Special Education Instructional Assistant, Specialized Program

About the role

The Special Education Instructional Assistant for Specialized Programs supports students with special needs in implementing their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) within Frederick County Public Schools (FCPS) Specialized Programs.

Responsibilities

• Serves under the direction of a certified FCPS staff member.
• Communicates and documents student progress.
• Adapts materials, equipment, and assistive devices for student use.
• Fosters student independence.
• Maintains student safety and well-being during various activities.
• Enforces emergency and health care plans.
• Ensures classroom accessibility.
• Prioritizes and completes work assignments efficiently.
• Participates in professional development and training.
• Administers, scores, and records assessments.
• Supports crisis intervention techniques.
• Assists with physically aggressive behaviors.
• Assists with student mobility and self-care needs.
• Attends and participates in IEP team meetings and staff meetings.
• Provides classroom coverage for teachers attending meetings.
• Performs general clerical tasks as needed.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED).
• Completion of 48 college credits, AA degree, or passing ParaPathways, Pearson NES: Foundations of Classroom Support, or Pearson NES: Foundations of Classroom Support & Instruction exam.
• One to three years' experience in working with students with moderately to severe behavioral, communicative, and/or intellectual needs.
• CPR/First Aid Training (completed within first year of hire).
• District-approved Crisis Prevention training program (completed within first year of hire).
• Registered Behavior Technician Training (completed within first year of hire).
• 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.

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.
• Knowledge of American Sign Language.
• Familiarity with FCPS policies, goals, and programs.

Skills

• Clear communication skills.
• Manual dexterity.
• Physical stamina.
• Teamwork.
• Emergency response.
• Behavior management.
• Assistance with mobility and self-care.

Benefits

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

Pay

$23.85 per hour starting, actual salary placement in accordance with FCPS procedures.

Schedule

11-month position (208 days/year), 7 hours per day.