Special Education Instructional Assistant

About the role

The Special Education Instructional Assistant supports students with special needs under the direction of a certified FCPS staff member. They assist in implementing the student's Individualized Education Program (IEP) and provide necessary care and support.

Responsibilities

• Sets up and adapts materials, equipment, and assistive devices for use by student(s) as directed.
• Makes sure students make progress towards independence.
• Makes sure students meet their IEP goals and objectives.
• Carries out emergency action and/or health care plans for designated student(s).
• Assists students with classroom accessibility.
• Prioritizes work assignments appropriately.
• Completes appropriate amount of work in an efficient manner; seeks out additional assignments as time permits.
• Reports promptly for work, utilizes time wisely and maintains an acceptable attendance pattern.
• Demonstrates working knowledge of English, spelling, vocabulary and mathematics.
• Maintains confidentiality of student information.
• Participates in professional development trainings.
• Assists with administering, scoring, and recording of assessments.
• May participate in crisis intervention techniques.
• Provides general clerical support for the special education program, including typing, filing, making phone calls, scheduling, classroom preparation, and other similar tasks.

Other Functions

• Attends IEP team meetings and staff meetings as directed and/or scheduled.
• Provides weekly classroom coverage for teachers attending IEP team meetings.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED).
• 48 college credits, AA degree, or passing one of the following exams (ParaPathways, Pearson NES: Foundations of Classroom Support, or Pearson NES: Foundations of Classroom Support & Instruction).
• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly, concisely in both oral and written form.
• Working knowledge of English, spelling, vocabulary, and mathematics.
• Willingness to participate in training programs or professional development designed by the principal or central office staff as it pertains to the job function.
• Capable of performing the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate of Arts Degree.
• College level coursework related to child development.
• Previous experience working with children in an educational setting.
• Experience working with students with disabilities.
• Bilingual-Spanish.
• Knowledge of American Sign Language.
• Knowledge of child development and instructional strategies.
• Familiarity with the FCPS policies, goals and programs.