SY26-27 Anticipated (Temporary) Special Ed Classroom Assist (SPED Instruction)

About the Role

Under the general direction of the school principal and the immediate supervision of a certified Special Education teacher, this position assists in the instruction of disabled students in elementary and high schools. Duties are performed in accordance with each student’s Individual Education Program (IEP).

Responsibilities

• Assists Special Education teachers in reinforcing efforts with children who have various disabilities, including physical disabilities, visual and hearing impairments, learning disabilities, behavior disorders, emotional impairments, and mental impairments.
• Lifts and positions non-ambulatory students during the school day as instructed by the teacher and in adherence to written instructions from students’ personal physicians.
• Provides one-on-one tutoring services to present or reinforce learning concepts.
• Provides one-on-one personal hygiene services for students with severe disabilities, including toileting, changing soiled diapers, and cleaning soiled children regardless of age.
• Assists students with orthopedic impairments by arranging and adjusting tools, work aids, and equipment (e.g., specially equipped worktables, positioning equipment, wheelchairs, tape recorders, computers, communication devices, mechanized page turners).
• Assists teachers in instructing students in daily living skills required for independent maintenance and economic self-sufficiency.
• Accompanies students to swimming pools and medical clinics to assist in removing clothing and performing other personal services students are unable to perform themselves.
• Assists in feeding students unable to do so themselves.
• Takes notes in classrooms for students unable to do so themselves.
• Corrects homework assignments and examination materials.
• Assists teachers in maintaining written records of students’ behavior.
• Accompanies students and teachers on class field trips.
• Attends and participates in workshops and in-service training to update job-related skills.
• May utilize aggressive management techniques to physically restrain violent students.
• May administer Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) as directed by the teacher.
• May operate audio-visual and photocopying equipment.

Requirements

• Must possess a valid TASN (NCLB) paraprofessional license from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), which may be obtained after:
  • Successful completion of at least 60 semester hours of college credit at an accredited college or university, or
  • Successful completion of a paraprofessional exam (Work Keys or Parapro).
• Good knowledge of the characteristics of students with various disabilities.
• Good knowledge of English grammar, spelling, and basic mathematics.
• Ability to work with students with disabilities, ages birth to twenty-one (21).
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions and directions.
• Ability to complete and maintain basic written reports.
• Good oral and written communication skills.
• Skill in operating photocopying and audio-visual equipment is highly desirable.
• Ability to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is highly desirable. Individuals without CPR training at the time of hire must complete it as a condition of employment.

Physical Requirements

• Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds constantly to move objects.
• Ability to reach, handle, and finger objects.
• Ability to talk and hear.
• Occasional use of near visual acuity and frequent use of far visual acuity.