KNOWLEDGE OF:

Guidance principles and practices related to students with special needs
Basic subjects taught in local schools, including basic and advanced arithmetic, grammar, spelling, language, history, science and reading
Basic instructional methods and techniques
Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary
Challenges and concerns of students with special needs
Classroom procedures and appropriate student conduct
Safe practices in classroom and playground activities
Operation of standard office and classroom equipment including a computer
Oral and written communication skills
Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and professionalism
Basic record-keeping and report preparation techniques
Serving students with disabilities in full-inclusion settings

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Any combination equivalent to: graduation from high school and one year experience working with students with special needs in an organized setting

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Valid first aid and CPR certificates issued by authorized agency preferred
Incumbents must meet requirements specified under the No Child Left Behind Act
Some incumbents in this classification may be required to speak, read and write in a designated second language

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Assist instructional staff and/or other service providers in reinforcing instruction to individual or small groups of students classified with mild to moderate or moderate to severe learning and/or emotional disabilities in a classroom or other learning environment; monitor and reinforce student drills, practices and assignments in various subjects; assist with the implementation of Individual Education Programs
• Monitor student health conditions; respond to seizures, respiratory problems and other medical emergencies according to District protocols; prepare related paperwork as appropriate; notify appropriate staff of student health conditions and progress
• Observe, monitor and redirect behavior of students in accordance with grade level, student’s ability to understand discipline and approved procedures; utilize approved techniques for responding to students whose behavior may escalate to self-injurious or physically aggressive acts, including spitting, pinching, biting, hair-pulling, kicking and hitting; collect data and monitor progress
• Assist students in completing classroom assignments, homework and projects in various subject areas; ensure student understanding of classroom rules and procedures; assist students by answering questions, providing proper examples, emotional support, positive attitude and general guidance; confer with instructional staff and/or other service providers concerning adapting lesson plans and materials to meet student needs
• Assist students with personal hygiene including bathing, brushing teeth and grooming as required; assist students with eating activities; toilet students and change diapers and soiled clothing as required
• Monitor and assist students with activities to develop small muscle and eye-hand coordination; assist students in learning gross motor skills such as walking, jumping and climbing; assist students in learning fine motor skills such as reaching, grabbing, folding, cutting and writing
• Perform routine clerical duties in support of educational activities such as preparing, typing, duplicating and filing instructional materials; distribute and collect student assignments, documents and various forms Reinforce concepts and ensure student understanding of assignments and homework instructions; reinforce vocabulary and concepts as necessary; assist students with meeting individual education goals and objectives; collect data and report progress regarding student performance and behavior
• Observe and redirect behavior of students according to approved procedures; monitor and interact with students during outdoor, physical education and other recreational activities as directed; develop incentives as positive reinforcement; reinforce behavior modification techniques determined by the teacher
• Assist with maintaining student records and files related to progress, behavior and assigned activities; prepare mandated time accounting reports and documentation as required; collect data and monitor student progress
• Assist students to perform and develop independent living and self-help skills such as shopping, counting money, cleaning and related activities as assigned; assist students to develop social, vocational and job searching skills as assigned
• Read books to students and observe their reading abilities; assist students with letter and word pronunciation and recognition; assist students with assignments such as reading, writing and mathematics
• Escort students during the regular duty day as assigned to and from designated locations; accompany students on fieldtrips, recreational therapy activities, social events and during outdoor activities; may accompany students to District-sponsored events or recreational functions
• Assist in maintaining the health and safety of students by following health and safety practices and procedures
• Assist in maintaining a learning environment in a safe, orderly and clean manner; provide classroom support by setting up work areas and displays and distributing and collecting paper, supplies and materials
• Maintain confidentiality of student information in accordance with state and federal mandates
• Operate a variety of office and classroom equipment including a copier, computer and software as appropriate
• Communicate with faculty, staff, administrators and others to exchange information and resolve issues or concerns; answer telephone calls, take messages and provide general class and student information as assigned
• Respond to student medical emergencies according to District protocol and prepare related paperwork as appropriate
• Assist in monitoring, classroom supplies;; assist in ordering and arranging food items as appropriate