Fowler Elementary School District

Job Title:              SPECIAL EDUCATION INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANT

Classification:      Support Personnel Pay Scale

Range:                  I or II depending on qualification

Description:           The Special Education Instructional Assistant I performs a variety of instructional and non-instructional tasks both in and out of the classroom to support the teacher of students with special needs. Some duties may include the playground setting (duty) where there may be exposure to dirt, dust, and extreme seasonal temperatures.

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent is required
• Provide documentation showing a passing score on the Paraprofessional Assessment –Range I
• Sixty (60) college credit hours/or Associate Arts Degree or higher- Range II
• Valid Fingerprint Clearance Card
• Knowledge of the English language including reading, writing and oral communication
• Knowledge of Spanish including reading, writing and oral communication is desired
• Ability to use of office equipment including computers (Word, Excel) copiers, fax machines and other applicable office equipment
• Ability to comprehend and perform functions from written and oral instructions
• Ability to exhibit mature judgment
• Knowledge of arithmetic and basic mathematic procedures
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills when dealing with administration, staff, students, parents and other district personnel
• Ability to perform playground supervision duties
• Must be an energetic, highly ethical and possess good emotional and physical health
• Some experience working with children in an educational setting is preferred

Alternatives to the above qualifications as the Governing Board or the Superintendent may deem appropriate

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide extra assistance to students with special needs; such as, those students with physical and mental limitations
• Present subject matter to students under the direction and guidance of the teacher
• Tutor and assist children individually or in small groups to help them master assignments and to reinforce learning concepts presented by teachers
• Assist with monitoring each student’s progress and record relevant data to aid in the writing/updating of Individual Education Plan
• Participate in team planning of academic curriculum based on individual interests, needs, abilities, student achievement and group dynamics
• Participate in team assessment of each child regarding progress and assist in developing individual objectives and goals
• Provide assistance with the preparation of instructional materials
• Distribute and collect tests and homework assignments as directed
• Assist with supervision and enforcement of rules and procedures for student discipline and classroom management
• Assist the staff to continually maintain good student behavior and safety in the classroom, halls, cafeteria, gymnasium, playground and on field trips
• Assist the teacher in maintaining individual student records and keeping all necessary documentation on each child current
• Provide assistance with inventory and maintaining equipment and supplies
• Assist the teacher in maintaining an attractive and clean classroom
• Perform clerical and clean-up duties as assigned
• Assist with maintaining a positive environment that develops social, emotional and cognitive skills as well as promotes and supports cooperation and learning
• Assist with the implementation of federal, state and local health and safely policies and procedures
• Assist with the completion of all documentation for compliance with federal, state, and local health and safety procedures, Special Education performance standards and licensing regulations
• Assist with communicating to parents program policies, changes and events
• Attend parent meetings as directed
• Assist the teacher in conducting home visits and Parent/Teacher conferences as needed
• Monitor and assist students during meals and recess periods as needed
• Participate and assist with outdoor activities
• Instruct and monitor students in the use and care of equipment and materials
  • Sanitize toys and play equipment
• Provide assistance with personal care needs of students
• Assist with toileting and diapering when needed
• Meet children at buses or transportation areas as directed
• Walk children to buses or transportation areas as directed
• Attend staff meetings as directed
• Participate in grade level and/or subject area team meeting as requested
• Participate in Child Study process as requested
• Assist the teacher in conducting home visits and Parent/Teacher conferences as needed
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with children, parents and staff members, etc.
• Participate in district sponsored professional development workshops/inservices, attend on-going training classes as directed, and read professional publications for continued professional development
• Maintain strict confidentiality and use appropriate discretion when working with all district personnel and student and family records and/or information
• Support and follow the rules, regulations and policies set by the School Board, the assigned school and the District
• Perform all other duties as assigned by the Governing School Board, the Principal or his/her designee

Length of Employment:

• Nine (9) months
• School calendar will determine the days worked during the school year

Reports to:             Building Principal

Evaluation:           Performance to be evaluated in accordance with Governing Board Policy GDO