Instructional Assistant - Special Education, Occupational Course of Study

Overview

POSITION PURPOSE: 

Provides support and assists in coordinating instructional programs relating to special education students and their Individual Education Plans (IEP). Monitors programs with students with disabilities, maintains confidentiality, and complies with all federal, state, and local laws, regulations, guidelines, and procedures as they relate to the special education program throughout the district. Maintains an environment conducive to learning.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSAs)

• Working knowledge of successful instructional delivery methods;
• Working knowledge of general classroom activities and routines;
• Ability to protect the confidentiality of personally identifiable information in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) and other applicable federal and state laws, policies, and regulations;

• Ability to work in a team environment and effectively collaborate with others;

• Ability to motivate students;
• Ability to constantly monitor and supervise the safety and well-being of students;
• Ability to recognize and support students with a variety of backgrounds, abilities, exceptionalities, behavioral needs, and learning styles;
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both in oral and written form using a variety of communication techniques and tools to ensure the appropriate flow of information, collaborative efforts, and feedback;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with school system staff, students, parents, businesses, community agencies, and the public.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or GED and shall hold, or be working toward, an Associate’s degree in birth-through-kindergarten, child development, early childhood education, or an early childhood education related field or a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential.  Instructional assistants working toward the minimum of an Associate Degree or CDA shall make progress by completing a minimum of six documented semester hours per year; OR
• Meet the employment requirements outlined by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), Pub.L. 114-95, AND have one of the following:
  • Six documented semester hours of coursework in early childhood education, OR
  • Two years of work experience in an early childhood setting.

• Experience working with or assisting individuals with special needs (an individual with one or more difficulties such as, a physical, emotional, behavioral, or learning disability or impairment that causes an individual to require additional or specialized services or accommodations).

CERTIFICATION AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

• Hold and maintain a Crisis Prevention and Intervention (CPI) certification (specific program to be determined by WCPSS Special Education Services) and maintain that certification through the proper renewal process, adhering to all timelines; CPI training will be provided through Wake County Public School System (WCPSS), if needed.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• First Aid and CPR certifications.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:   

Provides support and assistance to teachers in coordinating instructional programs for special education students, including familiarity with student’s IEP; ensures an encouraging, caring, safe, and healthful environment for all students.

Assists teachers with strategies related to the implementation of students’ behavioral intervention plans. 

Aids teachers with planning and organizing, evaluating instructional activities, developing classroom procedures, and preparing necessary materials; ensures materials for students are readily available according to the needs of the lesson plan.

Demonstrates professional and technical skills necessary to function effectively in the classroom and to support student achievement and the school program.

Maintains a positive disposition, exercises good judgement, and remains calm when dealing with students at all times.

Provides in-class support while promoting progress towards independence and self-determination for all students.

Assists teachers with implementation of low and high tech assistive technology and augmentative communication devices in the classroom to meet both class-wide and individual student needs. 

Compiles, maintains, and files reports, records, and other required documents, maintaining confidentiality.

Participates in the district staff development program and continued professional growth in the area of assignment.

Coordinates, assists, and facilitates student transitions between classes; assists students by providing for special health care needs, which could include: 

Personal hygiene, restroom functions, diapering, etc.;

Mobility assistance including lifting, positioning or transferring student;

Activities related to seizure control;

Feeding needs;

Adaptive equipment needs such as wheelchairs, crutches, prosthetic devices, orthotic devices, hearing aids, braille, assistive listening devices (ADL), and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices;

Behavioral assistance and CPI skills.

Performs other related duties, as assigned.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES-SATA Only:

Assigned to be a one on one instructional assistant to a student who has severe to profound learning disabilities.

Attends and successfully completes specialized training, as determined by student’s IEP.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

Must be able to use a variety of office equipment such as computers, scanners, and copiers.  Must be able to communicate effectively.  At times requires the ability to lift, carry, push, pull, or exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.  Physical requirements are consistent with those for medium work. School can contact the school’s Physical Therapist for assistance, if needed, for proper lifting techniques.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Must be able to work in a classroom and office environment, and come into direct contact with school system staff, students, parents, and the community.

EFFECTIVE DATE:5/2023

DISCLAIMER:  The above statements are intended to describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this position.  They are not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and skills that may be required of the employees assigned to this position.  This description may be revised by the supervisor, with HR review and approval, at any time.