Instructional Assistant Special Education for the 26/27school year

Instructional Assistant - Special Education

Under the direction of an assigned supervisor, assist a certificated teacher in reinforcing instruction to individual or small groups of mild to severe students with special needs; assist in the preparation of instructional materials and implementation of individual education plans; provide routine clerical support; assist students with meeting health and personal care needs.

Assist classroom teacher in the instruction and classroom management of individual or small groups of special education students; perform related duties as assigned. Responsible to and evaluated by: Principal with input from classroom teacher(s).

Class characteristics: This classification performs various duties to assist the classroom teacher in the instruction, childcare, and classroom management of individual or groups of special education students. Generally, a majority of time will be spent providing direct services to students. Incumbents use initiative in carrying out routine assignments independently, but refer deviations, problems, or unfamiliar situations to the teacher.

Examples of duties:

• Provide individual and/or small group instruction to students
• Assist teacher in implementing IEP goals and objectives
• Assist with organization and maintenance of an orderly classroom setting
• Demonstrate behavior management strategies under direction of the classroom teacher
• Perform a variety of classroom tasks such as assisting in taking roll, distributing or duplicating materials, overseeing games, decorating classrooms, checking student work progress, and setting up art, science and related materials
• Assist in the preparation and use of instructional materials and equipment
• Assist in the correction and evaluation of papers, workbooks, and tests
• Set up work areas and prepare material for various assignments
• Assist students in the use of special equipment
• May provide physical care for assigned students such as changing clothes or diapers; may assist students in bathroom procedures
• May assist in performing specialized health care procedures as directed/instructed by a District School Nurse, such as, catheterization, suctioning, and percussion treatments
• Participate in meeting and in-service training programs
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required

Employment standards: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The knowledge and skill requirements are representative of essential duties. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. All individuals must pass a pre-employment physical examination and pass fingerprint screening.

Training and experience: Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

• Training: Equivalent to high school graduation; meet one of the following criteria: completed at least two years of study at an institution of higher education, or obtained an associate's degree (or higher), or pass the district established Instructional Assistant Exam.
• Training in working with children who have learning disabilities or emotional and/or behavioral disorders is desirable.
• Experience: Some general experience working with children is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of: Proper English usage, grammar, spelling and vocabulary; basic arithmetic, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, algebra and geometry; general classroom procedures and equipment; basic computer skills desirable.
• Ability to: Work independently with a minimum of supervision; understand and supply individual instructional needs of special education students; learn how to deal effectively with behavior problems; learn how to perform specialized health care procedures; administer assistance to students requiring personal and physical care; maintain confidentiality of student information; maintain effectiveness in stressful situations; understand and follow oral and written directions; react with and exercise good judgment, flexibility, and sensitivity to changing situations and emergencies; establish and maintain effective work relationships with those contacted in the performance of duties.
• Physical requirements: Vision sufficient to read fine printed material; hearing and speech sufficient to enable communication by telephone or in person; mobility sufficient to walk, bend, twist, stoop, kneel or crouch; stamina sufficient to sit or stand for long periods of time; physical strength sufficient to lift or move disabled students and their equipment.