POSITION PURPOSE:

The EC Teacher Assistant performs responsible human support and paraprofessional work assisting classroom teachers or other professional to achieve instructional objectives; assisting students with disabilities with achieving established goals and with personal care and mobility. Further, the EC Teacher Assistant provides individual assistance with academics and behavioral problems and may lead small group activities as directed. The EC Teacher Assistant assists the supervising teacher with general housekeeping and clerical duties.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum Degree Level: Associate's Degree
  
  Minimum Experience/Requirements: Candidates must meet at least one of the following criteria: 1) hold at least an Associate’s Degree, 2) 48-semester hours of transferable college coursework, or 3) have 96-contact hours of college coursework plus passing scores on the WorkKeys test.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• General knowledge of the practices, methods and techniques used in the teaching of the special education population
• General knowledge of the activities performed by the lead teacher
• General knowledge of the daily routines of the classroom
• General knowledge of student handbook rules and regulations
• General knowledge of procedures to follow in an emergency
• General knowledge of the principles of organization and administration
• General knowledge of the curriculum for the assigned grade
• Ability to maintain files and information
• Skill in the use of classroom and instructional equipment
• Ability to constantly monitor the safety and well-being of students, particularly when a student is participating in an inclusive activity
• Ability to motivate students
• Ability to maintain order and discipline in a classroom
• Ability to operate audio visual, standard office, word and data processing equipment
• Ability to operate adaptive equipment
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationship with teachers, peers, parents, students, and administrators

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE

• Minimum Degree Level: Associate's Degree
• Experience working with exceptional children
• Any equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities

CERTIFICATION AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

• If assigned as an assistant working with Emotionally Disabled students, the EC Teacher Assistant is required to become initially certified in a Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) program and maintain that certification through the proper renewal process (adhering to all timelines)
• Must possess a valid driver’s license issued by the NC Department of Motor Vehicles

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Three (3) to five (5) years of experience working in and EC classroom/environment
• Spanish Speaking

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist classroom teacher with performing specific duties assigned or undertaking specialized tasks to achieve and enhance instructional and behavioral objectives
• Work with individuals, small groups, or large groups as assigned by the teacher
• Assist with behavior modifications as requested by the teacher
• Lift, move, and operate adaptive equipment
• Assist students with personal care tasks, including but not limited to, lavatory, clothing, hygiene, diapering, toileting, and wash-up routines
• Escort students as assigned by teacher or administrator
• Assist students with mobility needs such as lifting and positioning students, lifting in and out of wheelchairs, loading and unloading on/off the bus, transporting students in and around the school and on field trips
• Monitor students during assigned periods within a variety of school environments for the purpose of maintaining a safe and positive learning environment
• Provide programmed practice activities and repetitions as developed by the teacher, therapist or pathologist
• Report student concerns directly and expeditiously to the teacher and assist with student resolution
• Assist with breakfast, lunch, snack, including clean-up
• Maintain various confidential records and files
• Participate in staff development activities as directed by the Department for Exceptional Children
• Perform additional duties as requested by the teacher, principal or District EC Staff

Pre-Kindergarten Classes

• Assist teacher with setting up the room for morning activities; greet students; assist students with the placement of belongings; may be asked to supervise morning activities
• Supplement the activities of the teacher; reinforce learning in small groups; provide one-on-one individual assistance; supervise Centers; participate in activities for children with special needs; assist students with independent projects; listen to students; read stories
• Constantly monitor the behavior of the students and employ strategies as necessary to protect students from injury; reward good behavior; respond to inappropriate behavior as instructed by the teacher; supervise play time and situations where the classroom teacher is out of the room
• Give approved medications; assist sick or hurt children; contact parents, if necessary, as directed by the teacher
• Prepare letters for parents, informing them of classroom activities as directed by the teacher

Separate Setting Classrooms

• Assist with the delivery of special services for intellectually and/or physically disabled students
• Assist with therapeutic rehabilitation
• Prepare students for therapy and other special classes
• Monitor the administration of medication
• Monitor special diets as needed
• Make attempts to incorporate fine motor skills, sensory stimulation, self-help skills, social skills and computer skills into classroom activities
• Collaborate with teacher to incorporate information provided by parents, doctors, nurses, therapists and counselors in order to understand the needs of and provide for appropriate services for students
• Coordinate with social workers, teachers, bus drivers, administrators, volunteers, and other assistants as directed by the teacher
• Perform general housekeeping duties, i.e. set up various equipment each morning; put equipment away at the end of the day; wash mats, toys, equipment, etc. with antibacterial soap/Clorox; charge wheelchairs; perform repair and maintenance tasks related to school and student equipment

Therapeutic Settings/ 1:1 Behavioral Support

• Assist teacher with setting up the room for activities; greet students; assist students with belongings; supervise activities
• Reinforce learning in small groups; provide one-on-one individual assistance; supervise Centers; assist students with independent projects; listen to students; read stories
• Constantly monitor the behavior of the students and employ strategies as necessary to mitigate behavioral issues; reward good behavior; respond to inappropriate behavior as instructed by the teacher; supervise play time and situations where the classroom teacher is out of the room
• Monitor the administration of medication
• Collaborate with teacher to incorporate information provided by parents, doctors, nurses, therapists and counselors in order to understand the needs of and provide for appropriate services for students
• Perform general housekeeping duties, i.e. set up various equipment each morning; put equipment away at the end of the day; wash mats, toys, equipment, etc. with antibacterial soap/Clorox; perform repair and maintenance tasks related to school and student equipment
• Coordinate with teachers, bus drivers, administrators, and other assistants as directed by the teacher
• Engage in CPI techniques as a last resort to maintain the safety and security of the student and others