DEFINITION:

Under general supervision to assist a certificated teacher in the supervision and instruction of students with special education needs in a variety of educational settings including the home, community and classroom; to implement intensive behavior intervention programs, for identified students in special education; attend student progress meetings; assist student with and demonstrate proper physical care and hygienic needs; relieve the teacher of routine clerical duties.

The Paraeducator - Special Circumstance is distinguished from other instructional classifications by the varying locations at which work is performed, absence of immediate supervision, the independent judgment exercised and the special needs of the population served. Positions assigned to this class are further distinguished by the emphasis on knowledge of methodologies found to benefit some children including, but not limited to, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Discrete Trial Training (DTT), Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), Treatment and Education of Autistic and related Communication-handicapped Children (TEACCH), and Professional Assault Crisis Training (ProACT). Incumbents may be required to drive a personal vehicle to travel to student’s homes and other locations including the classroom and community and provide one-to-one intensive behavioral intervention services.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES:

1. Follow teacher’s lesson plans based on teacher’s direction and explanation of student’s physical and/or educational needs;
2. Under direct and/or indirect supervision, provide individual and group instruction and/or intensive behavior intervention in the school or home setting;
3. Perform specialized instructional assistance in areas of related service including, but not limited to: adaptive physical education, speech and language, and/or occupational therapy;
4. Assist in identifying students needing remedial instruction in movement skills and providing activities for improvement of skills in body image, spatial awareness balance, locomotion, strength and agility;
5. Assist students with personal hygiene and in developing self-help grooming skills as appropriate, including, but not limited to: eating, washing, oral care, and toileting;
6. Assist in toileting and changing diapers as needed;
7. Assist students with emergency medical administration if needed;
8. Collect data and record anecdotal student progress notes, maintain and organize program notebooks, and implement behavior modifications;
9. Assist teacher with carrying out and assessing individual educational programs (IEPs) for students;
10. Assist teacher in preparing a variety of learning materials;
11. Set up work areas and prepare materials for instructional use;
12. Perform routine clerical tasks related to classroom record keeping and instructional material preparation;
13. Operate or learn to operate a variety of audiovisual equipment, office equipment, electronic teaching machines, assistive technology, and computer terminals;
14. Assist in administering, proctoring and scoring tests and charting student progress;
15. File and record test scores, grades and other data in student files;
16. Supervise students at lunch, on the playground, and on field trips;
17. Attend a variety of meetings, workshops, and in-service trainings to maintain current knowledge of special education practices;
18. May attend back-to-school nights and other school activities;
19. Respect confidential nature of pupil records and school reports;
20. Assist teacher with parent contacts.
21. Other related duties as assigned.

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Should possess personal characteristics generally recognized as essential for good public employees including integrity, dependability, courtesy, good judgment and ability to work cooperatively with others. Works well with children.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

1. Methodologies found to benefit some children including, but not limited to, Discrete Trial Training, Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), ProAct, Pivotal Response Training (PRT), Treatment, Education of Autistic, and Related Communication Handicapped Children (TEACCH).
2. Principles and techniques of discipline and behavior modification;
3. Use of specialized equipment and assistive technology;
4. General purpose and goals of public education, specifically as it relates to special education;
5. Well-developed oral and written communication skills including correct English usage, punctuation, spelling, grammar and math;
6. Interpersonal skills including tact, patience and courtesy;
7. Child growth and development principles.
8. Methods of observing, documenting observation, testing and evaluating students.
9. The needs and concerns of children with learning disabilities.
10. First Aid and CPR procedures;
11. Personal hygiene practices;
12. Health and safety regulations.

Ability to:

1. Provide one-to-one Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) including Discrete Trial Training (DTT) to designated students in the home, community, or classroom;
2. Direct and instruct students;
3. Follow safety procedures and understand and carry out written & verbal instructions;
4. Provide patient, sensitive, and tactful assistance to students and parents;
5. Observe and manage behavior of students according to approved procedures;
6. Monitor and evaluate student progress;
7. Work independently with minimal direction;
8. Organize tasks and set priorities;
9. Prepare and maintain detailed case records and reports and perform routine clerical duties;
10. Prepare lessons and instructional materials for students;
11. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing;
12. Operate a variety of office and instructional equipment including a computer and assigned software;
13. Maintain confidentiality of sensitive and privileged information;
14. Demonstrate problem-solving skills and determine appropriate action within clearly defined guidelines;
15. Understand and work within scope of authority;
16. Observe health and safety regulations;
17. May drive a vehicle to conduct work;
18. Respond appropriately to evaluation and changes in the work setting;
19. Manage multiple tasks;
20. Learn pertinent procedures and functions quickly and apply the without close and immediate supervision;
21. Respect confidential nature of pupil records and school reports.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Respect confidential nature of pupil records and school reports.

WORKING CONDITIONS/CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

IEP Driven Position: Temporary assignment covered under Education Code 45103 driven strictly by the student’s needs and IEP.

Light Work: Position in this class perform work, which may include: lifting, pushing and/or pulling which normally does not exceed 25 pounds; 50 pounds with assistance.

Mobility: Positions in this class require the mobility to stand, stoop, reach and bend.

Vision: Positions in this class require vision (which may be corrected) to read small print.