Instructional Assistant - Special Education, Occupational Course of Study

Wake County Public School System; Raleigh (NC); Hybrid; USD 29,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

First Aid certification

CPR certification

Job summary

Wake County Public School System is seeking an instructional assistant to support special education students and assist with IEP coordination and monitoring of programs.

The role emphasizes confidentiality under FERPA, teamwork with staff, and the ability to work with diverse learners. CPI certification is required or provided; high standards for safety and communication are expected.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED with progress toward an Associate Degree or CDA.
• Meet ESSA requirements: six semester hours in early childhood education or two years of experience.
• Experience with individuals with special needs.

Skills

Instructional delivery methods

Classroom activities and routines

FERPA confidentiality

Team collaboration

Motivating students

Student safety supervision

Communication skills

Building relationships with staff and;

Education

Associate degree or CDA credential

Six semester hours in early childhood education or two years of experience

Experience with individuals with special needs

ESSA employment requirements

Job description

Overview

POSITION PURPOSE:

Provides support and assists in coordinating instructional programs relating to special education students and their Individual Education Plans (IEP). Monitors programs with students with disabilities, maintains confidentiality, and complies with all federal, state, and local laws, regulations, guidelines, and procedures as they relate to the special education program throughout the district. Maintains an environment conducive to learning.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSAs)

• Working knowledge of successful instructional delivery methods;
• Working knowledge of general classroom activities and routines;
• Ability to protect the confidentiality of personally identifiable information in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) and other applicable federal and state laws, policies, and regulations;

• Ability to work in a team environment and effectively collaborate with others;

• Ability to motivate students;
• Ability to constantly monitor and supervise the safety and well‑being of students;
• Ability to recognize and support students with a variety of backgrounds, abilities, exceptionalities, behavioral needs, and learning styles;
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both in oral and written form using a variety of communication techniques and tools to ensure the appropriate flow of information, collaborative efforts, and feedback;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with school system staff, students, parents, businesses, community agencies, and the public.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or GED and shall hold, or be working toward, an Associate's degree in birth-through-kindergarten, child development, early childhood education, or an early childhood education related field or a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. Instructional assistants working toward the minimum of an Associate Degree or CDA shall make progress by completing a minimum of six documented semester hours per year; OR
• Meet the employment requirements outlined by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), Pub.L. 114-95, and have one of the following:
  • Six documented semester hours of coursework in early childhood education, OR
  • Two years of work experience in an early childhood setting.

• Experience working with or assisting individuals with special needs (an individual with one or more difficulties such as, a physical, emotional, behavioral, or learning disability or impairment that causes an individual to require additional or specialized services or accommodations).

CERTIFICATION AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

• Hold and maintain a Crisis Prevention and Intervention (CPI) certification (specific program to be determined by WCPSS Special Education Services) and maintain that certification through the proper renewal process, adhering to all timelines; CPI training will be provided through Wake County Public School System (WCPSS), if needed.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• First Aid and CPR certifications.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIE....