Job Summary
We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate individual to join our team at Second Street School as an Instructional Assistant in the Special Education department. The successful candidate will work closely with students with diverse learning needs, providing support to enhance their educational experience. This full-time position requires a commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment that promotes the academic and social development of all students.
Responsibilities
- Assist the classroom teacher in implementing individualized education plans (IEPs) for students with special needs.
- Provide one-on-one and small group support to students in various subjects, ensuring they understand the material and can participate fully in classroom activities.
- Monitor and assess student progress, documenting observations and providing feedback to the teacher.
- Support students with daily living skills and behavioral management as needed.
- Collaborate with teachers, therapists, and other staff to create a positive and inclusive learning environment.
- Help prepare instructional materials and classroom resources to facilitate learning.
- Attend and participate in professional development opportunities and staff meetings.
- Maintain a safe and organized classroom environment, ensuring all students feel welcome and supported.
- Assist in the supervision of students during lunch, recess, and other non-instructional times.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent; an associate degree or higher in education, special education, or a related field is preferred.
- Previous experience working with children, particularly those with special needs, is highly desirable.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport with students, staff, and families.
- Patience, empathy, and a genuine passion for supporting students with diverse learning needs.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team and independently when required.
- Familiarity with IEPs and special education practices is a plus.
- Basic computer skills and proficiency in using educational software and tools.
- Willingness to undergo background checks and comply with all school policies and procedures.
From PDF Description
JOB TITLE: INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANT I - SPECIAL EDUCATION
REPORTS TO: SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
SALARY SCHEDULE: CLASSIFIED SALARY SCHEDULE C1
CLASS CODE: 7318
Scope of Responsibilities:
Under the direction of the certified special education teacher or Principal, the instructional
assistant participates as an integral member of the special education instructional program
including tutoring students, assisting in documentation of pupil progress, preparation and
organization of materials and equipment, and/or instructing.
Performance Responsibilities:
1. Under the guidance of the certified teacher, prepare for classroom activities, delivery of
specially designed instruction and assist in the implementation of
adaptations/modifications to the general curriculum to meet the needs of individual
students per the IEP.
2. Works with individual students or small groups of students in the classroom or the
computer lab to reinforce learning of material or skills.
3. Implements instructional techniques and learning activities as directed.
4. Assist the teacher in monitoring students’ progress of IEP goals.
5. Administers, scores, and records such achievement and diagnostic tests as the teacher
recommends for individual students.
6. Assist the teacher in providing consistency in services and instruction and in
implementing the students’ IEP behavior related goals, including behavior support and
management plans.
7. Assist in management of the students’ behavior when they are exhibiting inappropriate
and/or physically forceful behaviors. This may include assisting students who are at risk
of harming themselves or others through implementation of Safe Crisis Management.
8. Under the supervision of the certified teacher, assist students with self-care, including
diapering, toileting, bathing, dressing
9. Perform administration of medication and other health services such as tube feeding
and catheterization, as instructed by a health professional.
10. Assist therapists (e.g. PT, OT, Speech, etc...) in following up with therapy as instructed in
consultation with the therapist and under the direction of the supervising teacher per
the IEP.
11. Operates and cares for equipment used in the classroom for instructional purposes.
12. Assists with the supervision of students during emergency drills, assemblies, play
periods, and field trips.
13. Assists the bus driver in maintaining pupil control.
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14. Assists in seating all students in the center of the bus (as specified in State
Transportation Guidelines). Assists in supervising the loading and unloading of students.
15. Assists in the pickup and delivery of students from/to parent, guardian or authorized
individual.
16. Performs any other responsibilities as outlined in State Transportation Guidelines for
students.
17. Performs other duties as assigned by the Teacher and/or Principal and/or Director of
Student Services.
Minimum Qualifications:
1. High School Diploma or G.E.D.
2. Passing Score on the Kentucky Paraeducator Assessment or 48 college hours
3. Demonstrated competent language skills
4. Successful experience working with children, individually or in groups, especially those
with disabilities, including ability to read and understand meanings of words and ideas
associated with them and to use them effectively
5. Participated in program training as specified by the Kentucky Department of Education
and local district
6. All required trainings will be complete within 90 days of employment including the
required bus monitoring training
7. Program specific certifications/training
Desirable Qualifications:
1. Demonstrated knowledge of computer operations and functions
2. Experience with standard office machines
Physical Demands:
The work is primarily sedentary. It requires the ability to communicate effectively using speech,
vision and hearing. The work requires the use of hands for simple grasping and fine
manipulations. The work at times requires bending, squatting, crawling, climbing, reaching, with
the ability to lift, carry, push or pull light weights.
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