Instructional Assistant - Special Programs, Pre-K

Wake County Public School System•Raleigh, NC

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Provides support and assists in coordinating instructional programs for special education students and their Individual Education Plans (IEPs). Monitors programs involving students with disabilities, maintains confidentiality, follows applicable federal, state, and local laws and procedures, and helps maintain an environment conducive to learning. The role is based at a school site and may be assigned to an elementary, middle, or high school. It operates in a classroom environment and includes occasional evening or weekend work. The workday begins at least 30 minutes before the student instructional day and may not exceed 40 hours per week. The position supports teachers with instruction, behavior intervention plans, classroom preparation, assistive technology, student transitions, and individualized student care. Care responsibilities may include hygiene and restroom support, mobility and transfers, seizure-related activities, feeding, adaptive equipment, and behavioral assistance. For the SATA assignment only, the assistant works one-on-one with a student with severe to profound learning disabilities and completes specialized training determined by the student's IEP.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
For a Title I school: meet employment requirements outlined by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), Pub. L. 114-95, and have either six documented semester hours of early childhood education coursework or two years of work experience in an early childhood setting.
Maintain Crisis Prevention and Intervention (CPI) certification and renew it according to required timelines; WCPSS will provide CPI training if needed.
Knowledge of Microsoft Office, specifically Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, and Google Apps.
Working knowledge of successful instructional delivery methods and general classroom activities and routines.
Ability to protect personally identifiable information in accordance with FERPA and other applicable laws, policies, and regulations.
Ability to work in a team and collaborate effectively.
Ability to motivate students and constantly monitor and supervise their safety and well-being.
Ability to recognize and support students with varied backgrounds, abilities, exceptionalities, behavioral needs, and learning styles.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely orally and in writing using varied communication techniques and tools.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with school system staff, students, parents, businesses, community agencies, and the public.
Ability to meet the physical requirements of medium work: exert up to 50 pounds occasionally, 25 pounds frequently, and 10 pounds constantly; sitting and standing throughout the day are also required.

Nice To Haves

CPR and First Aid certification.
Experience working with or assisting individuals with special needs, including physical, emotional, behavioral, or learning disabilities or impairments requiring additional or specialized services or accommodations.

Responsibilities

Support teachers in coordinating instructional programs for special education students, including becoming familiar with students’ IEPs, and help ensure a caring, safe, and healthful environment.
Assist teachers with strategies for implementing students’ behavioral intervention plans.
Help plan and organize instruction, evaluate instructional activities, develop classroom procedures, and prepare lesson materials.
Demonstrate the professional and technical skills needed to function effectively in the classroom and support student achievement and the school program.
Maintain a positive disposition, exercise good judgment, and remain calm when dealing with students.
Provide in-class support while promoting student independence and self-determination.
Assist with classroom implementation of low- and high-tech assistive technology and augmentative communication devices.
Compile, maintain, and file reports, records, and other required documents while maintaining confidentiality.
Participate in district staff development and continued professional growth related to the assignment.
Coordinate and facilitate student transitions between classes.
Assist students with special health care needs, including personal hygiene, restroom functions, diapering, mobility, lifting, positioning or transfers, seizure control activities, feeding, adaptive equipment, and behavioral support.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
For SATA assignments only, provide one-on-one instructional assistance to a student with severe to profound learning disabilities and complete specialized training determined by the student’s IEP.