Instructional Aide, Special Education

Responsive Education Solutions•El Paso, TX

About The Position

ResponsiveEd’s Special Education Instructional Aide supports the Special Education teacher in meeting the academic needs of students with a wide range of learning, cognitive, emotional, and physical disabilities. The role is intended for candidates seeking experience in special education teaching and works under the direction and guidance of the classroom teacher and campus administration. The aide supports students’ educational and social development, helps implement Individual Education Plans (IEPs), monitors student progress, and assists with special education services, assessments, records, meetings, communication, and behavior management. The position also supports compliance with applicable laws, policies, procedures, and required timelines. Special projects and other duties may be performed during or after normal business hours; after-hours work may include mandatory Saturday State Tutorials.

Requirements

High school graduation or a General Educational Development (GED) certificate.
Experience working with students or parents, as approved by the employing superintendent.
Meet at least one of the following: three creditable years of experience as an Educational Aide I or II; 30 semester hours of college credit with some emphasis on child growth and development or related subject areas; or completion of an Education Service Center Instructional Aide certification course.
Passion for students, especially students with disabilities.
Ability and patience to work interactively with students, especially students with disabilities.
Working knowledge of and compliance with federal and state special education law.
Working knowledge of and compliance with individualized services for students with disabilities.
Knowledge of and compliance with the ARD Committee process.
Knowledge of the development and implementation of the IEP process.
Knowledge of and compliance with transition requirements.
Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Strong computer skills to implement multiple and diverse programs.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to learn and implement teaching curriculum software programs and instruct students in their use.
Ability to communicate effectively with students with disabilities, parents, administrative staff, and Campus Directors.
Ability to effectively interpret policies, procedures, and student data, including diagnostic test results, state assessment scores, transcripts, and grade point averages.
Ability to adapt to district, campus, or department changes.
Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors and receive guidance from them.
Ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.

Responsibilities

Assist in students’ educational and social development under the direction of the classroom teacher and campus administration.
Assist with implementing students’ Individual Education Plans and monitor their progress.
Support individual students inside and outside the classroom so they can participate fully in activities.
Work with professionals such as speech therapists, social workers, and occupational and physical therapists.
Assist classroom teachers with maintaining student records.
Assist in scheduling ARD meetings and Individual Evaluations/Review of Existing Evaluation Data (REED), ensuring timeline requirements are met.
Assist in acquiring contracted service providers as needed.
Help ensure student progress is evaluated regularly and that findings are used to improve the effectiveness of special education services.
Update and send IEP Report Cards to parents at the same time as general report cards are sent.
Plan the time, resources, and materials needed to support general education teachers in meeting educational goals for students receiving special education services.
Ensure compliance with state-mandated assessments and alternative assessments, including their selection and administration.
Assist the campus administrator with the Response to Intervention process.
Seek assistance as needed from the IDEA Coordination supervisor.
Support campus student management policies and assist with behavior management strategies for students with disabilities.
Maintain open communication through conferences with parents, students, teachers, and administrators.
Implement ResponsiveEd’s Special Education school board policies, procedures, and operational guidelines.
Compile and maintain reports, records, and other documents required by law or the Director of Special Education.
Perform special projects during and after normal business hours and other duties as assigned.