GENERAL PURPOSE
 
Under general supervision, provides instruction and tutors individual and small groups of students in assigned special education programs with emotional, physical, behavioral, learning, and mental challenges and/or disabilities in various subject-matter areas to reinforce classroom lessons; observes, monitors and records student performance and behavior; performs administrative functions in support of classroom activities; and, as assigned, performs related duties. 
 
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
 
Instructional Assistants – Special Education are responsible for providing, under the guidance and direction of a classroom teacher, instruction and tutoring on various subjects to students with emotional, physical, behavioral, learning, or mental challenges and/or disabilities in assigned special education programs. Work assigned to an Instructional Assistant – Special Education requires knowledge of subject areas and familiarity with assignments, including the ability to provide instruction to students with challenges or disabilities in an effective manner. This classification works specifically with students in Special Day Class (SDC), Mild to Moderate settings, Moderate to Severe settings, the Resource Specialist Program (RSP), or students with Autism.   
 

• Instructional Assistants – Special Education are distinguished from Instructional Assistants in that incumbents in class are assigned to work with students with special needs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
 
The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this class.
 

1. Works with and tutors individual and small groups of students in assigned special education programs in various subject matter areas to reinforce class lessons and assist students in completing class and homework assignments; reads with groups of students; directs the activities of small groups of students; supervises students working in classroom learning centers; and, oversees student computer activities.
   
   
2. Observes, monitors, and records student performance and behavior; assesses student learning needs based on their performance in individual or group tutoring sessions; meets with teachers to check on student progress, obtain grades, and clarify assignments; confers with teachers on programs and materials to address and meet the needs of students.
   
   
3. Oversees student activities and assists in observing, moderating, mitigating, and tempering disruptive or problematic behavior; assists with monitoring student behavior and conflict resolution; assists in keeping students focused and on-track; observes student behavior and reports progress and problems to teaching personnel; implements behavior management plans set by the teacher; supervises students during nutrition breaks and physical education; escorts students as needed; accompanies classes on field trips and community-based instruction outings to assist in supervising students; and, assists students in entering and leaving school buses.
   
   
4.  Under teacher guidance and direction, prepares homework assignments and packets according to student needs; distributes and collects papers and supplies; assists in providing examination materials to students.
   
   
5.  Prepares basic instructional materials for lesson use; prepares and modifies handouts and materials; selects didactic material according to individual educational goals, as directed by teacher; sets up and prepares classroom bulletin boards, work areas, displays and exhibits; records stories and vocabulary on cassette tapes; and, translates educational materials.
   
   
6.  Takes attendance and maintains records, including grades and test scores; keeps track of assignments.
   
   
7.  Performs general clerical duties in support of the teacher and in the classroom; duplicates and files student materials and records; takes messages for the teacher; types correspondences and documents (should not include IEP’s); puts documents in binders; organizes filing cabinets; collates and laminates materials; delivers mail; maintains confidential documents; ensures there are enough supplies for students.
   
   
8.  May provides translation for parents and teachers during conferences, meetings and interviews; attends regular staff and in-service meetings.
   
   
9.  Assists in maintaining a clean and orderly learning environment to ensure the health and safety of students; and, assists in cleaning and organizing the classroom.
   
   
10.  Assists with student personal hygiene and grooming needs including toileting, eating, changing diapers and clothes in the event of accidents.
    
    
11.  Implements Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) strategies, as necessary.

OTHER DUTIES
 

1. Assists staff and students in filling out ROP and graduation packages.
    
    
2. Assists staff and students in food preparation, cooking, and cleaning.
    
    
3. Assists with the Reading Program for At-Risk Students.
    
    
4. Assists teachers with special projects and programs.
    
    
5. May provide basic first aid to students as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:
 

1. Methods and practices of child guidance, especially as it relates to special education students.
    
    
2. Basic subject matter areas taught in District schools, including mathematics, grammar, spelling, language, and reading.
    
    
3. Procedures and practices of classroom and playground safety.
    
    
4. Conflict resolution methods and techniques.
    
    
5. Correct English usage, including spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
    
    
6. Administrative practices and procedures, including record-keeping and filing.

Ability to:
 

1. Assist students in developing self-help, social, and daily living skills, including eating, dressing, toileting and personal grooming.
    
    
2. Recognize individual student learning needs and adapt materials, classwork, and homework assignments to facilitate learning.
    
    
3. Operate a computer and other standard office equipment.
    
    
4. Organize, set priorities, and exercise sound judgment within areas of responsibility.
    
    
5. Organize and maintain confidential student records and files.
    
    
6. Communicate clearly and effectively orally and in writing.
    
    
7. Understand and follow written and oral instructions.
    
    
8. Lift, monitor behavior, and, if necessary, restrain, students according to approved policies and procedures.
    
    
9. Use courtesy, diplomacy, discretion, patience, and tact in dealing with students in difficult, sensitive, and trying situations.
    
    
10. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with District staff, teachers, parents, students and others encountered in the course of work.

Education, Training, and Experience:
 

• Graduation from high school or G.E.D. equivalent; and,

• Three (3) months of paid or volunteer experience working with special education children.

Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements:
 
Some assignments may require the ability to speak and write in a designated second language.
 
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS
 
The physical requirements indicated below are examples of the physical aspects that this position classification must be able to perform in carrying out essential job functions.
 

• Primarily works in classroom and playground environments assisting students with emotional, physical, behavioral, learning and mental disabilities.
• Accompanies students to field trips.
• May be subject to physical and/or emotional outbursts by students. 
• Work involves sitting, standing, bending, twisting, and walking indoors and outdoors.
• Seeing to monitor student behavior during classroom activities.
• Hearing and speaking to provide assistance and information related to classroom assignments.
• Assists individually or in groups to accommodate carrying/lifting students of all ages and sizes.

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this class with reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis and depends, in part, on the specific requirements for the job, the limitations related to disability and the ability of the selection authority to accommodate the limitation.