POSITION TITLE
Exceptional Children Teacher Assistant
SCHOOL / DEPARTMENT
Assigned school
SALARY
Salary Grade 58
FLSA STATUS
Exempt
REPORTS TO
EC Teacher
SUPERVISES
None
WORK WEEK SCHEDULE
Monday - Friday
WORK HOURS
NUMBER OF MONTHS PER YEAR
POSITION PURPOSE :
The job of the Exceptional Children (Special Education) Teaching Assistant (ECTA) was established for the purpose(s) of working in general and special education classrooms, non-classroom school settings (i.e. cafeteria, playground), and community based learning sites supporting individual, small groups, and / or whole classroom group of students with disabilities. This support requires supervision of a certificated / licensed professional including administrators, teachers, and related services personnel with knowledge and skills to oversee the direct work of an ECTA. Licensed professionals provide supervision and guidance to ECTAs to define roles, direct work, and determine best practices implemented to support students with disabilities.
CORE COMPETENCIES
- Recognize and demonstrate respect for individual differences between culture, religion, gender, and sexual orientation of students with disabilities and their families within verbal and written interactions
- Maintain boundaries for relationships and communication with students and their families within the professional and ethical scope of responsibility. Refer questions about student progress to appropriate licensed professionals
- Conduct activities with integrity and in compliance with applicable local, state and federal standards, policies and guidelines
- Maintain the dignity, privacy, and confidentiality of all students with disabilities, families, and school personnel
- Establish and maintain professional, collegial, and appropriate relationships with school personnel, students, and their families
- Demonstrates flexibility, cooperation, and openness in scheduling activities throughout the day for growth and willingness to contribute in a team approach
EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE
High School DiplomaMinimum of 48 hours of college level coursework with a GPA of 2.0 or higherAny equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilitiesMust possess a valid driver's license issued by the NC Department of Motor VehiclesAbility to operate a computer and related software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and / or Google documents (i.e. PC or Mac)PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS :
Two (2) to five (5) years serving as a classroom teacher assistantTraining in working with students with special needsBilingual oral and / or written skills (such as Spanish)ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
General
Establish and maintain rapport with learnersConsistently monitor the safety and well-being of students by performing monitoring duties in learning environments as assignedPrepare and organize materials to support teaching and learning as directed by the instructional teamSupport student's independence, self-advocacy, positive sense of identity, self-control, and self-relianceSupport students with disabilities in their use of self-assessment, problem-solving, and other cognitive strategiesUnderstand and articulate common educational and medical terminology used in the school settingUse and maintain adaptive equipment / materials and assistive technology to include augmentative and alternative communication devices for students with disabilitiesSupport a safe and equitable learning environment that honors diversity and inclusion. Responds to emergency situations (e.g. injured students, fights, etc.) for the purpose of resolving immediate safety concerns and / or directing to appropriate personnelProctor routine classroom and standardized tests following student accommodationsAttend meetings and participate with other team membersParticipates in staff development workshops (such as de-escalation training) and staff meetings as requiredPerform other duties as assignedInstructional Supports and Strategies
Demonstrate proficiency in academics including oral and written communication, literacy, and mathematical skills appropriate to the job assignmentFollow written instructional plans to include but not limited to a student's Individualized Education Program (IEP) provided by the instructional team, seeking clarification and training as neededCommunicate relevant information about the student with disabilities to the instructional team for the purpose of assisting in evaluating progress and / or implementing IEPSupport the use of effective and culturally responsive instructional strategies in literacy and mathematics as directed by the instructional teamReview and reinforce learning activities, essential concepts, and modified content as directed by the instructional teamModify pace of instruction and provide organizational cues under the guidance of the instructional teamProvide least intrusive levels of support, fade support, and fade physical proximity from students with disabilities under the guidance of the instructional teamProvide feedback to students with disabilities regarding their performance under the guidance of the instructional teamAdapt the physical environment and modify learning materials and activities under the direction of the instructional team for the purpose of supporting and reinforcing individual, small groups and / or whole classroom group objectivesProvide opportunities and support for children to understand, acquire, and use verbal and nonverbal means to communicate thoughts and feelings under the guidance of the instructional teamFunctional Skills
Use techniques to address personal care, medical care, and physical assistance to students with disabilities as directed or authorized by a licensed professionalSupport daily living and functional skills such as feeding, toileting or other task's students are not able to perform for themselvesReceive training for delegatable special health care needsSocial, Emotional, Behavioral Supports
Follow written behavioral intervention plans (BIP) in accordance to a student's Individualized Education Program (IEP) provided by the instructional team, seeking clarification and training as neededImplement positive behavior supports outlined in a behavior support plan as determined by the instructional teamImplement individualized reinforcement systems as determined by the instructional teamSupport the implementation of social-emotional and behavioral interventions as determined by the instructional teamsAssist in teaching specific behaviors and procedures to facilitate safety and learning in each school setting as determined by the instructional teamRespond to student actions using strategies under the guidance and direction of the instructional teamSupport development of social skills and facilitate proactive peer interactions for students with disabilities under the guidance of the instructional teamSupport students with disabilities by modeling and facilitating the use of conflict resolution and collaborative problem solving under the guidance of the instructional teamCommunity or Job Coaching
Use knowledge of student's strengths and interests to encourage engagement in varied school and community activities
Support students with disabilities in following established community, school and classroom expectations and routines to include procedures to support effective transitions within all environmentsData Collection
Record objective and accurate data using collection procedures
As guided by the instructional team maintain standardized records and documentation concerning the progress of studentsUse universal precautions to assist in maintaining a safe, healthy environment in all settings
