Exceptional Children Teacher Assistant for the 2026-2027 School Year

Exceptional Children Teacher Assistant

Reports To: Principal/Supervisor and Classroom Teachers

Beginning Date: Open Until Filled

Nature Of Work: Under general supervision assists teachers and therapists in daily classroom activities with the care and education of children with mental, physical, and emotional disabilities.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:

• Ability to maintain composure in difficult situations
• Strong verbal/written communication skills in English
• Knowledge of the care and educational needs of individuals with disabilities
• Ability to work with disabled children ranging from 3 to 21 years of age for extended periods of time
• Ability to relate to and interact with disabled children
• Ability to operate data entry equipment and maintain records of children's progress
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of student information
• Ability to work cooperatively with other school personnel

Education and Training:

• Two year Associate's Degree in Education preferred
• Associate's Degree from a regionally accredited college or university required (must include an emphasis in mathematics, reading, writing and content knowledge.)
• Minimum 2.5 GPA required
• ETTP course completion and dated certificate must be obtained within the first school year of employment

Term Of Employment: 10 months

Salary: Salary Grade 56

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Performance Responsibilities:

• Follows all rules, policies, and procedures of OCS, along with state and federal regulations pertaining to school issues.
• Assists in classroom/student management and maintaining discipline.
• Assists students on individual academic assignments.
• Assists children with gross motor activities (grasping, crawling, walking, running, holding objects, etc.)
• Assists children with fine motor activities (playing with toys, cutting, coloring, etc.)
• Assists children with dressing, eating, grooming, toileting, and personal hygiene and other tasks students are unable to perform for themselves.
• Assembles, adjusts, and maintains equipment used in instructional programs.
• Assists therapists and other specialists.
• Assists in recording student behavior, progress, and other related data.
• Performs various clerical duties, as needed: maintains records of student progress; develops and files incident reports; grades student papers and scores tests; checks daily attendance; makes copies; develops classroom displays and instructional materials; operates audiovisual equipment.
• Implements established educational programs; administers and scores tests.
• Constantly monitors the safety and well-being of students in all areas of the school environment.
• Assists students with digital age learning in the classroom.
• Encourages and supports academic growth of students.
• Models and promotes high level of ethical and appropriate behavior.
• Assists with the supervision of students during emergency drills, assemblies, play periods, and field trips; monitors students during lunch, recess, specials, hygiene routines and snack time; if applicable, serves as bus monitor.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to be physically active, which includes, but is not limited to, standing, pushing, pulling, squatting, bending, sitting, and walking, including repetitive motions.
• Ability to stand in excess of 6 hours.
• Ability to lift moderate to heavy weight (60 to 100 pounds)
• Must be able to visually, auditorily, and physically monitor student performance and conduct.
• Must be able to facilitate the evacuation of students during emergency situations and/or drills.
• Must possess sufficient auditory and visual capabilities to communicate effectively and professionally with staff, students, and parents in a variety of settings.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.