F.B. Gwynn Educational Center.Instructional Assistant - SOAR.1050

Board of Education of Charles County; La Plata (MD); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

The Board of Education of Charles County is seeking an Instructional Assistant - Special Education to provide instructional and behavioral support in a special education classroom. The role assists with lesson preparation, supervision, and maintaining a safe learning environment, aligned to IEP goals.

Responsibilities include working with individuals or small groups, preparing materials, assisting with arrival/dismissal, and offering personal care or behavioral supports as needed.

Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
• 2 years experience with special needs children, preferably in a classroom.
• ParaPro certification preferred or willingness to obtain.
• CPR/First Aid certification preferred.
• Must be 18+ for elementary; 18+ and two years out of high school for middle/high.
• Valid Maryland Class C Driver's License.
• Willingness to complete additional training as required.

Responsibilities

• Assist with planning and delivering instructional activities aligned with IEP goals.
• Work with individuals or small groups to reinforce instruction.
• Prepare and organize materials and supplies for lessons.
• Assist students during arrival and dismissal, including on/off buses.
• Provide personal care assistance as needed.
• Support students with behavioral and emotional needs using de-escalation techniques.
• Perform routine classroom tasks such as attendance and lunch/recess duty.
• Provide individualized support to students with IEPs/504 plans.
• Provide substitute coverage when needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Special Education

Classroom support

IEP knowledge

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Instructional Assistant - Special Education

Annual Duty Days: 190 Days

Terms of Employment: 10 Month

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Salary Scale: AFSCME Pay Grade 03

https://www.ccboe.com/careers/salary-scales

Job Summary

Provides instructional and behavioral support to teachers and students in a special education classroom setting. Assists with special education lesson preparation, supervision, and maintaining a safe and organized learning environment.

Essential Duties

• Assists with planning and delivering instructional activities aligned with IEP goals for students with learning disabilities.
• Works with individuals or small groups to reinforce instruction.
• Prepares and organizes materials and supplies for lessons.
• Assists students during arrival and dismissal, including on and off buses.
• Provides personal care assistance such as feeding, toileting, diapering, and hygiene support when necessary.
• Supports students with behavioral and emotional needs using de-escalation techniques.
• Performs routine classroom support tasks, including attendance, lunch/recess duty, office errands, and making copies.
• Provides individualized support to students with IEPs and 504 plans, including academic and behavioral accommodations.
• Provides substitute coverage as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience: Two (2) years of experience working with special needs children, preferably in a classroom setting.
• Other Requirements:
  • ParaPro certification preferred or willingness to obtain.
  • CPR/First Aid certification preferred.
  • Must be at least 18 years old to work in elementary schools.
  • Must be at least 18 years old and out of high school for two years to work in middle and high schools.
  • Valid Maryland Class C Driver's License.
  • Willingness to complete additional training as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of child development and age-appropriate instructional practices.
• Skill in fostering positive relationships with students, staff, and families.
• Skill in time management, organization, and communication.
• Ability to support classroom instruction across all grade levels.
• Ability to follow teacher direction and implement developmentally appropriate activities.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with professionalism and self-motivation.
• Ability to comply with all CCPS safety policies and procedures.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Must be able to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, and lift/move 10-50 pounds.
• Requires good hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, and visual acuity.
• Frequently required to sit or stand, reach, talk, and hear.
• Work is performed in a standard classroom environment with moderate noise levels.

ADA Compliance

Charles County Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer, ensuring ADA compliance and reasonable accommodations as needed.

Charles County Public Schools reserves the right to re-advertise and modify the content of vacancy announcements at any time; however, this may be the only notice for this position during the noted advertisement period.

The Charles County public school system does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or disability in its programs, activities or employment practices. For inquiries, please contact Michael Blanchard, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 Coordinator (students) or Nikial M. Majors, Title IX/ADA/Section 504 coordinator (employees/ adults), at Charles County Public Schools, Jesse L. Starkey Administration Building, P.O. Box 2770, La Plata, MD 20646; 301-932-6610/301-870-3814. For special accommodations call 301-934-7230 or TDD 1-800-735-2258 two weeks prior to the event.

Revised: 05/14/2026