Special Education Instructional Assistant II

Union School District•San Jose, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This role involves assisting a certificated teacher in reinforcing instruction for special education students, either in a general classroom setting or one-on-one. The assistant will help prepare instructional materials, implement Individual Education Plans (IEPs), collect behavioral data, and reinforce appropriate behaviors. A key aspect of the role is supporting students with their behavioral, self-help, and health needs, with the goal of fostering independence through gradual fading of assistance. The position also requires assisting students with daily living skills, social skills, and vocational functions, as well as providing personal care and hygiene assistance, including toileting and diaper changes, while ensuring student privacy and dignity. Training in physical care, health, hygiene, behavior management, and crisis intervention will be provided as needed. The role includes assisting with academic reinforcement in various subjects, monitoring student progress, and maintaining records. Additionally, the assistant will help students develop fine and gross motor skills, escort students to various locations, and assist with loading/unloading buses, pushing wheelchairs, and positioning students with adaptive devices. Maintaining a safe and clean learning environment and operating standard office and classroom equipment, including computers, are also responsibilities. The position requires attending mandatory trainings.

Requirements

Complete at least 2 years of study at an institution of higher education (college level) OR Obtained an associate's (or higher) degree OR Met (pass) an assessment that demonstrates knowledge of and the ability to assist in teaching reading, writing, and mathematics OR reading, writing, and mathematics readiness.
Knowledge of child guidance principles and practices related to children with special education needs.
Knowledge of basic subjects taught in local schools, including arithmetic, grammar, spelling, language and reading.
Knowledge of basic instructional methods and techniques.
Knowledge of correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.
Knowledge of problems and concerns of students with special education needs.
Knowledge of classroom procedures and appropriate student conduct.
Knowledge of safe practices in classroom and playground activities.
Knowledge of standard office and classroom equipment including a computer.
Knowledge of oral and written communication skills.
Knowledge of interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
Knowledge of basic record-keeping and report preparation techniques.
Ability to assist with instruction and related activities in a classroom or assigned learning environment.
Ability to reinforce instruction to individual or small groups of special education students as directed by the teacher.
Ability to assist in the preparation of instructional materials and implementation of individual education plans.
Ability to understand and relate to students with special needs.
Ability to learn and implement behavior management techniques.
Ability to assist students with personal hygiene, feeding, vocation-related functions, positioning and independent living skills as assigned.
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Ability to demonstrate an understanding, patient and receptive attitude toward special education students.
Ability to read books to students and assist with reading and writing activities as assigned.
Ability to monitor, observe and report student behavior and progress.
Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
Ability to operate standard office and classroom equipment including a computer.
Ability to observe health and safety regulations.
Ability to model appropriate behavior around and interact appropriately with preschool and school age children.
Ability to maintain regular attendance.
Valid California Motor Vehicle Operator's License may be required.
First Aide and/or CPR (may be required; training will be provided)
Specialized training related to the disability of the student/s (may be required; training will be provided)
This may include but is not limited to: Behavior Modification Training; Restraint Training; Personal or Physical Care Procedures Training and Assistive Technology Training.

Nice To Haves

Additional coursework in child psychology, child growth and development preferred.
Prior experience with students or persons with disabilities preferred.

Responsibilities

Assist a certificated teacher in reinforcing instruction to individual or small groups of special education students in a classroom or other learning environment.
Monitor and oversee student drills, practices and assignments in various subjects.
Assist assigned teachers with implementing IEPs.
Assist students in completing classroom assignments, homework and projects in various subject areas; assure student understanding of classroom rules and procedures; assist students by answering questions, providing proper examples, emotional support, friendly attitude and general guidance; confer with the teacher concerning lesson plans and materials to meet student needs.
Explain and assure student understanding of classroom assignment and homework instructions; explain words and concepts as necessary; assist students with meeting individual education goals and objectives; report progress regarding student performance and behavior.
Observe and control behavior of students in the classroom according to approved procedures.
Monitor and interact with students during outdoor, physical education and other recreational activities as directed.
Grade student tests and assignments as assigned.
Maintain information related to attendance, grades, progress, behavior and assigned activities.
Assist students with performing and developing independent living and self-help skills; assist students with the development of social, vocational and job searching skills as assigned.
Attends to the personal care needs of students with physical, cognitive, or medically-verified limitations; implements and supports students with health, physical, hygiene care procedures such as toileting, washing, and feeding.
Escort and provide assistance to students with toileting activities including, but not limited to, changing diapers, following proper hygiene protocols and using appropriate supplies while ensuring privacy and dignity for the student.
Attends training regarding physical care, health care, hygiene care, daily living assistance, behavior management, and crisis intervention, as appropriate.
Read books to students and observe their reading abilities as assigned; conduct small group lessons in language arts per teacher direction; assist students with letter and word pronunciation and recognition; assist students with writing exercises and assignments.
Conduct small group lessons in language arts/reading/math/science and or social studies as assigned by the teacher.
Monitor and assist students with activities to develop small muscle and eye-hand coordination; assist children in learning gross motor skills such as walking, jumping and climbing; assist children in learning fine motor skills such as reaching, grabbing, folding and cutting.
Escort students to and from designated locations as assigned.
Accompany students on field trips, recreational functions, social events and during outdoor activities.
Load and unload students on buses as directed; push students in wheelchairs; lift students in and out of orthopedic equipment and position pupils; assist students with adaptive devices as needed.
Assure the health and safety of students by following health and safety practices and procedures; maintain learning environment in a safe, orderly and clean manner; provide classroom support by setting up work areas and displays and distributing and collecting paper, supplies and materials.
Be familiar with a variety of office and classroom equipment including a copier, fax machine, computer and assigned software.
Assist students with logging on and off computers and completing projects assigned on the computer with accommodations as needed.
Attend mandatory trainings as required by your position.
Perform related duties as assigned.