REDONDO BEACH UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRIC

CLASS TITLE:  INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANT-SPECIAL EDUCATION

BASIC FUNCTION:

Under the direction of an assigned supervisor(s), assist certificated staff in reinforcing instruction and behavior with individuals or small groups of special education students in a classroom environment on the school or at student locations if applicable; assist the teacher in implementing specialized instructional activities to meet the needs of students.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Assist a certificated teacher in reinforcing instruction and behavior with individual or small groups of special education students in a classroom environment on the school campus, or at student work locations if applicable; monitor and oversee student drills, practices and assignments in various subjects.

Assist students in completing classroom assignments, homework and projects in various subject areas; assure student understanding of classroom rules and procedures; assist students by answering questions, providing proper examples, giving emotional support, presenting a friendly attitude and giving other general guidance.

Perform a variety of clerical duties in support of classroom activities such as preparing, typing, duplicating and filing instructional materials; grading student tests and assignments and record grades; taking student attendance; assisting with administering and monitoring students during tests as directed.

Observe and control behavior of students in the classroom according to established policies and procedures; monitor and interact with students during outdoor, recess, lunch, physical education, recreational, group and other activities as assigned; monitor and report progress regarding student performance and behavior.  Take behavioral data under the supervision of certificated staff.

Assist in the development and implementation of Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and related goals and objectives as assigned; assist students with meeting IEP goals and objectives, including behavioral goals and implementation of behavior support plans.

Explain and assure student understanding of classroom assignment and homework instructions; assist assigned teacher with the implementation of lesson plans and instructional activities; confer with the teacher concerning instructional activities and materials to meet student needs.

Assist students with toileting, eating activities and personal hygiene such as dressing, washing and grooming as assigned by the position; assist children with fine and gross motor skills.

Read books to students and observe their reading abilities as assigned by the position; assist students with letter and word pronunciation and recognition as required; assist students with spelling and writing exercises and assignments.

Provide classroom support to the teacher by preparing and setting up work areas, decorations and displays, and distributing and collecting paper, supplies and materials.

Assist students with a variety of self-help skill building activities, including pre-vocational, job attainment and career choices.  If vocational training is required off campus, assist students with job coaching and mobility instruction.

Communicate with District staff, parents and others to exchange information and resolve issues or concerns; initiate and receive telephone calls as needed.

Operate a variety of classroom and office equipment such as a copier, fax machine, typewriter, overhead projector, computer and assigned software; utilize audio-visual devices as required.

Assure the health and safety of students by following health and safety practices and procedures; maintain classroom and other assigned areas in a safe, orderly and clean manner; clean up after student meals as assigned.

Maintain various records and files related to students, student progress, IEP’s, grades, behavior, attendance and assigned activities.

Accompany and assist students in mainstreamed classes as assigned by the position; take notes for students as required; escort students to and from restroom and classes as assigned.

Attend and participate in various in-services as assigned.

Communicate with students in English to facilitate the learning process as assigned by the position; provide oral and written translation between teachers, parents, staff and others as required; translate notes, letters and other materials as needed. Under the supervision of the speech and language pathologist, program alternative augmentive communication device if applicable.

Provide routine first aid to students according to established procedures as assigned by the position.

OTHER DUTIES:

Perform related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

KNOWLEDGE OF:

Child guidance principles and practices related to children with special education needs.

Problems and concerns of students with special needs.

Safe practices in classroom and outdoor activities.

Basic subjects taught in District schools, including arithmetic, grammar, spelling, language and reading.

Basic instructional methods and techniques.

Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.

Classroom procedures and appropriate student conduct.

Operation of standard office and classroom equipment.

Oral and written communication skills.

Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.

Record-keeping and filing techniques.

ABILITY TO:

Assist with instruction and related activities in a classroom environment.

Reinforce instruction to individual or small groups of special education students as directed by the teacher.

Assist in the preparation of instructional materials and implementation of instructional activities.

Perform a variety of clerical duties including typing, filing and duplicating materials.

Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.

Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Monitor, observe and report student behavior and progress according to approved policies and procedures.

Understand and relate to children with special needs.

Demonstrate an understanding, patient and receptive attitude toward special education students.

Observe health and safety regulations.

Maintain records and files.

Understand and follow oral and written instructions.

Operate standard office and classroom equipment including a computer and assigned software.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Complete at least 48 college semester units years of study at an institution of higher education (college level)

OR

Obtained an associate's (or higher) degree

OR

Met (pass) an assessment that demonstrates knowledge of and the ability to assist in teaching reading, writing, and mathematics OR reading, writing, and mathematics readiness.

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Some positions in this classification may require possession of a valid First Aid and CPR certification issued by an authorized agency.

Some positions in this class may be required to translate oral and written communications between English and a designated second language.

Some positions in this class may be required to transport or accompany students to job locations in the community.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

ENVIRONMENT:

Classroom and outdoor 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.