BASIC FUNCTION:

Assist a certificated teacher in providing instruction to individual or small groups typically in programs with exceptional children or equivalent programs; monitor and report student progress.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

Instructional Assistant II incumbents work within a complex program typically requiring additional skills and characterized by increased independence of action. Instructional Assistant I incumbents assist a certificated teacher by performing a variety of support functions in a regular classroom setting.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:

· Tutor individuals or small groups of students typically with a disability or handicap, reinforcing and implementing instruction as directed by the teacher; maintain records of student progress.

· Participate as member of an instructional team including remediation teams; develop appropriate relationships with parents and team members; serve as a resource person to the student personnel evaluation team.

· Transport students to and from activities and assist in preparation for treatment as required.

· Prepare and organize lessons as directed by the teacher; administer and score a variety of tests according to established guidelines; assist in determining English proficiency of identified students.

· Assist in administering diagnostic and other tests; score and record test information; read, understand and assist in implementing, recording and monitoring student's IEP.

· Monitor and report behavior of students according to approved procedures; report progress regarding student performance and behavior; check and assist students with lab work as necessary.

· Perform routine clerical duties such as preparation of instructional and classroom materials; operate copy machines; maintain classroom records; maintain attendance records.

· Provide support to the teacher by setting up work areas, displays and exhibits, operating audio-visual equipment, operating educational training equipment and distributing and collecting paper and supplies.

· Assist in overseeing students while in labs or other activities; provide for supplies inventory as necessary.

· Assist students in such physical tasks as putting on and taking off of outer wear, moving from room to room, using the lavatory and others; assist student in getting on and off the bus.

· Assist students by providing proper examples, emotional support, a friendly attitude and general guidance.

· Confer, as needed, with teachers concerning programs and materials to meet student needs.

· Contact parents of students who are absent; make home visits as necessary.

· Assure the health and safety of students by following health and safety practices and regulations.

· Direct group activities of students as assigned; assist in monitoring lunchroom and playground activities as assigned; assist in emergency drills, assemblies, play periods and field trips.

· Participate in meetings and in-service training programs as assigned.

· Perform related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

KNOWLEDGE OF:

· Basic subjects taught in the District schools, including arithmetic, grammar, spelling, language and reading.

· Safe practices in classroom and playground activities.

· Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.

· Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.

· Basic record-keeping techniques.

ABILITY TO:

· Learn child guidance principles and practices.

· Communicate and maintain effective relationships with students, parents, staff and the public including members of ethnic communities.

· Perform routine clerical duties in support of classroom activities.

· Print and write legibly.

· Add, subtract, multiply and divide quickly and accurately.

· Understand and follow oral and written directions.

· Learn procedures, functions and limitations of assigned duties.

· Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

· Learn to apply and explain policies and procedures related to school and program activities.

· Work cooperatively with others.

· Monitor, observe and report student’s behavior according to approved policies and procedures.

· Operate instructional and office equipment.

· Perform physical duties, such as, but not limited to, lifting, transferring, and restraining. Note: This pertains to assistants who will be working with students who have functional mental disabilities (FMD), autism, emotional behavior disabilities (EBD), and/or an orthopedic impairment (OI).

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Any combination equivalent to: high school diploma, G.E.D. Certificate as required by Kentucky law and one year experience in working with children in an organized setting. Obtain a passing score on the Kentucky Para-educator Assessment or have 48 college credits. Note: For assistants who will be working with students who are FMD, autistic, and/or EBD, they must be willing to be trained and certified in Safe Crisis Management (SCM).

Special Needs Instructional Assistant