Special Education Assistant CCA - Paraprofessional

Washington Elementary School District; Glendale (AZ); On-site; USD 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Washington Elementary School District seeks a paraprofessional to support teachers and special education students in diverse classroom settings. You will prepare materials, assist with activities, and monitor students for safety during play and meals.

You will also communicate with parents, contribute to lesson planning, and help maintain a positive learning environment across multiple school sites.

Qualifications

• Demonstrates knowledge of child development and learning processes.
• Ability to assist with lesson plans and adapt activities for diverse needs.
• Strong communication with parents and school staff.

Responsibilities

• Assists teachers by preparing materials and supporting special education students.
• Monitors students during activities and lunch/breaks to ensure safety.
• Provides input to lesson plans and daily activities.
• Photocopies materials and prepares classrooms for activities.
• Communicates progress and concerns to parents when appropriate.

Skills

Child development theories

Mathematics concepts

Working with children

Special needs awareness

Classroom techniques

Group activities facilitation

Reading and following lesson plans

Discipline and behavior support

Communication with supervisors/parents

Education

High School diploma or GED

60 College Credit Hours / Associate's Degree

Job description

Department: Various School Sites

Accountable To: Principal

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Creation/Revision Date: July 10, 2019

Summary: Under direct supervision, incumbent(s) provides assistance to teachers in a diverse classroom environment by providing materials and handouts to special education students, working with special needs students individually or in groups on special projects or assignments, demonstrating skills and techniques, communicating with parents regarding specific concerns, providing input to lesson plans and daily activities, photocopying materials and preparing classrooms for various activities. In addition, incumbent(s) monitors students on the playground and in the cafeteria.

Essential Functions

• Works with special education students individually or in-groups on special projects or assignments such as academic, social, emotional, functional, language, and behavior skills and activities of daily living. Demonstrates skills and techniques in order to aid in student learning. Monitors student behavior and enforces school and classroom standards and policies.
• Assists special need student(s) in feeding, toileting/diapering, physical activities, instructions, and behavior management that remediates severe academic, emotional, and behavioral difficulties into a positive environment. Assists with adaptive equipment.
• Maintains discipline by monitoring student behavior and taking the appropriate action including determining when to give a warning and when a formal notice should be written. Prepares incident documents including disciplinary actions and documentation for unusual incidents.
• Monitors students and ensures safety on the playground and the cafeteria area before school, during breakfast and lunch, and during recess. Reports any unusual incidents or injury to school administration. Accompanies students from classrooms to other areas including the library, playground, and cafeteria and to buses to ensure orderly behavior.
• Prepares classrooms for activities including setting up tables and chairs and handing out materials. Performs clean up after activities including picking up toys and trash, washing tables and chairs and rearranging furniture.
• Communicates with parents regarding progress and concerns including improvements in specific academic areas, truancy and behavioral problems. Interprets communications between teachers and parents when necessary.
• Copies and prepares educational materials.
• Assists teachers in planning and coordinating lesson plans by sharing ideas and providing feedback from the students.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

To be eligible for this position, an applicant must meet the following required qualifications. Verification of these required qualifications is necessary.

• High School diploma or equivalent (G.E.D.) prior to being hired;
• Completion of 60 College Credit Hours, Associate's Degree from an accredited college or university, or successfully passed a Arizona State approved paraprofessional test;
• Must receive CPR certification within thirty days of hire date.
• Obtain and maintain a valid Arizona Identity Verified Prints (IVP) Fingerprint Clearance Card (AZ IVP FPCC).

All Title I Schools

• High School diploma or equivalent (G.E.D.) prior to being hired;
• Completion of 60 College Credit Hours, Associate's Degree from an accredited college or university, or successfully passed a Arizona State approved paraprofessional test; offered by WESD at no cost and must pass prior to being hired, Please contact HR for more information)
• Must receive CPR certification within thirty days of hire date.

Preferred Qualifications

It is preferred that applicant possesses the following preferred qualifications; however, the following qualifications are not required to be eligible for this position.

• Six months experience working with children in a learning environment.

Knowledge and Skills Required

To perform the job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The qualifications for this job description are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Skills required, but not limited to, for this position include:

• Demonstrating child development theories;
• Knowing basic mathematical concepts;
• Using typical activities within a classroom environment;
• Working with children;
• Knowing special needs of students;
• Demonstrating appropriate techniques and procedures;
• Facilitating group activities in a learning environment;
• Reviewing completed work assignments;
• Preparing classroom for various activities;
• Reading and following lesson plans;
• Applying school rules, policies and procedures;
• Engaging and encouraging communication skills while interacting with supervisors, staff, students, etc. to exchange information.

Physical Requirements

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include Close vision, Distance vision, Peripheral vision, Depth perception and Ability to adjust focus.

Working Conditions

The working environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outdoor weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

The Washington Elementary School District is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Civil Rights Act Title VII of 1972, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. Washington Elementary School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify or expression, disability or age in employment or in any of its educational programs or in the provisions of benefits and services to students. For information regarding discrimination grievance or complaint procedures contact the Executive Director for Human Resources at 602.347.2801.