EXETER-WEST GREENWICH REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICTCLASSIFICATION: Instructional Teacher AssistantsSpecial AssignmentsPaygrade 3REPORTS TO: Director of Special Services, Principal, and designated teachersPOSITION SUMMARY:This is a paraprofessional work of an instructional and personal care nature in a classroom setting with individuals or small groups of students who have pronounced physical and/or emotional disabilities or are learning disabled. An employee in this class is responsible for assisting a teacher in carrying out a daily education program. Work involves the development of an effective personal relationship with children having special needs, which requires an unusual amount of patience, empathy and flexibility on the part of the assistant. Work requires assisting a teacher in various instructional duties and performing clerical duties according to established procedures which can be learned on the job. An employee is provided with specific instructions and is under the direct supervision of a classroom teacher or the Director of Special Services. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:•Ability to deal with challenging behaviors•Willingness to learn behavior management techniques •Reviews and assists students with subject matter individually and/or in small groups •May attend to personal needs/hygiene care of children (dressing, washing, feeding, toileting needs, etc.)• Maintains safety of students in classroom and playground •Relay observations about child’s skills/behavior and maintain any data as requested•Performs other duties as requiredQUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.POSITION REQUIREMENTS:•Paraprofessional certificate •High School Diploma/GED•Knowledge of modern educational practices and procedures•Ability to work with children in a sensitive and effective manner•Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions•Ability to learn assigned duties readily and to adhere to prescribed classroom procedures•Ability to restrain outbursts•Valid driver’s license required•Attend training as required by the school district