Special Education Instructional Assistant

Frederick-County-Public-Schools; Frederick (MD); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Frederick County Public Schools in Frederick, MD, seeks a Special Education Instructional Assistant to support students with disabilities under the direction of certified teachers. The role includes helping implement IEP goals, providing personal care as needed, and assisting with classroom activities.

Qualified applicants will have a high school diploma or GED, and may earn 48 college credits or an AA; willingness to participate in training, strong English skills, and reliable attendance are

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• Willingness to participate in training and professional development.
• Ability to communicate clearly, both orally and in writing.
• Regular and predictable attendance is required.

Responsibilities

• Supports students under the direction of a certificated FCPS staff.
• Communicates and documents student progress.
• Assists with implementing IEP goals and objectives.
• Provides personal and physical care assistance as needed.
• Assists with classroom materials, setup, and activities.
• Attends IEP meetings and staff meetings as directed.

Skills

Clear communication

Teamwork

English proficiency

Education

High school diploma or GED

48 college credits / AA or qualifying exam

Job description

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Openings as of 8/20/2026

Special Education Instructional Assistant JobID: 18515

• Date Posted:
  8/17/2026
• Location:
  Tuscarora Elementary School
• Date Available:
  09/01/2026
• Closing Date:
  08/25/2026

All education provided on your application must be supported by attaching a scanned copy of your high school diploma, transcription or college/university transcript.

Work Year Calendar and Hours

Under the Fair Labor and Standards Act this position is non-exempt from overtime. Actual salary placement will be in accordance with the salary procedures of the Frederick County Public School System. Please see linked salary scale for the full range.

Role

Under the general direction of one or more certified classroom teachers and/or school administrator(s), Special Education Instructional Assistants monitor, assist, and provide support for students with special needs to implement the student's Individualized Education Program (IEP). Assistance to the student(s) may include extensive physical and/or personal care support. All duties/responsibilities are performed under the direction of a special education teacher. The ability to lift may be required based on student needs.

Essential Functions

• Supports students under the direction of a Certificated FCPS staff.
• Communicates and documents student progress.
• Sets up and adapts materials, equipment, and assistive devices for use by student(s) as directed.
• Facilitates student progress toward independence.
• Monitors and assists students during educational and recreational activities.
• Assists student(s) with routine physical and/or personal care not required to be performed by a nurse.
• Monitors and assists students in meeting IEP goals and objectives.
• Carries out emergency action and/or health care plans for designated student(s).
• Assists students with classroom accessibility.
• Prioritizes work assignments appropriately.
• Completes appropriate amount of work in an efficient manner; seeks out additional assignments as time permits.
• Demonstrates support for the organization and its goals; accepts constructive criticism.
• Reports promptly for work, utilizes time wisely and maintains an acceptable attendance pattern.
• Demonstrates working knowledge of English, spelling, vocabulary and mathematics.
• Maintains confidentiality of student information.
• Assists with administering, scoring, and recording of assessments.
• May participate in crisis intervention techniques.
• Work effectively in a team environment.
• Provides general clerical support for the special education program, including typing, filing, making phone calls, scheduling, classroom preparation, and other similar tasks.

Other Functions

• Attends IEP team meetings and staff meetings as directed and/or scheduled.
• Provides weekly classroom coverage for teachers attending IEP team meetings.

Performs other duties as assigned by the Classroom Teacher/Administrator.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED). Note: 48 college credits, AA degree, or passing one of the following exams (ParaPathways, Pearson NES: Foundations of Classroom Support, or Pearson NES: Foundations of Classroom Support & Instruction).
• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly, concisely in both oral and written form.
• Working knowledge of English, spelling vocabulary, and mathematics.
• Willingness to participate in training programs or professional development designed by the principal or central office staff as it pertains to the job function.
• Capable of performing the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Regular and predictable attendance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate of Arts Degree
• College level coursework related to child development
• Previous experience working with children in an educational setting
• Experience working with students with disabilities
• Knowledge of American Sign Language.
• Knowledge of child development and instructional strategies.
• Familiarity with the FCPS policies, goals and programs.

Physical Demands:

• Frequent bending, lifting, walking may be required.
• May require moving wheelchairs, operating lifting devices and assisting students with self-care needs.
• Assist with physically aggressive behaviors as needed.
• Ability to lift and move a minimum of 50 lbs.

FREDERICK COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

THIS JOB DESCRIPTION HAS BEEN WRITTEN TO INDICATE THE GENERAL NATURE AND LEVEL OF WORK PERFORMED BY AN EMPLOYEE HOLDING THIS POSITION. IT IS NOT WRITTEN TO INCLUDE OR BE INTERPRETED TO INCLUDE A COMPREHENSIVE INVENTORY OF ALL DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED OF THE EMPLOYEE. NOTHING IN THIS DESCRIPTION RESTRICTS MANAGEMENT'S RIGHT TO ASSIGN OR REASSIGN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OR ADD REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AT ANY TIME.

Postings current as of 8/20/2026 8:20:28 PM CST.