Special Education Aide - Functional Academics (FA)

Reports To

Campus Principal

Work Year Days

186

Primary Purpose

Assist special education teacher in providing for the physical and instructional needs of students with disabilities in a special education setting.


PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
Functional Academics (FA)

This instructional setting provides educational services primarily to students with cognitive impairments who access the general education curriculum through prerequisite skills. An individually paced curriculum is developed for each student, focusing on reading, writing and math with a strong emphasis on pre-vocational skills. Instruction meets the needs of students requiring alternate assessment. Students are typically able to participate in some activities and classes with their non-disabled peers with support. FA classrooms are arranged to provide maximum opportunity for intensive specialized instruction on the prerequisite level of the academic Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS).

Qualifications

Education/Certification:
High School diploma or GED
Associate degree or two years of higher education preferred
If hired, must complete SBEC certification process to obtain an Educational Aide Certification


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

Major Responsibilities and Duties

Help the teacher prepare instructional materials.
Help the teacher keep administrative records and prepare required reports.
Provide assistance to substitute teachers.
Assist students with physical disabilities according to their needs (may require some lifting).
Help manage behavior of students.

Support students' instructional needs in accordance with their Individualized Educational Plans (IEPs).

Assist students with personal care as appropriate.

Assume responsibility for learning and adapting to each student's special needs.
Work with individual students or small groups.
Help supervise students throughout the school day, inside and outside the classroom.
Keep teacher informed of special needs or problems of individual students.
Maintain confidentiality.
Participate in staff development training programs and special events as assigned.
Candidates must be able to fulfill all responsibilities and duties as assigned.

Other Duties as Assigned

Frisco ISD retains the right to adjust the responsibilities and assignments of all positions as needed to meet the needs of the District.

Work Relationships

Frisco ISD is committed to fostering a collaborative work environment that honors and supports the social and emotional well-being of all. Employees are expected to interact in a manner that is becoming of educators and promotes high levels of productivity for the benefit of the students we serve.

Working Conditions

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors :
Work with frequent interruptions. Maintain emotional control under stress. Physical demands include: frequent standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, pushing, pulling, lifting and transferring students to and from wheelchairs, and assisting with positioning students with physical disabilities. Must be able to lift 25lbs. Exposure to biological hazards.


Special Education General Employee Expectation:

The Special Education Department maintains an expectation that all staff will assume shared responsibility for the health, safety, and confidentiality of all students and adults; which may include implementing, supporting and documenting behavioral intervention strategies and/or providing school health, related, and personal care services.

Disclosure Statements

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.

The Frisco Independent School District is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against applicants or employees because of race, national origin, gender, age, religion, or disability status of otherwise qualified individuals. FISD does not discriminate on the basis of membership or application for membership in the uniformed services.