Instructional Aide/Special Needs

Edinburg CISD•Edinburg, TX

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Special Education Paraprofessional works under the direct supervision of the assigned Special Education teacher in a self-contained unit and the campus principal. Direction may also be provided by the Director of Special Education. The paraprofessional supports the instructional program outlined in each student’s Individual Education Plan (IEP), working regularly with students with disabilities to provide physical help, academic assistance, and emotional support as they progress toward their goals and objectives. The role includes supporting students’ classroom learning and daily care needs, helping maintain a safe and orderly learning environment, assisting with assessments and instructional materials, and supervising or escorting students in school settings and on transportation. The paraprofessional is expected to follow confidentiality guidelines, district discipline practices, and IEP goals and objectives.

Requirements

Meet TEA certification requirements.
Meet paraprofessional requirements under the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 by satisfying at least one of the following: complete at least two years of study at an institution of higher education; obtain an associate’s degree; or meet a rigorous quality standard and demonstrate through a formal state or local academic assessment the knowledge and ability to assist with instruction in reading, writing, and mathematics, or in readiness skills as appropriate.
Be a high school graduate or hold a GED.
Ability to work with children with disabilities.
Ability to manage time and organize work.
Ability to communicate with parents.
Ability to maintain emotional control under stress.

Responsibilities

Work directly with students in accordance with their IEPs and reinforce material introduced by the teacher.
Assist students with physical tasks and personal care, including moving between rooms, using the lavatory, changing diapers, bathing, feeding, and toileting, as needed.
Plan daily with Special Education teachers on assigned activities and alert them to student problems or relevant information.
Guide students during recitation, reading, curriculum tasks, and other forms of oral communication; serve as a role model for communication skills.
Perform errands and tasks for students, and accompany them to the office, nurse, or other locations as needed.
Establish supportive relationships with students without encouraging intense emotional involvement.
Serve as a resource to the assessment team about assigned students when requested.
Prepare bulletin boards and learning displays; maintain an attractive classroom environment; perform clerical tasks and prepare instructional materials and handouts.
Help maintain a safe, orderly classroom conducive to learning; organize learning centers, educational games, and other instructional materials.
Complete pre- and post-testing and other assessment tasks under teacher direction; administer, score, and record tests as assigned.
Assist with student arrival and dismissal, including monitoring students before school and preparing them to return home in the afternoon.
Escort students to buses, assist bus drivers, monitor student behavior on buses, and communicate problems or messages as necessary.
Implement district discipline management practices and IEP behavior goals and objectives.
Supervise the classroom and students when the teacher is out of the classroom.
Operate and care for classroom instructional equipment and secure equipment when needed.
Distribute and collect workbooks, papers, and other instructional materials; check notebooks, correct papers, and supervise testing and makeup work as assigned.
Assist with student supervision during emergency drills, assemblies, play periods, field trips, and other activities.
Assist students in the library or media center and with lunch, snack, and cleanup routines.
Collect and record money collected.
Provide information and assistance to substitute teachers when the Special Education Teacher is absent.
Maintain ethical conduct and confidentiality regarding student information.
Participate in assigned in-service training programs.
Perform duties safely to avoid injury to oneself or others and perform other related duties as assigned.