SPECIAL EDUCATION PARAEDUCATOR-SEVERE DEFINITION Under general supervision, to assist in conducting intensified learning experiences for special education students in assigned areas of study. To perform a variety of clerical and supportive tasks for instructional personnel. Instructional assistant responsibilities are dynamic and subject to frequent changes depending on the goals set forth in the IEP process Positions in this class are distinguished by the assignment of duties in the area of working with students in the Special Education Program, both in a classroom, group or one-on -one. Incumbents assist teachers and specialists in the learning, communicative, physically, or severely handicapped programs. EXAMPLE OF DUTIES •Observes behavior patterns and develops appropriate techniques to reinforce acceptable behavior. •Assists instructional personnel with the development and presentation of learning materials and instructional exercise. •Instruct students individually or in small groups to reinforce and follow-up learning activity. •Oversees and supervises individual or small groups during classroom activities, at lunch and recess, on field trips, transportation, and during community-based instruction. •Assists in the development of a variety of instructional materials. •Assist with and access student records, attendance and files. •Operates a variety of Instructional media not limited to computers, recorders, DVD and VCR. •Maintains discipline and continues with instructional program in the absence of the teacher for a short period of time. •Modifies materials and implements instructional and behavior management strategies for special education students in a mainstream setting. •Assists with procedures related to physical and medical need (seizures, suctioning, etc.). •Assists students with self-care techniques, including toilet training, personal cleanliness, personal and feminine hygiene; assist in diapering, toilet training, feeding and other personal care as needed. •May perform a variety of clerical duties, related to the IEP process. •Intervene in behavior situations requiring physical intervention as needed •Assist students in mastering in fine and gross motor skills, self-help and life skills. •Maintain confidential nature, due process rights and procedural safeguards. •Prepared to participate in the development of the IEP process. •Perform other related duties as required REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: Education: •High school diploma or equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade (GED). •Associate in Arts Degree or 48 semester units (NCLB) Experience: •Experience working with children in an educational or child care setting, or any combination of training and experience that could likely provide the desired knowledge and abilities. DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS: Knowledge of: •Special needs of children with learning problems •General needs and behavior of children •Special Education Programs •Direct instructional programs •General clerical methods and procedures •First Aid and CPR •Sign Language (in some instances) •English usage, punctuation, spelling and grammar •Proper procedures for handling and disposing of bodily fluids Ability to: •Speak and write Spanish •Relate to students with learning disabilities •Supervise a group or an individual child in various learning activities •Understand and carry out oral and written directions in English •Implement instructional activities as directed •Maintain cooperative relationships with people contacted during the course of work •Perform a wide variety of duties which will enhance the instruction of the special education program •Plan materials independently for reinforcing desired learning skills •Maintain confidentiality regarding students and school records •Be patient and flexible in making quick changes in a daily lesson for individual or total group •Provide feedback as to how the children are performing daily assigned tasks •Utilize constant verbal and physical prompting skills to keep student on task and following directions. SUPERVISION: Works under the supervision of Administrative Personnel. Board adopted: February 4, 2008