Pearson Middle School

Program Description

Life Skills Class (LSC) is an instructional setting that prepares students with significant disabilities to participate as independently as possible in critical natural environments. The goal is to achieve the highest level of academic progress while enabling maximum independence in integrated community, domestic, recreational, and vocational activities.

Life Skills provides educational services to students who require specialized assistance in the areas of academics, social, self‑help, communication, and independent living skills. Students are typically able to participate in some activities and classes with their non‑disabled peers with support.

Life Skills classrooms are arranged to provide maximum opportunity for intensive specialized instruction on the prerequisite level of the academic Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS).

Requirements

• High School diploma or GED
• Associate degree or two years of higher education (preferred)
• If hired, must complete the SBEC certification process to obtain an Educational Aide Certification

Special Knowledge / Skills

• Ability to work with children with disabilities
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions
• Effective communication skills
• Knowledge of general office equipment
• Help the teacher prepare instructional materials
• Help the teacher keep administrative records and prepare required reports
• Provide assistance to substitute teachers
• Assist students with physical disabilities according to their needs (may require some lifting)
• Help manage behavior of students
• Support students’ instructional needs in accordance with their Individualized Educational Plans (IEPs)
• Assist students with personal care as appropriate
• Assume responsibility for learning and adapting to each student’s special needs
• Work with individual students or small groups
• Help supervise students throughout the school day, inside and outside the classroom
• Keep teacher informed of special needs or problems of individual students
• Maintain confidentiality
• Participate in staff development training programs and special events as assigned

Responsibilities

• Assist the special education teacher in providing for the physical and instructional needs of students with disabilities
• Help prepare instructional materials and maintain administrative records
• Provide assistance to substitute teachers as needed
• Assist students with physical disabilities, including positioning and lifting when required
• Manage student behavior and support instructional needs per IEPs
• Provide personal care assistance to students as appropriate
• Supervise students throughout the school day, both inside and outside the classroom
• Communicate any special needs or problems of individual students to the teacher
• Maintain confidentiality of student information
• Participate in staff development and special events as assigned