Instructional Assistant - Academic Readiness

Under the direction of an assigned supervisor, assist a certificated teacher or specialist in providing instruction in a classroom setting with pupils who have a severe disabling condition as determined by an individualized education program (IEP), i.e. autistic, orthopedically impaired, multiple disabilities, or cognitively delayed. The primary objective of such assistance is to affect learning for mastery by implementing both developmental and remedial methods in basic skill areas and content areas. This includes small groups of students in a special education class monitoring and reporting student progress regarding behavior and performance. ***DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS*****:** Under the general supervision of a special education administrator and/or other credentialed staff (teacher or specialist), the employee must work with a severely impaired population. Duties include assisting in the implementation of the curriculum designed to serve the severely impaired pupil population, including students requiring physical assistance who are developing the foundation for progressive mastery of reading, writing and math and who are on track for a ***Certificate of Achievement.*** In accordance with an individualized education program (IEP), supervises and/or tutors individuals or small groups of pupils in specific skill and/or content areas. Conducts planned lessons with assigned groups in the classroom or other assigned educational location. Assists credentialed staff with behavior management, discipline and interventions plans. Monitors, observes and reports progress regarding student performance and behavior. Assists credentialed staff in maintaining classroom discipline in order to provide a positive learning environment for students. Enforces both classroom and school rules. Assists credentialed staff in behavior management and discipline among pupils on field trips and at school site activities. Applies appropriate behavior intervention techniques to maintain student safety as required. Incumbents may participate as a member of the appropriate team or committee to assist with developing and implementing individual or site crisis management plans. Assist special education students in learning proper personal hygiene and in developing self-help skills including toileting. Travel with special education students which may require lifting the student alone or with the assistance of another Instructional Assistant or a teacher. Incumbents assist with serving severely disabled pupil's personal needs, which may include but are not limited to: washing, grooming, toileting, and diaper changing. Assistance with feeding of severely disabled pupils. Incumbents assist the teacher with holding and lifting severely disabled pupils in and out of wheelchairs, braces and other equipment. Assist in supervising students during lunch time, on the playground, on field trips or when mainstreamed into the community or another class. Supervise the loading and unloading of students on school buses as assigned. Perform routine clerical duties in support of classroom activities, such as duplicating and filing instructional materials. Some positions may also require conversational and written skills in a specific language(s) other than English related to the needs of the assignment. Provide support to teacher by assisting in setting up work areas, displays and exhibits, operating audiovisual equipment, operating educational training equipment and distributing and collecting paper and supplies. Confer with teachers concerning academic/behavior programs and materials to meet student needs; collect data necessary to support student learning. Collaborates with other service providers such as speech and adaptive physical education specialist (APE). Assure the Health and Safety of students by following health and safety practices and regulations including rendering first aid in compliance with modern precautionary methods. Incumbent is responsible for rep…