Special Education Instructional Assistant (IA)

Education: Targeted job-related education that meets the organization's requirements. Must have two years of college credit (48 semester credit hours from an accredited university, excluding remedial courses); an Associate's Degree from an accredited university; or a passing score on the Para-Pro exam. Must have or be willing to obtain First Aid and CPR certification.

About the role

The Special Education Instructional Assistant works with individual and/or small groups of students under the supervision of a professionally licensed teacher to support students receiving services through an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Support may be provided in the general education classroom, special education classroom, or during intervention. Assignments include classroom support, intervention delivery, data collection, lunchroom, playground, and related arts support.

Responsibilities

• Adapts classroom activities, assignments, and/or materials under the direction of the supervising teacher.
• Adapts classroom work to provide students with instructional materials that address individualized learning plans within established lesson plans.
• Administers classroom assignments, tests, homework assignments, and make-up work.
• Administers immediate first aid and medical assistance as instructed by a health care professional (e.g., diapering, tube feeding, colostomy bags, medication).
• Assists in completing all record-keeping requirements.
• Assists in designing/utilizing appropriate materials for individual students in general or special education classrooms.
• Assists in instructing children in health and personal habits, such as eating, resting, and toilet habits (specifically Early Intervention).
• Assists in maintaining a safe work and play environment.
• Assists general and special education teachers in facilitating modifications and/or adaptations in the educational environment, instructional materials, and/or equipment for special education students.
• Assists students, individually or in small groups, with lessons to practice and/or reinforce learning concepts and help students reach academic goals and grade-level standards.
• Assists students, under supervision, in working toward meeting IEP objectives and goals.
• Assists teacher in maintaining a positive, orderly, and academically focused learning condition in the instructional environment.
• Assumes responsibility for knowing and following safety rules and proper procedures associated with the job.
• Collaborates with instructional staff, school personnel, parents, and community resources for the benefit of students in academic areas, athletics, special programs, and extracurricular activities.
• Communicates with teachers to assist in evaluating progress and/or implementing IEP objectives.
• Discusses assigned duties with classroom teachers to coordinate instructional efforts.
• Dresses children and changes diapers as necessary.
• Employs and implements de-escalation/restraint strategies (restraint training and certification required).
• Employs special education strategies or techniques to improve sensory and perceptual-motor skills, language, cognition, or memory as directed by the supervising teacher.
• Follows all board policies, school system rules, and administrative regulations.
• Fosters cooperative social behavior through activities and group projects.
• Implements IEPs focused on improving areas of skill deficits.
• Implements self-care programs, including direct assistance to students (e.g., toileting, positioning, lifting, feeding) as needed under the direction of the supervising teacher.
• Implements instructional programs and lesson plans under the supervision of the assigned teacher.
• Instructs and monitors students in the use and care of equipment and materials to prevent injuries and damage.
• Maintains classroom equipment, work areas, and manual and electronic files to ensure availability, provide reference, and ensure a safe learning environment.
• Maintains confidentiality relative to employee, student, and parent records/information according to legal and system guidelines.
• May be required to ride school buses with students to monitor health and safety, provide medical care, maintain discipline, and prevent altercations or damage.
• Monitors and supervises individual and/or groups of students in various settings (e.g., classroom, playground, field trips, library, cafeteria, bus loading/unloading).
• Observes students and/or parents to detect signs of ill health, problem situations, or other concerns that should be reported to the teacher.
• Participates in and completes required hours of professional learning/training (e.g., child development, early childhood education, health/safety, de-escalation and restraint, CPR, intervention).
• Prepares lesson materials, exhibits, equipment, and demonstrations.
• Provides direct academic and social skills instruction and support within the classroom or in small groups.
• Reports incidents involving unlawful student possession of weapons, drugs, or fighting on school property as required by law or school policy.
• Reports incidents of actual or suspected child abuse or sexual abuse as required by law.
• Responds promptly and professionally to inquiries from teachers, students, parents, administrators, and others.
• Responds to emergency situations and safety concerns, directing to appropriate personnel for resolution.
• Supports implementation of classroom management/discipline and individual student discipline plans, ensuring safety at all times.
• Supports implementation of and continuously monitors behavioral intervention plans related to student needs.
• Utilizes positive behavioral supports as appropriate.
• Utilizes special education teaching tools, techniques, and equipment as directed by the supervising teacher.
• Works directly with students within general and special education classrooms to provide special assistance and/or instruction.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Two years of college credit (48 semester credit hours from an accredited university, excluding remedial courses), an Associate's Degree from an accredited university, or a passing score on the Para-Pro exam.
• Must have or be willing to obtain First Aid and CPR certification.
• Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance.
• Regular and timely attendance.
• Ability to lift over 60 lbs. occasionally (over 15% and up to 40% of the time) within the classroom environment.
• Ability to perform physical demands such as pushing, pulling, climbing, stooping, kneeling, reaching, talking, hearing, and seeing.
• Ability to assist students who may require extra support with their physical needs.
• Adaptability to perform a variety of duties, often changing tasks without loss of efficiency or composure.
• Adaptability to accepting responsibility for direction, control, or planning of activities.
• Strong interpersonal skills for dealing with students, faculty, administration, and staff.
• Ability to make generalizations, evaluations, or decisions based on sensory or judgmental criteria.
• High level of personal integrity and strong work ethic.
• Maintains confidentiality of employee, student, and parent records/information.

Schedule

Full-time, following the Support Salary Schedule (Assistant SPED).

Work Environment

• Classroom and school settings, including playgrounds, cafeterias, buses, and field trips.
• Occasional heavy lifting (over 60 lbs.) and physical demands such as pushing, pulling, climbing, stooping, kneeling, and reaching.
• Requires adaptability to changing tasks and environments while maintaining efficiency and composure.