Provides instructional, vocational and developmental assistance to mentally, physically, emotionally disabled and other special needs students, as prescribed by the supervising teacher. Assists students with gross motor activities, such as grasping, holding objects, posture, crawling, walking and running, as appropriate to individual development. Assists students with fine motor activities, such as playing with toys, cutting materials and coloring, as appropriate to individual development. Assists students with daily living skills, such as dressing, eating, lavatory needs, grooming and personal hygiene, as appropriate to individual development.
For any student requiring specialized assistance eating, the Para Professional must be able to feed students as directed by doctor's orders. Applies effective principles and procedures of crisis intervention to students with aggressive behavior or other social difficulties; provides physical restraint as necessary, such as in violent circumstances. Reinforces rules of the school and learning environment; acknowledges and encourages appropriate behavior and distinguishes inappropriate behavior for the students' understanding. Assists in the preparation of lesson plans, behavior modification plans, and teacher's pre-planning sessions; provides input and assistance in the development of learning activities; prepares or assists in the preparation of instructional and vocational materials.
Maintains accurate and complete records or student activities and behavior that may require the use of a computer terminal to enter student information and data; completes applicable forms, schedules, and instructional reports, as directed. Assists teachers in the supervision of learning activities, circulating within the classroom and providing assistance and learning support to students. May be assigned monitoring duties outside of classroom. Additional duties as necessary.