Special Education Assistant [DCD] - (2026-2027) Edison High

SUMMARY

Responsible for providing a variety of services to assist students with special needs in a learning environment; assists MPS staff to develop and implement appropriate individualization lessons and activities for students with disabilities; promotes student independence, academic and social inclusion, as well as self-advocacy skills; helps students to meet their therapy and education goals.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Provides support services to children with moderate to severe disabilities enrolled in MPS; performs duties within scope of authority and training, and in compliance with MPS policies, quality standards, and the Standards of Effective Instructional Support for Educational Assistants; duties may vary according to job assignment.
• Affords assistance to MPS staff to facilitate educational functions and other services to maintain a safe, inclusive, and productive learning environment in the Least Restrictive Environment possible, that is also sensitive to the individual needs and legal rights of Special Education students; works with students to improve personal skills and reinforce classroom learning.
• Affords support to students in learning processes; applies Prevent, Teach, Reinforce Behavior Intervention Plans, reinforces positive behavior, provides individual instruction, encourages opportunities for peer socialization.
• Maintains monitoring of student activities, promotes respect, explains social norms and disciplinary consequences, de-escalates personal confrontations, and enforces District policies and rules of conduct.
• Maintains behavior documentation, written observations and anecdotal information files for Support and Advocacy for Independent Living Program (SAIL), Individualized Education Program (IEP), and Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBA).
• Maintains monitoring of work, corrects papers and transitions students for medications, meals, buses and classes.
• Attends to and provides for students’ daily hygiene, personal and health related cares, as directed by licensed staff.
• Promotes student independence in community, recreational, school and leisure activities, and vocational training.
• Reports learning problems, behavioral issues, and other concerns to supervisor or Principal.
• Prepares the classroom environment and material to be utilized by students; provides assistance with students in classrooms, special projects, and after-school programs.
• Provides customer service to parents and guardians, answers questions, and explains school rules.
• Demonstrates courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with students, clients, visitors, and MPS staff; acts in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace environment.
• Enthusiastically promotes the Superintendent’s goals and priorities in compliance with all policies and procedures.
• Maintains absolute confidentiality of work-related issues, records and MPS information.

QUALIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma/GED; AND Monitors completion of 90 quarter or 60 semester college credits in Education, Child Development, Behavioral Sciences or educational area related to position assignment; OR Passing score of 460 (or higher) on the ParaPro Assessment; AND Two (2) years of paid experience working with children; OR Equivalent combination of education, training and experience as determined by Human Resources.
• Knowledge of: Classroom policies, procedures and processes; Methods and techniques to assist students in reading, writing and mathematics; Methods and techniques for working with students with disabilities and special needs; Local community resources and regional community services programs; Basic principles of record keeping and records management; Computers utilizing standard and specialized software; Safety rules and regulations.
• Skills in: Monitoring and improving student behavior and learning skills; Assisting children and special needs students and assessing educational needs; Maintaining composure and working effectively under classroom conditions; Reacting appropriately to situations that could create personal stress and safety problems; Communicating effectively with children; Following verbal and written instructions; Working collaboratively with a variety of individuals from various socio-economic, ethnic and cultural backgrounds; Communicating effectively in verbal and written forms.

BENEFITS

Dental insurance | Health insurance | Vision insurance | Paid time off | HSA & FSA | Retirement plan