Special education assistant job description

1. Associate Degree or passing score on paraprofessional test

2. Ability to communicate effectively with students and school personnel

3. Ability to maintain a cooperative, harmonious relationship within the school setting which fosters recognition and respect for every individual

REPORTS TO: Special Education Teacher

JOB GOAL: Assists with the implementation of strategies to meet the needs of students with disabilities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Assists with student instruction to meet the goals/objectives of the IEP

2. Provides support for the special education and general education teachers

3. Attends to the personal needs of special education students to whom assigned such as: eating, dressing, toileting and/or diapering, walking, getting on and off buses, putting on or adjusting prosthetic appliances, physical and occupational therapy exercises (as instructed occupational or physical therapist), and other tasks and activities as assigned by the supervising special education teacher

4. Maintains student confidentiality, as mandated by both State and Federal law, at all times

5. Defers all inquiries or concerns from parents, teachers or other staff members regarding student(s) to the school administrator or supervising special education teacher

6. Assists with student management

7. Under the supervision of the supervising special education teacher, works with small groups of special education students to reinforce material initially introduced by the teacher

8. Assists student(s) in math, reading, and other curricular tasks, as directed by the supervising teacher, guiding and helping, but never assuming the role of the teacher

9. Assists special education students who participate in general education classes for all or any portion of the day, as directed by the supervising special education teacher

10. Accompanies the student(s) to whom assigned to various points about the school and campus as directed by supervising special education teacher

11. Operates and cares for equipment and materials used in the classroom for instructional purposes

12. Assists with the supervision of students during emergency drills, play periods, field trips, and other school-related activities

13. Performs other duties as assigned by the supervising special education teacher or appropriate administrator

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION:

At the direction of the principal, assists teachers by performing a variety of tasks that promote student learning and well-being. Works individually and in small groups to reinforce instruction, monitor performance, and support learning. This position also performs a variety of instructional and classroom management supports, as well as related clerical tasks to support teachers and other professional staff in all classrooms or learning environments.

CERTIFICATE LICENSE:

None

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES:

Knowledge of child development, instructional strategies and practices applicable to assignment, and instructional goals and policies of Montgomery County Public Schools. Ability to assist with implementation of the instructional program and to participate in monitoring and ensuring appropriate student behavior. Ability to exhibit patient behavior and to work effectively with children, young adults, and staff members. Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and to perform all required tasks. Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. Ability to read/write/speak English. Ability to interact with and support students with special needs. Knowledge of standard desktop computer hardware and software such as MS Office products and database software. Knowledge of and the ability to meet the seven core competencies of the Supporting Services Professional Growth System (SSPGS).

EDUCATION, TRAINING, and EXPERIENCE:

These requirements are in order of preference. 1. AA degree, required. Bachelor s degree preferred. College course work should include a minimum of nine credit-hours related to education field such as behavior management, instructional strategies, and one year experience working with students in structured educational (or academic) situations preferred. Or: If no related education course work, then two to four years experience working with children and adolescents required. I.e. working in a structured setting such as a daycare, pre-school, etc. required. 2. Or at least 48 college credits and two years of experience in an education related field including preschool, adult day program, after school program, extended day, or school/non-school based departments, etc. 3. Or two years of experience in an education related field including nursery school, adult day program, after school program, extended day, or school/non-school based departments, etc., and successful completion of the ParaPro Assessment with a qualifying score of 455 or higher is required. I.e. Opportunity for current supporting services employees 4. Any combinations of applicable education, training, and experience which provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position may be considered.

Performs specialized work by assisting special education teachers in instructing and supervising the activities of students with disabilities to provide a well-organized, smoothly functioning classroom environment. The position is responsible for assisting assigned teachers in preparing instructional materials, preparing classrooms for activities, supervising and assisting children in the classroom and in other areas of the school, reinforcing classroom lessons, and providing other assistance as requested; incumbents may be responsible for providing assistance to special needs students or coordinating special projects and programs as assigned. The position works under direct supervision according to set procedures.
Essential Job Functions

Provides assistance to assigned teachers in maintaining a well-organized, smoothly functioning classroom for the benefit of both teachers and students.

Assists students with exercises and class activities; concentrates efforts with small groups of students and individuals as necessary.

Compiles, prepares and organizes materials and classroom for instruction and classroom activities.

Assists in cleaning and storing of materials after completion of activities.

Reinforces all knowledge and skills taught by the classroom teacher.

Assists teacher by maintaining student records, recording daily attendance, grading assignments, administering standardized tests, recording and/or analyzing test scores/grades, substituting as needed, setting up special projects, escorting children to other areas of the school, monitoring student behavior, running errands.

Collects and receipts monies for monthly activity fees, school fees, school pictures, and/or meal fees.

Supervises and assists students when unloading and loading buses, in the halls, on field trips, during testing, during lunch, during computer lab, and on school grounds.

May assist students with special needs and/or in need of special attention; provides assistance with daily living routines, skills and concepts including personal hygiene, toileting, dressing, self-feeding; may assist with physical health programs including physical therapy and adjusting special/adaptive equipment for student use; lifts or assists students in and out of special needs equipment as necessary.

Assists in establishing and implementing behavioral objectives. Models appropriate social and play skills; observes students' behavior and notifies teacher and/or school nurse of behavioral changes as appropriate; redirects behavior if possible; may work with individual students to help them adjust behaviorally and academically into mainstream classroom and social situations.

May coordinate and/or participate in special programs or projects as assigned.

Receives and responds to inquiries from parents and others; assists in preparing notes and placing phone calls to parents as necessary.

Attends staff meetings as required; participates in in-service training programs; keeps abreast of developments in areas of assignment.

Performs routine clerical tasks as required, including but not limited to preparing reports and records, copying and filing documents, entering and retrieving computer data, preparing notices and newsletters, receiving and responding to e-mails.

Performs other related duties as assigned or directed.