Instructional Assistant Special Needs (SPARK) - Aguilar Elementary

Tempe School District No.3•Tempe, AZ

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Instructional Assistant Senior – Special Needs, Personal assists special education teachers with individualized instruction and implementation of students’ individualized education plans (IEPs). The role supports students’ personal care needs, including toiletry and feeding, and assists with adaptive equipment. It monitors student behavior and helps provide a safe learning environment. The assistant supports classroom instruction and preparation, works with students individually and in small groups, helps students participate in regular classrooms, and collaborates with teachers and therapists. The position is generally based in an indoor classroom, with exposure to infectious disease and outside elements. The work year is 189 days.

Requirements

Education and/or experience equivalent to a high school diploma or GED.
State of Arizona Identity Verified (IVP) Fingerprint Clearance Card.
Ability to obtain certification in Nonviolent Physical Crisis Intervention, CPR, and First Aid.
Knowledge of special education student needs; early childhood or adolescent learning methods; applicable District policies and procedures; the District behavior modification program; reading-readiness skills and strategies; and testing procedures and State standards.
Skills in working with special education students, assisting teachers with student learning, monitoring and assisting students, establishing effective working relationships, oral and written communication, using classroom supplies and equipment, maintaining confidential files and records, and administering tests.
Ability to work with culturally diverse students.
The position may require climbing, stooping, standing, walking, lifting, keyboarding, talking, hearing, and eyestrain, including repetitive motions.
May need to lift, push, pull, or carry furniture, equipment, and supplies weighing up to 30–35 pounds infrequently; assistance from other personnel may be required.

Nice To Haves

An associate degree, 60 credit hours from an accredited college or university, or a passing score on the ParaPro Assessment (preferred).
Three years of experience working with special needs children (preferred).
Special training in the use of adaptive equipment (may be required upon hire).
Fluency in Spanish (preferred).

Responsibilities

Assist teachers with instruction, classroom-material creation, and classroom setup.
Help students meet individualized education plan (IEP) goals.
Assist and accompany students for inclusion in regular classrooms.
Assist students with personal hygiene, including diaper changing and toilet training.
Help students use eating utensils properly and follow cafeteria behavior expectations.
Assist occupational and speech therapists with teaching students as required.
Provide a safe learning environment for special education students.
Work with students on a variety of subjects in one-on-one or small-group instruction.
Monitor and supervise students in classroom, playground, and cafeteria settings; use the District behavior modification program as needed.
Prepare instructional materials and visual aids, and photocopy materials and documents.
Prepare workstations or learning centers for daily lessons.
Assist students with reading, writing, and math skills.
Assist with administering District and State tests.
Assess student needs, modify lessons to provide appropriate help, and document student progress.
Collaborate with teachers to ensure lessons are appropriate for students.
Organize and maintain teaching materials; organize and file student work; plan daily activities to meet individual student needs.
Oversee the class as required in the teacher’s absence.
Attend educational training as required.
Perform other duties as assigned.