CLASS TITLE:  INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANT-SPECIAL EDUCATION

BASIC FUNCTION:

Under the direction of an assigned supervisor, assist a certificated teacher in reinforcing instruction to individual or small groups of special education students in a classroom or other learning environment; assist in the preparation of instructional materials and implementation of instructional activities; perform related clerical and health care duties as assigned.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Assist a certificated teacher in reinforcing instruction to individual or small groups of special education students in a classroom or other learning environment; monitor and oversee student drills, practices and assignments in various subjects; confer with the teacher concerning lesson plans and materials and provide input and suggestions to meet student needs.

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, emotional support, and general guidance.

Explain and assure student understanding of classroom assignment and homework instructions; assist assigned teacher with the development and implementation of lesson plans and instructional activities; administer and monitor students during tests as directed.

Observe and control behavior of students in the classroom according to established policies and procedures; monitor students during outdoor, eating, field trip, job site and various other activities as assigned; monitor and report progress regarding student performance and behavior.

Perform a variety of clerical duties in support of classroom activities such as researching, preparing, duplicating and filing instructional materials; grade student tests and assignments as assigned; compose and distribute various correspondence; prepare and process forms as required.

Assist students with performing and developing independent living, organizational, communication, vocational, social and self-help skills as assigned; assist students with meeting individual education goals and objectives; accompany and assist students in general education classes as required.

Compile information and prepare and maintain various records, reports and files related to students, IEP’s, attendance and assigned duties; take notes for students as required.

Provide classroom support by setting up work areas and displays and distributing and collecting paper, supplies and materials; monitor and maintain adequate inventory levels of supplies as required; order supplies and prepare requisitions as needed.

Assist with the implementation of Individual Education Plans (IEP’s) and related goals and objectives as assigned; compile and provide input, information and documents for IEP’s and related meetings and schedules as required; assist with the implementation of behavior modification strategies as assigned.

Assist students with personal hygiene including dressing, washing and grooming as assigned by the position; assist students with eating and activities; toilet students and change diapers and soiled clothing as needed.

Assist students with positioning, developing motor skills and related exercises as required; utilize adaptive equipment; assist students with developing independent walking and mobility skills; assist and interact with students during physical education activities as assigned.

Assist a certificated teacher with communications with District personnel, faculty, parents and various outside agencies to exchange information and resolve issues or concerns related to student needs and assigned special education functions; initiate and receive telephone calls as needed.

Operate a variety of office and classroom equipment such as a copier, fax machine, typewriter, tape recorder, laminator, computer and assigned software; arrange for equipment repairs as needed; utilize assistive technology devices as assigned.

Prepare and provide students with various documents and materials for use with adaptive technology as assigned by the position; train and provide assistance to students concerning the use of adaptive technology and related materials.

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.

Escort students to and from buses, classes and other locations as assigned; push student wheelchairs; lift students in and out of wheelchairs and other equipment; load and unload students on and off of buses as required.

Provide medical assistance and health care to special education students as assigned; administer first aid and CPR according to established procedures as needed; assist students with tube feeding, seizures and other health care activities as required.

Attend and participate in various meetings as assigned.

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 activities.

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

Basic instructional methods and techniques.

Classroom procedures and appropriate student conduct.

Operation of standard office and classroom equipment including a computer and assigned software.

Oral and written communication skills.

Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.

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

Record-keeping and filing techniques.

ABILITY TO:

Assist a certificated teacher in reinforcing instruction to individual or small groups of special education students in a classroom or other learning environment.

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.

Provide student assistance with daily living and health care activities as assigned.

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:

High School Diploma or equivalent required

Associates Degree (preferred but not required)

Experience working with special education students in an educational setting (preferred nut not required)

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Designated positions within this classification may require additional training, including a valid First Aid and CPR Certificate issued by an authorized agency.

District Mandated Training

WORKING CONDITIONS:

ENVIRONMENT:

Classroom and outdoor environment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard.

Hearing and speaking to exchange information in person and on the telephone.

Bending at the waist, kneeling or crouching.

Reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally.

Sitting or standing for extended periods of time.

Seeing to read a variety of materials.

Lifting and moving offices supplies and boxes.

Lifting and carrying students as assigned by the position.

HAZARDS:

Exposure to bodily fluids, blood borne pathogens and infectious diseases as assigned by the position.

**The Education Code requires that a criminal background check be conducted on all persons prior to employment by a school district to ascertain whether the applicant has been arrested or convicted of any crime. Conviction of certain crimes designated as a “violent felony” or a “serious felony” may disqualify a person from employment.