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.

Benefits

For more information about employee benefits, visit https://www.fcps.org/staff/benefits.

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