Special Education Instructional Assistant, Pre-K

All education provided on your application must be supported by attaching a scanned copy of your high school diploma, transcription or college/university transcript.

Schedule

• 10-month position (190 days / year), 7 hours per day
• Daily work hours: To be determined

Pay

• Salary Scale Grade S06: $21.65 per hour starting
• Non-exempt from overtime under the Fair Labor and Standards Act
• Actual salary placement will follow Frederick County Public School System salary procedures

See linked salary scale for the full range.

About the Role

Under the general direction of one or more certified classroom teachers and/or school administrator(s), Special Education Instructional Assistants monitor, assist, and provide support for students with special needs to implement the student's Individualized Education Program (IEP). Assistance may include extensive physical and/or personal care support. All duties are performed under the direction of a special education teacher. The ability to lift may be required based on student needs.

Responsibilities

Essential Functions

• Supports students under the direction of a certificated FCPS staff
• Communicates and documents student progress
• Sets up and adapts materials, equipment, and assistive devices for use by student(s) as directed
• Facilitates student progress toward independence
• Monitors and assists students during educational and recreational activities
• Assists student(s) with routine physical and/or personal care not required to be performed by a nurse
• Monitors and assists students in meeting 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
• Demonstrates support for the organization and its goals; accepts constructive criticism
• 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
• Works effectively in a team environment
• 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
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Classroom Teacher/Administrator

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED)
• Note: 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) will be required for Title One Schools
• An Associate's Degree or higher or a Child Development Associates (CDA) Credential
• 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
• Regular and predictable attendance

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

Physical Demands

• Frequent bending, lifting, walking may be required
• May require moving wheelchairs, operating lifting devices and assisting students with self-care needs
• Assist with physically aggressive behaviors as needed
• Ability to lift and move a minimum of 50 lbs

For more information about employee benefits, please go to: https://www.fcps.org/staff/benefits