Special Education Development Assistant #610 Walton Special Center

SPECIAL EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANT DEFINITION Under general supervision to assist teacher, therapist or other certificated staff in providing instruction, health care, housekeeping and supervision to students between the ages of l8 months ad 22 years with a variety of physical and learning handicaps, including students with both severe mental and physical handicaps; to perform a variety of supportive activities for instructional personnel and to do other related duties as assigned. EXAMPLES OF DUTIES •Moves students to and from buses, teaching independent mobility and assisting with walkers, pushing wheelchairs and carrying students unable to walk. •Assists instructional personnel in the implementation of individual educational plans. •Works with groups and individual students in a variety of areas such as sensory stimulation, language development, social skills, number concepts, visual perception, basic reading, math, art projects, music and swimming pool activities. •Works with students in a variety of gross motor activities such as climbing, balancing, walking and crawling. •Communicates with students using the total communication concept. •Positions students frequently including placing them in therapeutic equipment. •Performs feeding including readjustment of diet as necessary for students oral abilities. •Feeds students incapable of self-feeding. •Assists in designing and construction of adaptive equipment to aid students in self-help activities. •May be required to perform first aid in the course of work. •Carries out instructions as prescribed by therapist. •Assists students with toileting, buttons, snaps, zippers, etc. •Cleans student lacking control. •Change diapers and clothes. •Trains students in self-control skills such as toileting, washing hands, dressing, holding glass, and use of eating utensils. •Participates in the development of individual goals for students, work schedules and evaluation of student progress. •Attends staff meetings. •Takes attendance and lunch count. •Operates a variety of audio-visual equipment such as projectors, tape recorders and other learning machines. •May participate in the parent meetings. •Maintains classroom routine and discipline for short periods of time when teacher is not present. •Assists in keeping study area attractive and orderly. •Other related duties assigned. QUALIFICATIONS Knowledge of: •Physical requirements pertaining to handicapped students. •General needs and behavior of physically and mentally handicapped students. •Problems involved in the care of physically and mentally handicapped students. •Methods and attitudes required in assisting physically and mentally handicapped students with their personal needs and academic activities. •Techniques in dealing appropriately with assaultive behavior. •Proper use and function of therapeutic equipment. •English usage, punctuation, spelling and grammar. •Basic arithmetic concepts. •Principles, goals and objectives of the educational process. •First Aid. Ability to: •Demonstrate an empathetic, patient and receptive attitude with students exhibiting specialized physical and mental behavior needs. •Establish and maintain an effective relationship with teachers, therapists and other certificated staff. •Communicate satisfactorily in oral and written form and serve as an appropriate model. •Gain the confidence of handicapped students; encourage and assist them in therapy classroom and recreational activities. •Physically lift and move immobilized students. •Assist in the hygiene and physical care of students which includes administering first aid, clothing, and bathing when necessary. •Deal appropriately with behavior exhibited by handicapped students. •Remain calm under stress. •Understand and maintain confidentiality. •Follow a work schedule that may change from day to day. •Perform routine clerical tasks and operate office and educational machines and equipment. •Successfully supervise students. •Use safe working conditions. Education and Experience: Education, training and experience equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade and at least one year experience working with handicapped students; and completion of college level courses in special education or a related field. Certificates Required: Must obtain Distinct First Aid Course Certificate within the first six months of employment. A valid American Red Cross First Aid Certificate and CPR Certificate preferred.