SPED-Classroom Assistant

Florence School District 1•Florence, SC

About The Position

The Special Education Classroom Assistant works with individual students and small groups under the supervision of a certificated teacher. The role supports student supervision and instruction by modeling skills needed to complete assignments, implementing educational and behavioral plans, demonstrating appropriate interactions, and assisting with special health care needs. Assignments may include classroom support, lunchroom, playground, transportation areas, and other settings. The assistant supports students’ social, academic, behavioral, daily living, and self-help development; helps implement instructional programs and IEP objectives; monitors student schedules and behavior plans; documents student activities; and contributes to a safe, positive learning environment. The position also includes assisting with personal care and mobility needs, including restroom assistance, diaper changing when necessary, and helping wheelchair-bound students board and exit buses. Employees participate in assigned meetings and training and maintain confidentiality regarding students and staff. The position is full-time and non-exempt. The stated term of employment is 190 days, with salary and work year established by the district. Work is generally in a clean, healthy indoor environment, approximately 85% indoors and 15% outdoors. The usual work activity is approximately 20% sitting, 40% walking, and 40% standing, with frequent movement of items weighing up to 50 pounds and other physical tasks supporting students’ needs.

Requirements

Meet one of the following education or assessment qualifications: at least two years of study (60 semester hours) at an accredited institution of higher education; an associate’s degree or higher from an accredited institution of higher education; or a qualifying score on a state-approved assessment measuring knowledge of and ability to assist in instruction at the appropriate level.
Ability to work with students who are emotionally, physically, and/or mentally impaired.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and composure in stressful or emergency situations.
Ability to communicate effectively with diverse groups and to present information one-to-one and in groups.
Ability to adapt to changing priorities, frequent interruptions, and standardized situations involving a few concrete variables.
Ability to work effectively as part of a team and establish positive relationships with adults and children.
Ability to supervise, guide, support, and motivate students in educational activities.
Ability to adhere to safety practices and health and safety standards.
Ability to operate standard office equipment and use relevant job-related software.
Basic mathematical skills, including arithmetic with whole numbers, fractions, and decimals and the ability to calculate rates, ratios, and percentages and interpret graphs.
Knowledge of grammar, punctuation, reading fluency and comprehension, age-appropriate activities, and relevant health and safety standards.
Ability to read and interpret lesson plans, instructions, student records, policies, procedures, and other work-related materials.
Ability to prepare graded papers, displays, and handouts and to enter data and prepare correspondence and reports.
Ability to organize and prioritize daily work, use independent judgment on routine and non-routine tasks, and complete duties with limited supervision.
Ability to respond calmly and quickly in emergency situations and to make sound decisions.
Ability to perform physical activities associated with student programming and frequently move items weighing up to 50 pounds.

Responsibilities

Adapt classroom activities, assignments, and materials under the classroom teacher’s direction to support classroom objectives.
Communicate with teachers and district personnel to assist in evaluating student progress and implementing IEP objectives.
Implement instructional programs and lesson plans under teacher supervision, including reading, mathematics, language comprehension, writing, and computer activities.
Maintain classroom equipment and work areas to support a safe learning environment and meet requirements.
Monitor individual students and groups in classrooms and other settings, including restrooms, playgrounds, hallways, bus loading zones, cafeterias, assemblies, and field trips.
Promote good study habits and student independence.
Provide teacher-supervised instruction and activities addressing self-esteem, behavioral skills, daily living skills, and student remediation goals.
Document students’ daily activities, behavior, assignments, and on-task or off-task time.
Implement behavioral plans designed by the IEP team under the assigned teacher’s supervision.
Model conversation, manners, listening, cleanup activities, and appropriate everyday social interactions in a culturally sensitive manner.
Monitor student schedules and behavior plans, including class schedules, toileting, medication, and appetite, to maintain a safe and positive learning environment.
Respond to emergencies such as student injuries or fights and direct concerns to appropriate personnel when needed.
Assist assigned staff with daily social, academic, behavioral, and self-help programming and supervise students as directed.
Assist with bus loading and unloading, including for wheelchair-bound students, and wait with students for transportation.
Participate in physical activities that are part of students’ programs and assist with student positioning under the direction of a physical therapist.
Assist students in restrooms as necessary, including changing diapers when required.
Demonstrate flexibility, cooperation, openness to growth, and a team-oriented approach.
Communicate and collaborate with colleagues, supervisors, and students, and maintain confidentiality concerning work with students and staff.
Attend meetings, training programs, and in-service sessions as assigned.
Perform other related duties as assigned by building or district administrators.