Adopted: 6/20/01 SOQUEL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT Job Description TITLE: Instructional Aide, Special Education DESCRIPTION: Under general direction, perform a variety of instructional and clerical activities for students with emotional, educational, physical or behavioral problems. Receive supervision from the school administrator within a framework of standard policies and procedures. Receive direction from the classroom teacher; tutor under guidelines of classroom teacher; assist in the conduct of intensified learning experiences related to students with special needs served by the special education program; make routine decisions within the established policies and procedures of the classroom and the district. REPORTS TO: Principal EVALUATED BY: Principal MAJOR AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY: Work with children with multiple physical and emotional handicaps. Review daily lesson plans with instructional personnel. Assist with the presentation of learning materials and instructional exercises, maintaining appropriate timelines. Tutor individual students and small groups of students to reinforce and follow up on learning activities. Monitor and assist students through drills, practice and study trip activities; supervise students as directed. Assist students in the development of small muscle and eye coordination activities; lead activities designed to help children achieve motor control and body awareness. Observe behavior of students to see that they do not injure themselves or others; note students’ progress. Assist in the management and shaping of student behavior through the use of positive reinforcement strategies. Set up work areas and prepare materials for appropriate instructional activities. Assist teachers and other professional personnel with instructional and behavioral management activities such as perceptual-motor programs. Engage in physical and sometimes strenuous activities with children. Operate a variety of instructional media and equipment and maintain and distribute an inventory of textbooks, supplies and equipment. Provide a variety of clerical and supportive tasks. Attend to the personal care needs of some students with physical limitations. Maintain student records and files and, upon request, attend meetings and parent conferences related to curriculum and/or student related problems. Understand and apply guidelines involved in confidentiality of student records. Maintain regular attendance. Ability to work cooperatively with others. Perform other related duties as assigned. EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS: Training and Experience: Any combination of training and experience which would indicate possession of the knowledge, skills and abilities listed herein. Completion of the twelfth grade or the equivalent of a high school education; two years of paid or volunteer experience working with children in a special education environment. A year of college with coursework in special education, psychology and child growth and development may be substituted for the two years of experience working with children. Bilingual qualifications desirable but not mandatory. If required an additional salary stipend will be provided. Knowledge: Knowledge of elementary concepts, child growth and development and child behavior characteristics; instructional materials used at specific grade levels; curriculum content and objectives; application of curriculum to students with special needs; positive student behavior management techniques and strategies; English usage, punctuation, spelling and grammar; basic arithmetic concepts; simple record keeping and record management. Abilities: Ability to instruct and plan learning activities under the guidance of the classroom teacher; perform simple clerical tasks and operate standard office machines; communicate satisfactorily in oral and written form; demonstrate an understanding, patient and receptive attitude toward children; meet requirements associated with the tasks outlined in the position description; understand and carry out oral and written directions; establish and maintain effective work relationships with those contacted in the performance of required duties. Physical Effort/Work Environment: Moderate physical effort which may include frequent standing, walking, lifting and occasional climbing, crawling or stooping; use of medium weight tools and materials; indoor/outdoor work environment. TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: A pre-placement physical examination may be required. Possession of a valid California driver’s license and automobile insurance coverage that conforms to California state law. Possession of a valid First Aid Certificate. Evidence of a negative TB test every four years. Passing of a pre-employment basic skills test. SALARY RANGE: Range 19 on the Classified Unit Salary Schedule