POSITION TITLE: Instructional Assistant—Special Education
REPORTS TO: Principal, Teacher &/or Director of Special Education
BASIC FUNCTION: Assist certified teachers in implementing instructional practices, transitional activities, maintaining a safe and supportive instructional environment, and communicating and collaborating with teachers and other professionals to ensure special education students obtain quality instruction.
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES: The terms of employments are designated by the contract.
Regular and punctual attendance
Perform clerical duties as directed by the teacher
Under the guidance of the certified teacher, prepare for classroom activities, delivery of specially designed instruction and assist in the implementation of adaptations/modifications to the general curriculum to meet the needs of individual students per the IEP
Assist the teacher in gathering and recording student progress data
Perform administration of medication and other health services such as tube feeding and catheterization, as instructed by a health professional
Under the supervision of the certified teacher, assist students with self-care, including diapering, toileting, bathing, dressing and etc.
Assist students across settings including the resource room, regular classroom, the building and the community
Assist with students who have challenges with mobility. This would include lifting, positioning and moving the child from place to place for the proper use of gross motor equipment, such as standers and to and from a wheelchair, changing table, bed, on and off a bus etc.
Assist therapists (e.g. PT, OT, Speech, etc.) in following up with therapy as instructed in consultation with the therapist and under the direction of the supervising teacher per the IEP.
Assist in management of the students’ behavior when they are exhibiting inappropriate and/or physically forceful behaviors. This may include assisting student who area at risk of harming themselves or others through implementation of Safe Crisis Management
Adhere to professional ethics and standards, which include maintain the strictest confidentiality concerning students, including their performance, conduct, activities, remarks or personal information.
Function as a cooperative team member and take responsibility for fostering and maintaining good working relationships throughout the building
Other duties as assigned by supervisor
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
KNOWLEDGE OF:
Basic recording keeping
Basic subjects taught in district school
Safe practices in classroom and playground activities
Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy
Confidentiality and crisis management techniques
Necessary medical training as specified by supervisor
ABILITY TO:
Communicate and maintain effective relationships with students, parents, staff and the public including members of ethnic communities
Perform routine clerical duties in support of classroom activities
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
Perform basic instructional activities under the guidance of a supervisor
Learn to apply and explain policies and procedures related to school and program activities
Work cooperatively with others
Monitor, observe and report students behavior according to approved policies and procedures
Operate instructional and office equipment
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Work is performed while standing, sitting and/or walking
Requires the ability to communicate effectively using speech, vision and hearing
Requires the use of hands for simple grasping and fine manipulations
Requires bending, squatting, crawling, climbing, reaching
Requires the ability to lift, carry, push or pull light to heavy weights
Assist students with self-care, including diapering, toileting, bathing, dressing and etc.
EVALUATION: Annual development of Professional Growth Plan. Annual evaluation of job performance by supervisor.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: High school diploma or GED certificate as required by Kentucky law
LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Interim para educator assessment or required college hours.