Job Description
Instructional Assistant—Special Education
Reports To
Principal, Teacher & or Director of Special Education
Basic Function
Assist certified teachers in implementing instructional practices, transitional activities, maintaining a safe and supportive instructional environment, and communicating and collaborating with teachers and other professionals to ensure special education students obtain quality instruction.
Representative Duties
- Regular and punctual attendance
- Perform clerical duties as directed by the teacher
- Under the guidance of the certified teacher, prepare for classroom activities, deliver specially designed instruction and assist in the implementation of adaptations/modifications to the general curriculum to meet the needs of individual students per the IEP
- Assist the teacher in gathering and recording student progress data
- Perform administration of medication and other health services such as tube feeding and catheterization, as instructed by a health professional
- Under the supervision of the certified teacher, assist students with self-care, including diapering, toileting, bathing, dressing, etc.
- Assist students across settings including the resource room, regular classroom, building, and community
- Assist with students who have challenges with mobility, including lifting, positioning and moving the child for proper use of gross motor equipment such as standers, wheelchairs, changing tables, beds, and buses
- Assist therapists (e.g., PT, OT, Speech) in following up with therapy as instructed in consultation with the therapist and under the direction of the supervising teacher per the IEP
- Assist in management of students’ behavior when they exhibit inappropriate and/or physically forceful behaviors, including implementation of Safe Crisis Management
- Adhere to professional ethics and standards, maintaining strict confidentiality concerning student performance, conduct, activities, remarks or personal information
- Function as a cooperative team member and foster good working relationships throughout the building
- Other duties as assigned by supervisor
Knowledge of
- Basic record keeping
- Basic subjects taught in district schools
- Safe practices in classroom and playground activities
- Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy
- Confidentiality and crisis management techniques
- Necessary medical training as specified by supervisor
Ability to
- Communicate and maintain effective relationships with students, parents, staff, and the public, including members of ethnic communities
- Perform routine clerical duties in support of classroom activities
- Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
- Perform basic instructional activities under the guidance of a supervisor
- Learn to apply and explain policies and procedures related to school and program activities and work cooperatively with others
- Monitor, observe and report students’ behavior according to approved policies and procedures
- Operate instructional and office equipment
Physical Demands
- Work is performed while standing, sitting and/or walking
- Requires the ability to communicate effectively using speech, vision and hearing
- Requires the use of hands for simple grasping and fine manipulations
- Requires bending, squatting, crawling, climbing, and reaching
- Requires the ability to lift, carry, push or pull light to heavy weights
- Assist students with self-care, including diapering, toileting, bathing, dressing, etc.
Evaluation
Annual development of Professional Growth Plan. Annual evaluation of job performance by supervisor.
Education and Experience
High school diploma or GED certificate as required by Kentucky law and 64 college hours, or having taken and passed the paraeducator exam.
Job Requirements
- Citizenship, residency or work visa required