Educational Assistant Special Education
POSITION SUMMARY: The Educational Assistant Special Education provides educational supports through instruction and supervision of students with disabilities under the direct supervision of special education teacher, specialist and/or classroom teacher; completes routine clerical tasks for teachers; and assists students by providing for special health care needs. Students may have one or more academic, emotional, cognitive, physical and/or sensory challenges.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education, Training, Experience, Licensure and Certification
Experience Required: Prior job-related experience, paid or volunteer, with school age children
Education Required: Completed associates or higher degree, completed at least two years of study at an institution of higher education (72 college quarter hours or more) or met a rigorous standard of quality and can demonstrate, through a formal state or local academic assessment, knowledge of and ability to assist in instructing reading, writing, and mathematics
Licenses, Certifications, Bonding, and/or Testing Required: Criminal Justice Fingerprint Clearance and First Aid/CPR card and Bloodborne Pathogen training
Knowledge Of and Skills In:
Knowledge of principles of child development and instructional practices
Performing basic clerical functions and basic arithmetic calculations
Using computer programs and applications (e.g. email, system applications, word processing)
Communicating effectively in English, both verbally and in writing (e.g. correct spelling, grammar and punctuation)
Read, interpret, and apply rules, regulations, and policies
Understanding and carrying out verbal and written instructions
Providing for special health care needs of students
Understanding and addressing students with special needs
Rapidly learn methods and materials used in a variety of instructional situations
Functioning as a self-starter, who works well independently or in a team
Planning, prioritizing and completing assignments with minimum supervision
Handling multiple projects, and tasks to meet scheduled deadlines
Interacting with persons of different age groups and cultural backgrounds
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Works under the guidance and direction of Special Education Teacher, Specialist, and/or classroom teacher with access to assistance and consultation
Works collaboratively by assisting teachers in implementing lesson plans and/or developing students' daily living and behavioral skills (e.g. hygiene and grooming, anger-management, social skills) both in special classrooms and in the general education setting
Provides instructional support to students in large groups, small groups, and one-on-one situations. Adapts classroom work/homework under the direction of the teacher to support and/or reinforce individual and classroom learning objectives
Administers first aid, medical assistance and delegated health services (e.g. tube feeding to students, catheterization, toileting) for the purpose of providing appropriate care for ill, medically fragile and/or injured children
Maintains specialized equipment identified for individual or classroom use for the purpose of addressing student learning needs and ensuring a safe and appropriate learning environment
Maintains classroom equipment and student files/records as pertains to special education files/records to ensure a safe and appropriate learning environment, including database entries for student collections and Medicaid billing purposes
Monitors individual students, classroom and/or playground activities for the purpose of providing a safe and positive learning environment and addressing individual student learning needs
Performs record keeping and basic clerical functions, scheduling, copying, etc. to support teachers in maintaining student files and providing classroom materials and supporting home-to-school/school-to-home communications
Attend training, maintain a valid certificate (if applicable), and utilizes district approved de-escalation and physical intervention techniques when needed in both specialized and general education classroom settings and in non-instructional locations within and around the school environment
Develops materials for student IEP implementation
Uses progress monitoring tools under the guidance of the teacher for the purpose of determining student learning outcomes and collects other student performance data as directed by the teacher and/or specialist
Evaluates situations to take appropriate action and/or direct the situation to the appropriate personnel for resolution
OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS
Assists other personnel as may be required for the purpose of supporting them in the completion of their work activities to meet the needs of assigned students and the Special Education program
Participates in various meetings for the purpose of sharing information and/or improving one's skills/knowledge
Confers with teachers and specialists for the purpose of assisting in evaluation of students' progress and/or implementing of students' objectives
Assists with the transportation needs of students, including walking them to and from the bus, supervision of students on the way to and from the bus, supervision of loading and unloading of busses, arranging for the transportation needs of students, and may include riding the bus with the student to and from school beginning and ending in a designated location
Attends workshops, staff development classes, seminars and other meetings for continued professional growth
Performs other related duties as determined by the teacher, specialist or school administrator, which are indicated to ensure the physical and emotional well-being of students within the scope of their job
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Ability to: sit, stand or walk for prolonged periods of time talk and hear conversations in a potentially noisy environment use precise control of fingers and hand movement, often in a repetitive motion such as keyboarding reach for and handle objects use close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus Regularly focus on a computer screen Bending, stooping, kneeling and lifting and/or moving up to 40 pounds may also be required on occasion
WORKPLACE EXPECTATIONS
Maintaining regular and punctual attendance. In case of an absence site and/or district protocol for reporting absences is followed. Maintaining appropriate confidentiality regarding information relating to students, staff, and parents Dress in a professional and appropriate manner for the assignment and the work setting Exercise prudent judgment Work independently in the performance of routine duties Follow all District policies and work procedures Utilize the District's electronic systems and applications only as related to the position Participate in required meetings and trainings related to the position If employee is bilingual, interpretation, translating documents, and/or communicating orally in the second language may be requested Cultivate and model a respectful working and learning environment