Special Education Aide- Reflections Program

Newton Public Schools•Newton, MA

13d

About The Position

Reflections is a specialized program designed to address the cognitive, social, communication/language, and physical needs of students. Educational disability categories may include, but are not limited to, intellectual, autism, communication, physical, sensory, and/or health. The learning profiles of the students necessitate extensive content modifications and instructional methodology that integrates functional skills and substantial related services to access general education content.

Requirements

Experience working in a school setting or recreation setting is preferred.
Classes in education, special education, psychology or related fields is preferred.
Written language, technology skill and interpersonal communication skill to support communication among team members, with community contacts, school staff and parents is required.
Associate’s degree or minimum of 48 college credit hours (classes in education, special education, psychology or a related field preferred).
Successful completion of ParaPro Assessment may be substituted for educational requirements.
Ability to physically support students who utilize specialized equipment such as standers, wheelchairs, supportive seating etc.
Ability to physically respond to students who are physically unsafe and use physical restraints as part of a de-escalation process (verbal de-escalation is preferred).
Ability to physically respond to students who have bolted from the building.
Ability to physically maintain a safe learning environment, including moving furniture in response to a crisis situation.
Regularly required to lift and/or move objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in education, special education, psychology or other related field preferred.

Responsibilities

Assist the classroom teacher to include the student in all aspects of the school day
Implement academic and social programming and strategies as developed by the team
Implement accommodations and modifications as outlined on the IEP and developed by the team
Implement behavior plans as developed by the team
Assist in data collection
Promote social interactions throughout the day
Support students with adapted living skills such as toileting, feeding, dressing etc. as needed
Communicate on a regular basis with the family or as directed by the school team
Maintain confidentiality about all personal information regarding the student, programming and family
Assist in all aspects of the school day whether or not such aspects directly pertain to the individual student, this includes supervision at recess, lunch or other “duties”
May be expected to provide substitute educator services
May be expected to attend trainings related to position
Consistent, reliable and punctual attendance is essential for supervision and instruction of the students
Responsible for implementing “other job related duties” as needed