LOCAL DISTRICT CLASSIFICATION PLAN

CLASS TITLE:         INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANT I – SPECIAL NEEDS (FMD/SSE)

ESSENTIAL FUNCTION: 

      Assist a certificated teacher in providing instruction to students with disabilities in individual or small groups; monitor and report student progress.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

      Instructional Assistant I (Special Needs-FMD/SSE) assists a certified teacher by performing a variety of support functions with students with special needs.  Special Needs (FMD/SSE) Instructional Assistant II works within a complex program with Functional Mental Disability (FMD) or Social Skills Enrichment (SSE) students typically requiring additional skills.  

BASIC REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:

• Implement all rules and regulations, policies and administrative guidelines as adopted by the Board of Education and/or the school SBDM Council.
• Tutor individuals or small groups of students, reinforcing and implementing instruction as directed by the teacher; maintain records of student progress.
• Participate as member of an instructional team including remediation teams.
• Prepare and organize lessons as directed by the teacher; administer and score a variety of tests according to established guidelines; assist in determining English proficiency of identified students.
• Assist in administering diagnostic and other tests; score and record test information.
• Monitor and report behavior of students according to approved procedures; report progress regarding student performance and behavior; check and assist students with lab work as necessary. Knowledgeable of students with special needs.
• Perform routine clerical duties such as preparation of instructional and classroom materials; operate copy machines; maintain classroom records; maintain attendance records.
• Provide support to the teacher by setting up work areas, displays and exhibits, operating audio-visual equipment, operating educational training equipment and distributing and collecting paper and supplies.
• Assist in overseeing students while in labs; provide for supplies inventory as necessary.
• Assist students by providing proper examples, emotional support, a friendly attitude and general guidance.
• Assist in lifting, transferring, evacuating, and/or transporting students.
• May assist in loading/unloading students onto and off regular and lift buses.
• Demonstrate willingness to attend ot basic student personal care and hygiene needs.
• Assist with specific instructional techniques, e.g., cued speech, signing, or community based education.
• Assist with set up, operation, and maintenance of assistive/prosthetic devices and/or medically prescribed equipment.
• Assist with use of equipment needed to meet instructional needs, e.g., braces, PAL machines, auditory trainers, speech devices, computers, typewriters, magnifiers, braille writers, etc.
• Assist with the operation and use of medically prescribed equipment, e.g., ventilators, suctioning devices, or hearing aids.
• Duties include performance of health services, for which training will be provided.
• Confer, as needed, with teachers concerning programs and materials to meet student needs.
• Contact parents of students who are absent; make home visits as necessary.

• Assure the health and safety of students by following health and safety practices and regulations.
• Direct group activities of students as assigned; assist in monitoring lunchroom and playground activities as assigned; assist in emergency drills, assemblies, play periods and field trips.
• Participate in meetings and in-service training programs as assigned.
• Perform related duties as assigned.
• Remain at school during the entire school day unless excused by the principal or the designated representative.
• Maintain a professional appearance as an example for students.
• Incorporate the use of technology in daily tasks.
• Attend Crisis Prevention Institute or related training annually as required by Director of Exceptional Children.
• Maintain regular attendance.
• Adhere to the Professional Code of Ethics.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

      KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Basic subjects taught in the District schools, including arithmetic, grammar, spelling, language and reading.
• Safe practices in classroom and playground activities.
• Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
• Basic record-keeping techniques.

      ABILITY TO:

• Learn child guidance principles and practices.
• 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.
• Print and write legibly.
• Add, subtract, multiply and divide quickly and accurately.
• Understand and follow oral and written directions.
• Learn procedures, functions and limitations of assigned duties.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• 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.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Any combination equivalent to:  high school diploma, G.E.D. Certificate or demonstrated progress toward obtaining a G.E.D. as required by Kentucky law and some experience in working with children in an organized setting.  

Also:   48 hours college credit evidenced by college transcript or successful completion of Kentucky Paraeducator Assessment test.