Teaching Assistant

Overview:

Teacher Aide (Special Education)

Definition: Under supervision, performs a variety of instructional and routine clerical duties related to the program.

Class Characteristics:
Positions in this class work with identified Special Education students and others in a group and are primarily supportive in nature designed to assist teachers with certain instructional and routine clerical tasks which are non-instructional in nature. Incumbents perform their tasks with initiative and independent judgment within a limited number of standardized procedures. Aides in this position may be required to work with more than one teacher and/or in more than one classroom.

Duties and Responsibilities

Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Carry out instructional plans as designated by the special education teacher and the student's Individual Educational Plan (IEP).
• Listen to and drill students in reading, spelling, mathematics and other subjects according to instructions and guidance from a teacher and from computer programs.
• Perform routine clerical tasks such as taking roll, correcting papers, filling out forms, recording scores and grades, collecting monies.
• Observe students and assist the teacher in maintaining order in the classroom, cafeteria, playground, or general premises.
• Maintain control of student behavior in small groups
• Set up and arrange supplies and equipment for student use in a classroom or computer lab.
• Prepare bulletin boards, charts, labels and displays as instructed.
• Individually tutor students and administer make up tests as instructed.
• Operate modern office equipment, computers and related software.
• Assist students using special equipment such as shop tools, sewing machines, etc.
• Under direction, notify parents of absences and meetings, orally or in writing.
• Escort special needs students to and from offices, restrooms, nurses' offices, etc. Students may include but are not limited to: ambulatory or physically challenged students.
• Assist students with personal difficulties by making proper referral
• Maintain and respect confidentiality of student information.
• Ride bus with student when needed.
• Perform related duties consistent with the scope and intent of the position.

Job Requirements

Knowledge of:

• General needs and behavior of children
• Basic competencies in reading, writing, mathematics and spoken language
• Safety practices and procedures

Ability to:

• Develop and maintain effective relationships with adults and children.
• Perform routine clerical work.
• Make arithmetical calculations accurately.
• Learn to operate modern office equipment, instructional computers and related software.
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Work with diverse individuals and small groups of students.
• Learn special education practices, procedures and terminology.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge and skills related to the scope and responsibility of the position.
• Maintain regular, consistent attendance.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Must demonstrate Highly Qualified status using the following education requirements

• Possession of a High School Diploma or equivalent AND any one of the following:
• Completion of two (2) years of higher education study (48 semester units or 72 quarter units)
• Possession of an Associate's degree or higher degree
• Passage of an approved Paraprofessional Exam or possession of an approved Paraprofessional Certificate

Desired Qualifications

Experience:

• Two (2) years of experience working with school-aged children

Skill(s)

• Ability to speak Spanish fluently

Necessary Materials

License:

• Possess a valid and appropriate California Driver's License

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