Special Education Aide - STEP Program

Special Education Aide

Assist the special education teacher in providing instructional, behavioral, communication, social, and physical support for students with Autism and related disabilities in both self-contained and inclusion settings. Support implementation of classroom programs, behavior intervention plans, instructional activities, and daily routines while promoting student independence, safety, and successful participation in school activities. Work under the general supervision of the campus administrator and the immediate direction of the certified teacher.

Qualifications

Education/Certification

• High school diploma or GED required
• Minimum of 48 college hours or certificate from an approved training course preferred
• Valid Texas Educational Aide Certificate Level III preferred or ability to obtain certification

Special Knowledge and Skills

• Ability to work effectively with students with disabilities, including Autism and related disabilities
• Demonstrates patience, compassion, consistency, and flexibility when working with students
• Ability to remain calm and professional in high-stress or behavioral situations
• Strong communication, teamwork, and organizational skills
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions
• Ability to implement behavior management, de-escalation, and self-regulation strategies
• Ability to build positive relationships with students, staff, and families
• Understanding that student behaviors are forms of communication
• Ability to maintain a structured, safe, and supportive learning environment
• Knowledge of general office equipment, instructional technology, communication devices, and sensory supports
• Ability to physically assist students when necessary according to district guidelines
• Dependable, team-oriented, and committed to supporting student academic, social, and emotional success

Experience

• Experience working with children with special needs preferred

Major Responsibilities and Duties

Instructional and Academic Support

1. Assist the teacher in preparing instructional materials, classroom displays, and organizing classroom resources.
2. Support students with individualized instruction, small group activities, inclusion support, and assigned learning tasks.
3. Reinforce academic concepts and functional skills using instructional strategies directed by the teacher.
4. Assist students with reading, writing, math, communication, and social skill development activities.
5. Provide accommodations and modifications as directed by the teacher and student IEPs.
6. Help maintain a structured, neat, and orderly classroom environment.
7. Assist with inventory, care, and maintenance of classroom equipment and materials.
8. Help maintain administrative records, collect student data, and prepare required reports.
9. Provide orientation and assistance to substitute teachers as needed.

Student Support and Behavior Management

1. Assist students with physical disabilities and personal care needs including lifting, positioning, feeding, toileting, hygiene, and mobility assistance as needed.
2. Support students during inclusion opportunities and transitions throughout the school day.
3. Assist with implementing Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), classroom behavior systems, and self-regulation strategies.
4. Help manage challenging behaviors including aggression, elopement, refusal behaviors, emotional escalation, and unsafe behaviors while maintaining student dignity and safety.
5. Assist with de-escalation, crisis prevention, and intervention strategies following district procedures and training.
6. Support students in using visual schedules, communication devices, sensory supports, social stories, and calming strategies.
7. Encourage positive communication, peer interactions, emotional regulation, and problem-solving skills.
8. Supervise students throughout the school day in all settings including classrooms, lunchroom, playground, bus areas, sensory rooms, and campus common areas.
9. Assume responsibility for learning and adapting to each student's medical, physical, communicative, emotional, behavioral, and educational needs.
10. Keep the teacher informed of student progress, special needs, or concerns.

Collaboration and Professional Responsibilities

1. Work collaboratively with teachers, therapists, administrators, support staff, and families.
2. Maintain confidentiality regarding student information and records.
3. Participate in staff development, training programs, faculty meetings, and special education trainings related to Autism, instructional strategies, behavior support, and safety procedures.
4. Follow all district, campus, and special education policies and procedures.
5. Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities None.

Equipment Used Wheelchair lift, ramps, communication devices, sensory tools, personal computer, copier, audiovisual equipment, and other specialized instructional equipment.

Working Conditions Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors

• Maintain emotional control under stress
• Frequent standing, walking, stooping, bending, kneeling, pushing, pulling, and lifting students
• Ability to respond quickly during behavioral or safety situations
• Frequent interaction with students exhibiting aggressive or unpredictable behaviors
• Biological exposure to bacteria and communicable diseases
• Work in self-contained classrooms, inclusion settings, sensory rooms, and other campus environments

Corsicana ISD (CISD) does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, military status, genetic information, or on any other basis prohibited by law. Additionally, the district does not discriminate against an employee or applicant who acts to oppose such discrimination or participates in the investigation of a complaint related to a discriminatory employment practice. Employment decisions will be made on the basis of each applicant's job qualifications, experience, and abilities.

Employees with questions or concerns about discrimination based on sex, including sexual harassment should contact the CISD Director of Human Resources, the district Title IX coordinator. Employees with questions or concerns about discrimination on the basis of a disability should contact the CISD Transition Coordinator, the district ADA/Section 504 coordinator. Questions or concerns relating to discrimination for any other reason should be directed to the Superintendent at the Lee Education Center 2200 W. 4th Ave Corsicana, TX 75110, phone View phone number on click.appcast.io.