Schools is looking for a dynamic Special Education Instructional Assistant - Cognitively Impaired. Highly-effective communication skills and professionalism required for daily interaction with a diverse workforce, student population, building administration and community.

Required Qualifications:

All Instructional Assistant must meet one of the following standards to be considered highly qualified in the state of Michigan:

Completed two years of college (60 hours) OR
Obtained an Associate's Degree or higher OR
Meet a rigorous standard of quality and demonstrate, through passage of an approved formal state
academic assessment in the following areas:

○ Knowledge of, and the ability to assist in, instructing reading, writing, and mathematics; or
○ Knowledge of, and the ability to assist in, instructing reading readiness, writing readiness, and
mathematics readiness, as appropriate.

Current State Board of Education Approved Assessments:

● College Board’s SAT – Score at least a 480 on evidence-based reading and writing and a 530 on math
● ETS Parapro Assessment - A passing score of 460 is required

Please visit our website - How to Become a Qualified Instructional Assistant for additional information.

Essential Duties (non-prioritized):

Assist in planning and implementation of educational activities. The Individual Student Aide, as directed by the teacher, will be responsible for the supervision of the student(s) and will direct, assist, and instruct the student(s) as appropriate in a school setting, or Community Based Instruction job sites when applicable
Effectively participate in meetings, committees, staffings and other required district and building activities
Supplement instruction by assisting the teacher with individual or small groups of students on follow up activities.
Manage and instruct students on appropriate behavior using positive behavior support strategies consistent with Board policy and procedures
Assist teacher in maintaining effective communication and relationships with students, parents, administrators, school personnel and agency representatives
Assist students in meeting self-help, health and behavior needs including toileting and personal care needs
Helps maintain instructional area, supplies, equipment and facilities in a clean/safe condition
Assists teachers and support staff in preparing materials, housekeeping, and record keeping and data collection relative to student performance, as directed by teacher
Participates in special instructional activities to meet program and student goals (e.g. loading/unloading buses, physical education, swimming, lunch & playground supervision, CBI, transitioning to adult living, fieldtrips, etc.)
Understand and be aware of medical and physical needs of students and follow medical protocol as directed by a licensed healthcare provider
Maintain confidentiality of student information (FERPA/HIPPA)
Carry out responsibilities with little or no prompting
Assist in managing student behavior
Monitor students in absence of teacher

Prospective employees will receive consideration without discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation or gender identity), disability, age (except as authorized by law), religion, military status, ancestry, or genetic information (collectively, "Protected Classes") in its educational programs or activities. The Niles Community Schools Board of Education complies with all federal and state laws and regulations prohibiting discrimination. Inquiries regarding compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (race, color, or national origin), Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (gender) or compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (disability) may be directed to the Director of Personnel, compliance.officer@nilesschools or 269.683.6662; all at 1Tyler Street, Niles, MI 49120.