Special Education Instructional Assistant, Pre-K

Frederick County Public Schools; United States; On-site; USD 28,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Frederick County Public Schools is seeking a Special Education Instructional Assistant for Pre-K to support students with special needs. This role involves implementing Individualized Education Programs (IEP) and providing physical and personal care support as needed.

The ideal candidate will possess a high school diploma or equivalent, demonstrate strong communication skills, and be willing to engage in further training. This position is essential in fostering student independence and academic progress in an inclusive environment.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly in both oral and written form.
• Capable of performing essential functions with or without reasonable accommodations.
• Willingness to participate in training programs or professional development.

Responsibilities

• Monitors and assists students during educational and recreational activities.
• Supports students under the direction of a certificated staff member.
• Completes appropriate amount of work efficiently.

Skills

Communication skills

Mathematics knowledge

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or equivalent (GED)

48 college credits or AA degree

Job description

Special Education Instructional Assistant, Pre‑K

Under the general direction of one or more certified classroom teachers and/or school administrator(s), the Special Education Instructional Assistant monitors, assists, and provides 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 and 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 member.
• 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.
• Carrying 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.
• Works 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.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED). (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.