Paraprofessional Special Education

BASIC FUNCTION

Under the direction of an assigned supervisor, provide instructional support and assistance to teachers and students assigned to a designated special education instructional program; perform a variety of support activities related to behavior management and classroom instruction of special education students; assist in the preparation of instructional materials.

• Provide instructional support and assistance to teachers and students assigned to a designated special education instructional program; tutor individual or small groups of students, reinforcing instruction as directed by the teacher; monitor and oversee student drills, practices and assignments in various subjects; accompany students into mainstreamed classes.
• Assist assigned teacher with the implementation of lesson plans; grade student tests and assignments; record grades; maintain student files as assigned; modify materials and explain instructions and words; assure student understanding of classroom activities and assignments.
• Provide classroom support to the teacher by setting up work areas and displays, operating equipment, and distributing and collecting paper, supplies and materials.
• Reinforce instruction to students with learning disabilities and language, communication and behavioral problems; confer with teachers concerning programs and materials to meet the individual needs of special education students.
• Observe and control behavior of students in the classroom and during outdoor activities according to approved procedures; report progress regarding student performance and behavior.
• Assist in a variety of clerical duties in support of classroom activities such as preparing, typing, duplicating and filing instructional materials, as needed.
• Operate a variety of classroom and office equipment including a computer, copier, paper cutter and other standard office equipment.
• Assure the health and safety of students by following established practices and procedures; maintain learning environment in a safe, orderly and clean manner; clean, set up, and set out toys and instructional materials.
• Oversee groups of students in lunchroom, recess and other playground activities as assigned; escort students to and from classrooms; assure safe outdoor play.
• Attend assigned meetings, conferences and in-services; participate in student IEP meetings as needed.
• Assist students with toileting, as needed.

• Perform related duties as assigned within classification.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Child guidance principles and practices related to children with special education needs.
• Problems and concerns of students with special needs.
• Safe practices in classroom and playground activities.
• Basic subjects taught in District schools, including arithmetic, grammar, spelling, language and reading.
• Basic instructional methods and techniques.
• Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.
• Classroom procedures and appropriate student conduct.
• Operation of standard office and classroom equipment.
• Oral and written communication skills.
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
• Basic record-keeping techniques.

ABILITY TO:

• Assist with instruction and related activities in a special education classroom or assigned learning environment.
• Reinforce instruction to individual or small groups of students as directed by the teacher.
• Assist in the preparation of instructional materials.
• Understand and follow oral and written directions.
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Monitor, observe and report student behavior and progress according to approved policies and procedures.
• Operate standard office and classroom equipment.
• Observe health and safety regulations.
• Perform clerical duties related to classroom activities.
• Maintain records and files.

Any combination equivalent to: graduation from high school and sufficient experience working with children in a classroom or instructional setting. Will need to possess a minimum of 48 college units or hold a college degree, and pass the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) test.

ENVIRONMENT:

Classroom and playground environment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Sitting or standing for extended periods of time.
• Seeing to read a variety of materials and monitor student activities.
• Hearing and speaking to communicate and provide information to others.
• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate standard office and classroom equipment.
• Reaching overhead, above the shoulders, and horizontally.
• Bending at the waist, kneeling or crouching to assist students and/or to retrieve and file materials.
• Position will often be required to lift, carry, pull, or otherwise move objects between 10 and 20 pounds