Preschool Instructional Assistant

Title:Educational Support Personnel (ESP) Unit B Reports To: Special Education Coordinator and Principal Evaluated By: Special Education Coordinator and Principal Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree preferred, in Psychology, Communication Disorders or Education Experience working with primary age children with disabilities, including Autism Spectrum Disorders and/or social/emotional/behavioral disabilities. Practical knowledge of Applied Behavior Analysis and intervention strategies, including social skills/ social thinking curricula. Current/active in-depth training/ certification in Crisis Prevention and Intervention Strategies. Good organization and communication skills. Job Responsibilities: Assists Teacher(s) in the smooth operation of the classroom. Assist Teacher(s) in implementing students’ Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Follows a daily schedule independently. To implement specific instructional programs, and collect, record student performance information and data. To implement various strategies and techniques consistent with identified behavior intervention plans and social skills facilitation methodologies across school settings. Assist students in accessing the regular education curriculum, as deemed by their IEPs. This includes all content areas: ELA/Reading, Math, Science, and Social Studies. Specific Job Tasks: Under the direction of the Teacher, will actively facilitate students purposeful engagement in various learning centers, lessons and activities. Under the direction of the Teacher and other professional staff, will Implement instructional programs related to IEP goals. Under the direction of the Teacher and other professional staff, will accurately collect and record data across primary settings. As directed by the Teacher, will participate in consultation meetings with staff regarding specific students and behavior/academic needs. Support students across school settings and provide specific information regarding students' performance, successes and challenges as well as the effectiveness of strategies/goals. In conjunction with school staff, implement social skills activities designed to target specific social skill deficit areas identified by students’ IEP teams. Provides verbal and/or written feedback to the teachers regarding students’ performance so that the special education team can make adjustments as may be necessary. Assists special education students in performing daily/regular classroom and/or ADL activities; these could be general routines and/or specifically designed for one or more special education students. Assists special education students in all academic areas as detailed in a child’s IEP. Other duties/responsibilities related to the needs of students as may be assigned by Principal, Pre-School Coordinator, or Special Education Coordinator. Physical/Mental Demands of the Job: Able to follow a daily schedule independently. Able to physically restrain children weighing up to 80 pounds. Able to sit on the floor and/or in chairs sized for young children for up to 45-60 consecutive minutes. Able to shift positions rapidly and frequently, going between sitting, standing, squatting, etc. quickly. Able to reach above head in order to assist or lift children on play equipment. Able to multitask in a busy classroom environment, concurrently monitoring the actions of children in multiple learning centers. Able to participate in PE classes and recesses. Able to write and speak clearly. Work Environment: Be able to work in a close environment Be able to work in moderately noisy environment Be able to handle frequent interruptions Physical Requirements: Ability to lift 25 lbs. Be physically and emotionally capable of carrying-out responsibilities and duties in a busy, computerized environment. This position requires hand/wrist movement as in writing or using a computer keyboard/mouse and moderate to frequent exertion in body movements such as reaching, bending and twisting. Vision requirements include the ability to read routine and complex documents and to use a computer.