Special Education Instructional Assistant
Under the direction of an assigned supervisor, provide instructional support and assistance to teachers and students assigned to a designated special education instructional program; perform a variety of support activities related to behavior management and classroom instruction of special education students; assist in the preparation of instructional materials.
Essential Duties:
- Provide instructional support and assistance to teachers and students assigned to a designated special education instructional program; tutor individual or small groups of students, reinforcing instruction as directed by the teacher; monitor and oversee student drills, practices and assignments in various subjects; accompany students into mainstreamed classes.
- Assist assigned teacher with the implementation of lesson plans; grade student tests and assignments; record grades; maintain student files as assigned; modify materials and explain instructions and words; assure student understanding of classroom activities and assignments.
- Provide classroom support to the teacher by setting up work areas and displays, operating equipment, and distributing and collecting paper, supplies and materials.
- Reinforce instruction to students with learning disabilities and language, communication and behavioral problems; confer with teachers concerning programs and materials to meet the individual needs of special education students.
- Observe and control behavior of students in the classroom and during outdoor activities according to approved procedures; report progress regarding student performance and behavior.
- Assist in a variety of clerical duties in support of classroom activities such as preparing, typing, duplicating and filing instructional materials, as needed.
- Operate a variety of classroom and office equipment including a computer, copier, paper cutter and other standard office equipment.
- Assure the health and safety of students by following established practices and procedures; maintain learning environment in a safe, orderly and clean manner; clean, set up, and set out toys and instructional materials.
- Oversee groups of students in lunchroom, recess and other playground activities as assigned; escort students to and from classrooms; assure safe outdoor play.
- Attend assigned meetings, conferences and in-services; participate in student IEP meetings as needed.
- Assist students with toileting, as needed.
Other Duties:
- Perform related duties as assigned within classification.
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 playground 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.
- Basic record-keeping techniques.
Ability To:
- Assist with instruction and related activities in a special education classroom or assigned learning environment.
- Reinforce instruction to individual or small groups of students as directed by the teacher.
- Assist in the preparation of instructional materials.
- Understand and follow oral and written directions.
- 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.
- Operate standard office and classroom equipment.
- Observe health and safety regulations.
- Perform clerical duties related to classroom activities.
- Maintain records and files.
Education and Experience: Any combination equivalent to: graduation from high school and sufficient experience working with children in a classroom or instructional setting. Will need to possess a minimum of 48 college units or hold a college degree, and pass the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) test.
Working Conditions:
Environment: Classroom and playground environment.
Physical Demands:
- Sitting or standing for extended periods of time.
- Seeing to read a variety of materials and monitor student activities.
- Hearing and speaking to communicate and provide information to others.
- Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate standard office and classroom equipment.
- Reaching overhead, above the shoulders, and horizontally.
- Bending at the waist, kneeling or crouching to assist students and/or to retrieve and file materials.
- Position will often be required to lift, carry, pull, or otherwise move objects between 10 and 20 pounds