CLASS TITLE:         INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANT I – SPECIAL NEEDS

 

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) assists a certificated teacher by performing a variety of support functions with students with special needs.  Special Needs Instructional Assistant II works within a complex program typically requiring additional skills and characterized by increased independence of action.

 

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.
• 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.
• 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.

 

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

 

Salary and work year to be established by the Board of Education.

 

EVALUATION:  Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board’s policy on Evaluation of Classified Personnel.