Substitute Special Education Classroom Assistant (SECA)

Chicago Public Schools•Chicago, IL

11d•Onsite

About The Position

Assists Special Education teachers in elementary and high schools in reinforcing efforts with children with various disabilities, including physical disabilities, visual and hearing impairments, learning disabilities, behavior disorders, emotional impairments, and mental impairments in accordance with each students’ Individual Education Program (IEP). This role involves providing direct support to students with diverse needs, assisting with their daily living skills, personal hygiene, and educational reinforcement. The assistant will also help manage classroom materials and equipment, accompany students on field trips, and participate in professional development. Marginal functions may include utilizing aggressive management techniques to physically restrain violent students, administering Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) as directed by the teacher, and operating audio-visual or photocopying equipment.

Requirements

Completed an Associate’s degree from a college or university accredited by the North Central Association or another regional accrediting body, OR at least sixty (60) semester hours of college credit at a college or university accredited by the North Central Association or another regional accrediting body, including at least one course in the characteristics of mental retardation and severe/profound disabilities, OR successful completion of a state approved paraprofessional assessment.
At least one year of work experience involving the care and supervision of children with disabilities.
Possess a valid TASN (NCLB) paraprofessional license from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) at time of employment.
Ability to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) at the time of initial employment or complete CPR training as a condition of employment.

Nice To Haves

Skill in the operation of photocopying and audio-visual equipment is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Assists Special Education teachers in reinforcing efforts with children with various disabilities in accordance with each student’s Individual Education Program (IEP).
Lifts and positions non-ambulatory students during the school day as instructed by the teacher and in adherence to written instruction from students’ personal physicians.
Provides one-on-one tutoring services for students to present or reinforce learning concepts.
Provides one-on-one personal hygiene services for students with severe disabilities, including toileting, changing soiled diapers, and cleaning soiled children regardless of age.
Assists students with orthopedic impairments by arranging and adjusting tools, work aids, and equipment used by students in classrooms.
Assists teacher in instructing students in daily living skills required for independent maintenance and economic self-sufficiency.
Accompanies students to swimming pools and medical clinics to assist in removing clothing and performing other personal services which students are unable to perform themselves.
Assists in feeding students unable to do so themselves.
Takes notes in classrooms for students unable to do so themselves.
Corrects homework assignments and examination materials.
Assists teachers in maintaining written records of students’ behavior.
Accompanies students and teachers on class field trips.
Attends and participates in workshops and in-service training to update job-related skills.
May utilize aggressive management techniques to physically restrain violent students.
May administer Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) as directed by the teacher.
May operate audio-visual equipment.
May operate photocopying equipment.