Special Education Aide

Special Education Aide

Help special education teachers provide for physical and instructional needs of students with disabilities in a special education setting. Assist in implementation of classroom programs, including self-help, behavior management, and instruction programs. Work under general supervision of the principal and immediate direction of the certified teacher.

Qualifications

High school diploma or GED

Valid Texas educational aide certificate

Ability to work with children with disabilities

Ability to follow verbal and written instructions

Ability to communicate effectively

Knowledge of general office equipment

Some experience working with children

Major Responsibilities and Duties

Instructional Support

1. Help teacher prepare instructional materials and classroom displays.
2. Help maintain a neat and orderly classroom.
3. Help with inventory, care, and maintenance of equipment.
4. Help teacher keep administrative records and prepare required reports.
5. Provide orientation and assistance to substitute teachers.

Student Management

1. Assist students with physical disabilities according to their needs, including transferring to and from wheelchairs, lifting, or positioning.
2. Assist students with physical needs and personal care, including feeding, bathroom needs, and personal hygiene.
3. Help manage behavior of students. This includes intervening in crisis situations and restraining disruptive or dangerous student behavior as needed.
4. Assume responsibility for learning and adapting to each student's special medical, physical, communicative, and emotional needs.
5. Work with individual students or small groups to develop motor skills and conduct instructional exercises assigned by teacher.
6. Help supervise students throughout the school day, inside and outside the classroom. This includes lunchroom, bus, and playground duty.
7. Keep teacher informed of special needs or problems of individual students.

Other

1. Maintain confidentiality.
2. Participate in staff development training programs, faculty meetings, and special events as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

None.

Equipment Used

Wheelchair lift, ramp, personal computer, copier, and audiovisual equipment.

Working Conditions

Maintain emotional control under stress. Frequent standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, pushing, and pulling; regular heavy lifting of students. Biological exposure to bacteria and communicable diseases.