NEWPORT-MESA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT CLASS TITLE: INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANT-SPECIAL EDUCATION (COVER) BASIC FUNCTION: Under the direction of an assigned supervisor, provide instructional support and assistance to teachers and students assigned to a designated mild, moderate, moderate severe or Early Childhood special education instructional program; perform a variety of support activities related to behavior management and classroom instruction of special education students; perform a variety of clerical support duties related to classroom activities; travel to assigned school sites to perform the above support services. REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES: Provide instructional support and assistance to teachers and students assigned to a designated mild, moderate, moderate severe or Early Childhood special education instructional program; communicate with teachers regarding the individual needs of special education students. E Assignments, schedules and duties may vary day-to-day based upon the needs of the District. E May provide mentoring to other Instructional Assistants-Special Education. E May cover regular assignments for employees on short to long term leaves. E Provide instructional assistance to individual or groups of special education students in a special class or when they are mainstreamed into regular classrooms or out in the community; assist special and regular education students whom they are mainstreamed with during classroom activities and various other activities as directed; assist students with meeting the goals and objectives of their Individual Education Plan. E Perform a variety of clerical duties such as preparing, typing and duplicating instructional materials, scoring papers and recording grades; assist in keeping attendance; prepare and maintain student records and files as necessary. E Assist assigned teacher with the implementation of lesson plans; assist in administering, proctoring, scoring tests and papers and charting student progress; modify materials and explain instructions and words. E Reinforce instruction to students with learning disabilities and language, communication and behavioral problems; confer with teachers concerning programs and materials to meet the individual needs of special education students. E Observe and control behavior of students according to approved procedures; report progress regarding student performance and behavior. E Provide support to the teacher by setting up work areas, displays and exhibits, operating office and classroom equipment and distributing and collecting paper, supplies and materials. E Direct group activities of students as needed; assist in monitoring recesses, assemblies and playgroup activities; accompany students on field trips. E Assist students with developing self-help, toileting, personal hygiene, social and communication skills. E Maintain an orderly, attractive and positive learning environment; assure the health and safety of students by following health and safety practices and procedures; administer basic first aid and dispense medications as necessary. E Operate a variety of classroom and office equipment including a typewriter, VCR, copier, fax machines, computer and laminator. E Perform related duties as assigned. KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES: KNOWLEDGE OF: Concepts and principles of child development and behavioral characteristics. Problems and concerns of students with special needs. Behavior management strategies and techniques utilized with students exhibiting atypical social behaviors. Basic subjects taught in District schools including arithmetic, reading, writing, grammar and spelling. Safe practices in classroom activities. Basic instructional methods and techniques. Appropriate English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary. Oral and written communication skills. Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy. Maintain confidentiality of student records. Basic record-keeping techniques. Operation of a variety of office and classroom equipment. ABILITY TO: Assist a certificated teacher with instruction and related activities in a classroom or assigned learning environment. Perform clerical duties related to classroom activities. Monitor, observe and report student behavior and progress according to approved policies and procedures. Reinforce instruction to individual or small groups of students as directed by the teacher. Understand and relate to children with special needs. Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Understand and follow oral and written instructions. Operate a variety of office and classroom equipment. Learn and implement the techniques required for Applied Behavior Analysis Observe health and safety regulations. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: Any combination equivalent to: graduation from high school and two years of paid and/or volunteer experience working with children requiring a specialized learning environment. Applied Behavior Analysis course must be attended and successfully completed within six months of employment. LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Valid California driver's license. WORKING CONDITIONS: ENVIRONMENT: Classroom and playground environment. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate standard office and classroom equipment. Sitting or standing for extended periods of time. Bending at the waist, kneeling or crouching to assist students. Seeing to read a variety of materials and monitor student activities. Hearing and speaking to exchange information. Reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally. Lifting or moving children from wheelchair to tables or desks.