Instructional Assistant - Special Education Inclusion

Bentonville Schools; Centerton (AR); On-site; USD 15,000 - 21,000; Full time

Job summary

Bentonville Schools is seeking a dedicated paraprofessional to support students with IEPs in both general and special education settings. Under supervision, you will assist with instructional activities, supervise students, and help implement instructional materials.

Responsibilities include data collection for learning progress, behavior support, and facilitating safe, inclusive classrooms; travel between schools may be required; prior experience with children is desirable.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to assist students with IEP-related needs and classroom activities.
• Experience with basic computer software (Word/Excel/Google).

Responsibilities

• Works with students individually and in small groups to reinforce learning.
• Assists students with disabilities with classroom materials and assistive technology as needed.
• Assists in record-keeping to document student learning performance and behavior.
• Supports classroom behavioral management to minimize disruptions and ensure safety.
• Supervises students in non-instructional areas (lunch, bus, playground, hallways).
• Assists with training of other paraprofessionals and implements IEPs/behavior plans.

Skills

Student supervision

Record-keeping

Behavior support

Confidentiality

Communication

Adaptability

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

College coursework or exam requirements met

Experience with children desirable

Tools

Word

Excel

Google Apps

Job description

Position Purpose

Under direct supervision and assists the Special Education Teacher and/or the Principal in student supervision and instructional activities (including but not limited to the development of academic, social and independence/self-care skills) as related to the identified needs of students with individualized education programs (IEPs). Performs all routine clerical and other duties as required.

Under direct supervision and assists the Special Education Teacher and/or the Principal in student supervision and instructional activities (including but not limited to the development of academic, social and independence/self-care skills) as related to the identified needs of students with individualized education programs (IEPs). Performs all routine clerical and other duties as required.

Essential Job Functions

• Works with students individually and in small groups to reinforce basic learning and implement assigned programs within the special education and/or general education setting(s).
• Assists students with disabilities with classroom material, including assistance with current computer or assistive technology as needed.
• Assists in classroom preparations and strategies for reinforcing instructional materials and skills according to individual student needs.
• Assists with record-keeping procedures to document student academic learning performance (including data collection for the purpose of behavior tracking)
• Assists with classroom behavioral management (Behavior Support Plans) to minimize disruptions and ensure a safe and orderly classroom.
• Assists students in non-instructional areas, such as supervising the student lunch/cafeteria, bus duty, playground duty, corridor, study hall, and other related non-instructional areas.
• Support students as needed in required learning setting (general or special education classrooms, field trips, common areas, post-secondary facilities).
• Constructs, copies and distributes educational materials as needed.
• May be required to assist students with self-care needs (personal hygiene, feeding, toileting)
• May assist in the training of other paraprofessionals.
• Support positive behavior management strategies as outlined by the teacher or special education team.
• Assist in the implementation of Initialized Education Programs (IEPs) or behavior plans for students with special needs.

Additional Duties

• Assist staff or building administration, as needed including but not limited to clerical assistance and assistance with other students in a general education or special education environment.
• Perform any other related duties as assigned.
• May be asked to attend occasional extra-curricular activities.

Note

The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.

Equipment

• Use standard office equipment, such as personal computers and copiers.
• Use/operate student equipment when applicable (may include stander, positioner, harness, wheelchair, Assistive Technology, etc.)

Travel Requirements

Travel between schools, or between schools and central offices, may be required for certain positions.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Ability to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form.
• Ability to understand, apply and use personal computers and software applications (e.g., Word, Excel, Google, etc.).
• Ability to work with a diverse group of individuals.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of information regarding students, employees and others.
• Ability to establish a supportive and compassionate relationship with students with special needs.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with students, staff and others contacted in the course of work.
• Effective writing and verbal communication skills.

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards

• Ability to safely lift up to 30 pounds
• Ability to work outdoors during outdoor student activities.
• Ability to safely traverse all required spaces within the assigned facility
• Ability to physically assist students in emergency evacuation & lockdown situations

Qualifications Profile

Any combination of education and experience providing the required skill and knowledge for successful performance would be qualifying. Typical qualifications would be equivalent to:

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Successful completion of college level coursework or passing of examination as required by the most recent legislation.
• Prior experience working with children desirable.

FLSA Status

Non-exempt