Instructional Assistant - Special Education, Blended Pre-Kindergarten Classroom

Wake County Public School System•Morrisville, NC

158d•Onsite

About The Position

Provides support and assists in coordinating instructional programs for special education students and their Individual Education Plans (IEPs). Monitors programs for students with disabilities, maintains confidentiality, complies with applicable federal, state, and local laws and procedures, and helps maintain an environment conducive to learning. The position provides classroom support in a blended pre-kindergarten setting, promoting student achievement, independence, and self-determination. It may include one-on-one support for a student with severe to profound learning disabilities and specialized training determined by the student’s IEP.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Hold or be working toward an associate degree in birth-through-kindergarten, child development, early childhood education, or a related early childhood education field, or hold a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential; those working toward the degree or CDA must complete at least six documented semester hours per year; OR meet ESSA employment requirements and have either six documented semester hours of early childhood education coursework or two years of work experience in an early childhood setting.
Experience working with or assisting individuals with special needs, including individuals with physical, emotional, behavioral, or learning disabilities or impairments requiring additional or specialized services or accommodations.
Hold and maintain Crisis Prevention and Intervention (CPI) certification, with the specific program determined by WCPSS Special Education Services, and renew it within required timelines. CPI training will be provided by WCPSS if needed.
Working knowledge of successful instructional delivery methods and general classroom activities and routines.
Ability to protect personally identifiable information in accordance with FERPA and applicable laws, policies, and regulations.
Ability to work collaboratively in a team, motivate students, and constantly monitor and supervise student 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 use office equipment such as computers, scanners, and copiers and to communicate effectively.
Ability to lift, carry, push, pull, or exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, 25 pounds frequently, and 10 pounds constantly.

Nice To Haves

First Aid certification.
CPR certification.

Responsibilities

Support teachers in coordinating instructional programs for special education students, including familiarity with students’ IEPs, and help ensure an encouraging, 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 materials according to lesson plans.
Use professional and technical skills to support classroom functioning, student achievement, and the school program.
Maintain a positive disposition, exercise good judgment, and remain calm when working 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 for class-wide and individual needs.
Compile, maintain, and file reports, records, and other required documents while preserving 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 and restroom functions; diapering; mobility, lifting, positioning, and transfers; seizure-related activities; feeding; adaptive equipment; and behavioral support and CPI skills.
When assigned as a one-on-one assistant to a student with severe to profound learning disabilities, attend and successfully complete specialized training determined by the student’s IEP.
Perform other related duties as assigned.