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 (ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS)

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

1. Carry out instructional plans as designated by the special education teacher and the student’s Individual Educational Plan (IEP).
2. Listen to and drills students in reading, spelling, mathematics and other subjects according to instructions and guidance from a teacher and from computer programs.
3. Perform routine clerical tasks such as taking roll, correcting papers, filling out forms, recording scores and grades, collecting monies.
4. Observe students and assist the teacher in maintaining order in the classroom, cafeteria, playground, or general premises.
5. Maintain control of student behavior in small groups
6. Set up and arrange supplies and equipment for student use in a classroom or computer lab.
7. Prepare bulletin boards, charts, labels and displays as instructed.
8. Individually tutor students and administer make up tests as instructed.
9. Operate modern office equipment, computers and related software.
10. Assist students using special equipment such as shop tools, sewing machines, etc.
11. Under direction, notify parents of absences and meetings, orally or in writing.
12. 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.
13. Assist students with personal difficulties by making proper referral
14. Maintain and respect confidentiality of student information.
15. Ride bus with student when needed.
16. 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:
o Completion of two (2) years of higher education study (48 semester units or 72 quarter units)
o Possession of an Associate’s degree or higher degree
o 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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