Aide - Special Education Program

Special Education Program Aide

The job of paraprofessional - Special Education Program Aide is done for the purpose of providing support to students in Special Education; documenting student behavior, monitoring students in classrooms, assisting teachers in meeting the physical and instructional needs of students. Assist in the implementation of classroom programs, including personal hygiene, behavior management, and instruction programs. Work under the general supervision of the Special Services Coordinator.

Qualifications:

• Education/Certification: High school diploma
• Valid Texas educational aide certificate (preferred)
• Special Knowledge/Skills: Ability to work with children with disabilities
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Knowledge of general office equipment
• Experience: Experience working with children (required)
• Experience working in a special education classroom or program (preferred)
• Experience in behavioral crisis intervention (preferred)

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

• Instructional Support: Help teacher prepare instructional materials and classroom displays.
• Help teacher collect data and maintain data records.
• Prepare and provide materials for student accommodations and IEP.
• Student Management: Facilitate the implementation, under the supervision of program specialists, of behavior intervention plans designed by the IEP team for students with behavior disorders or other special conditions for the purpose of presenting and/or reinforcing learning concepts.
• Models conversation, manners, and interactions for the purpose of demonstrating appropriate social behavior in a culturally sensitive manner.
• Monitors students during assigned periods for the purpose of providing a safe and positive learning environment.
• Assist students with physical needs and personal care, including feeding, bathroom needs, and personal hygiene.
• Help manage behavior of students. This includes intervening in crisis situations and restraining disruptive or dangerous student behavior as needed.
• Assume responsibility for learning and adapting to each student's special medical, physical, communicative, and emotional needs.
• Help supervise students throughout the school day, inside and outside the classroom.
• Reports problems directly to the supervising teacher/administrator for the purpose of maintaining personal safety of students, providing a positive learning environment, and adhering to Education Code, administrative, and/or school policies.
• Performs other related duties assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of special education programming.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Participate in staff development training programs, faculty meetings, and special events as assigned.
• Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None.

Equipment Used: Wheelchair lift, ramp, computer, IPAD, standard office equipment, and audiovisual equipment.

Working Conditions: Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors: Maintain emotional control under stress. Frequent standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, pushing, and pulling; regular heavy lifting of students 45 lbs or more. Biological exposure to bacteria and communicable diseases. Participation in Crisis Intervention Strategies with students in a crisis situation.