Personal Care Assistant / IA

• A Personal Care Assistant (PCA) is a paraprofessional who works under the direction of a certified staff member to provide direct one-on-one support to assist in providing instructional, behavioral, and functional programs and personal care services to a student with disabilities or an eligible young child. Additionally, the PCA serves as a teacher assistant, contributing to maintaining a positive learning environment in the classroom, particularly when the student to whom they are assigned to work one-on-one is working with another staff member.

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Job responsibilities while performing solely as a PCA include any activity that allows the student to participate at his/her maximum ability to the extent possible and in the least restrictive environment, including but not limited to:

1. Assists with supporting instruction in self-sufficiency and maintenance of skills for a child with disabilities, leading to student’s increased independence and self-advocacy.
2. Accompanies the student to all classes and activities throughout the day, unless otherwise specified by the Head of School and/or Special Populations Coordinator.
3. Assists, monitors and guides student to pay attention, participate in activities, and complete
4. Reads, understands, and implements positive behavior support
5. Under the direction of the teacher or Special Populations Coordinator, collects observational, behavioral and academic data following a prescribed format and protocol for the purposes of monitoring student progress.
6. Under the direction of the teacher, provides instructional support for the purposes of supporting/ reinforcing lessons.
7. Observes and intervenes to redirect unacceptable interactions with peers and adults as per the student’s individualized positive behavior support plan.
8. Uses strategies to help student manage their self-control and positive
9. Encourages positive self-esteem, interactions and outcomes for the student to whom
10. Participates in specialized training related to specific individualized needs of the eligible
11. Maintains confidentiality in accordance with FERPA regulations and Chapter
12. Responds appropriately to emergency situations as per positive behavior/crisis plan and other policies and procedures.
13. If the student to whom the PCA is assigned is absent, the administrator may reassign the PCA when the assigned student is absent.

Job responsibilities while working solely as an Instructional Assistant include but are not limited to:

1. Assists students with classroom assignments, tests, and activities, ensuring students understand assignments given by the teacher.
2. Assists in developing and maintaining a positive classroom and school
3. Oversees instructional activities as directed by the teacher and monitor
4. Documents and reports relevant information regarding student progress, behavioral changes, or physical needs to the teacher as necessary. 
5. Maintains communication with the classroom. 
6. Implements recommendations provided by the classroom teacher or specialist for a specific
7. Maintains and enforces disciplinary
8. Performs clerical duties such as copy work, computer work, and
9. Ensures a safe, clean environment conducive to
10. Attends professional development activities as
11. Maintains confidentiality regarding the children, their families and other
12. Performs other duties assigned by the Teacher/Head of