Paraprofessional Special Education

BASIC FUNCTION:
Under the direction of an assigned supervisor, provide instructional support and assistance to teachers and students assigned to a designated special education instructional program; perform a variety of support activities related to behavior management and classroom instruction of special education students; assist in the preparation of instructional materials.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Provide instructional support and assistance to teachers and students assigned to a designated special education instructional program; tutor individual or small groups of students, reinforcing instruction as directed by the teacher; monitor and oversee student drills, practices and assignments in various subjects; accompany students into mainstreamed classes.

Assist assigned teacher with the implementation of lesson plans; grade student tests and assignments; record grades; maintain student files as assigned; modify materials and explain instructions and words; assure student understanding of classroom activities and assignments.

Provide classroom support to the teacher by setting up work areas and displays, operating equipment, and distributing and collecting paper, supplies and materials.

Reinforce instruction to students with learning disabilities and language, communication and behavioral problems; confer with teachers concerning programs and materials to meet the individual needs of special education students.

Observe and control behavior of students in the classroom and during outdoor activities according to approved procedures; report progress regarding student performance and behavior.

Assist in a variety of clerical duties in support of classroom activities such as preparing, typing, duplicating and filing instructional materials, as needed.

Operate a variety of classroom and office equipment including a computer, copier, paper cutter and other standard office equipment.

Assure the health and safety of students by following established practices and procedures; maintain learning environment in a safe, orderly and clean manner; clean, set up, and set out toys and instructional materials.

Oversee groups of students in lunchroom, recess and other playground activities as assigned; escort students to and from classrooms; assure safe outdoor play.

Attend assigned meetings, conferences and in-services; participate in student IEP meetings as needed.

Assist students with toileting, as needed.

OTHER DUTIES:

Perform related duties as assigned within classification.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
KNOWLEDGE OF:

Child guidance principles and practices related to children with special education needs.

Problems and concerns of students with special needs.

Safe practices in classroom and playground activities.

Basic subjects taught in District schools, including arithmetic, grammar, spelling, language and reading.

Basic instructional methods and techniques.

Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.

Classroom procedures and appropriate student conduct.

Operation of standard office and classroom equipment.

Oral and written communication skills.

Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.

Basic record-keeping techniques.

ABILITY TO:

Assist with instruction and related activities in a special education classroom or assigned learning environment.

Reinforce instruction to individual or small groups of students as directed by the teacher.

Assist in the preparation of instructional materials.

Understand and follow oral and written directions.

Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.

Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Monitor, observe and report student behavior and progress according to approved policies and procedures.

Operate standard office and classroom equipment.

Observe health and safety regulations.

Perform clerical duties related to classroom activities.

Maintain records and files.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Any combination equivalent to: graduation from high school and sufficient experience working with children in a classroom or instructional setting. Will need to possess a minimum of 48 college units or hold a college degree, and pass the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) test.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

ENVIRONMENT:

Classroom and playground environment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Sitting or standing for extended periods of time.

Seeing to read a variety of materials and monitor student activities.

Hearing and speaking to communicate and provide information to others.

Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate standard office and classroom equipment.

Reaching overhead, above the shoulders, and horizontally.

Bending at the waist, kneeling or crouching to assist students and/or to retrieve and file materials.

Position will often be required to lift, carry, pull, or otherwise move objects between 10 and 20 pounds