Teacher Assistant: Special Education - Crofton Woods Elementary

Performs duties under the direction of the classroom teacher and/or service provider to provide support and assist with the instructional program within the assigned school. Responsibilities include assisting in supervision and instruction of students with disabilities, observing and documenting student progress, implementing instructional plans, and providing for special health care, behavioral, and social/emotional needs. Extensive and detailed data collection and documentation are required for each essential duty. The position may be 10 or 12 months depending on assignment.

Responsibilities

• Adapts classroom activities, assignments, and/or materials under the direction of the classroom teacher to support and reinforce classroom objectives.
• Assists in implementing instructional programs and lesson plans; provides instruction to students in individual and group activities.
• Participates in the implementation of Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals and behavioral plans for students with special needs.
• Performs clerical tasks to assist in the preparation of instructional materials.
• Maintains data collection and documentation of activities, assignments, and assistance provided to students.
• Attends meetings, professional development, medical, and behavioral trainings.
• Assists with administering first aid and medical assistance as instructed (e.g., diapering, tube feeding, colostomy bags, medication).
• Supports students with personal care tasks, including bathroom assistance, clothing, hygiene, and toileting.
• Applies and removes physical therapy appliances as instructed by the service provider according to the IEP plan.
• Assists students with mobility needs, including lifting, positioning, and transporting in and out of wheelchairs.
• Helps students access electronic communicators, switches, pointers, and feeders.
• Assists with pre-lunch and lunch activities; monitors students during assigned periods in various school environments.
• Performs other related duties as assigned within the same classification or lower.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or Equivalency Certificate required.
• For Title I-funded schools: 48 college credit hours or a passing score on a paraprofessional assessment (ETS or NES).
• Previous experience working with students with disabilities preferred.
• Hold or be eligible for a Driver’s License (Class C Non-Commercial) issued by Maryland or state of legal residence.
• Daily access to reliable transportation.

Skills

• Patience and ability to work with students who have physical, cognitive, and behavioral challenges.
• Willingness to learn and implement instructional methods, strategies, and techniques to assist teachers.
• Ability to employ varied teaching styles to respond to diverse learner needs.
• Ability to meet IEP goals and district benchmarks.
• Proficiency in reinforcing learning concepts and ensuring equipment functions properly.
• Effective communication and collaboration with diverse populations.
• Demonstrated proficiency with business software (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, video/web conferencing).

Physical Demands

• Standing: under 1/3 of the time
• Walking: under 1/3 of the time
• Sitting: between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time
• Keyboarding: between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time
• Talking/Hearing: between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time
• Driving: between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time
• Lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds: between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time

Working Conditions

• Work environment: primarily office, school, or similar indoor settings (over 2/3 of the time).
• Noise level: moderate (between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time).
• Travel: 20% daily within the county to assist at various locations (schools, parks, libraries).

Benefits

Refer to the Terms of Employment, Benefits and Salary Scale for Unit 4 - SAAAAC.

Schedule

• Days Worked: 191 or 260 (10 or 12 months, depending on assignment).
• Hours Worked: 7 per day.