Assistant, Exceptional Child- Personal Needs Assistant (24-25 SY)

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools - Charlotte, NC

Full-time - Entry Level

Charlotte, NC

Educational Services

About the position

The Exceptional Child - Personal Needs Assistant plays a crucial role in supporting teachers and assisting Exceptional Children (EC) in achieving their Individual Education Program (IEP) goals. This position is designed for individuals who are passionate about working with students with special needs and who are committed to providing them with the necessary support to access general education. The assistant will work closely with teachers to implement instructional strategies tailored to the unique needs of each student, ensuring that they receive the appropriate educational experience. In this role, the assistant will be responsible for collecting data to document student progress on IEP goals, which is essential for tracking the effectiveness of the educational strategies employed. The assistant will also operate and maintain classroom equipment and materials, ensuring that they are available and functional for both group and individual student use. Additionally, the assistant will supervise students during various activities, including emergency drills, assemblies, and field trips, ensuring their safety and well-being at all times. The position requires active participation in in-service training programs to enhance professional growth and improve the quality of support provided to students. The assistant will also assist in various administrative tasks, such as checking materials, correcting papers, and maintaining learning centers, which contribute to a well-organized classroom environment. Furthermore, the assistant will provide physical assistance to students in self-help tasks, including toileting and dressing, and will support therapists and teachers in implementing occupational and physical therapy activities. This role is vital in fostering an inclusive educational environment where all students can thrive.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the instruction of individual EC students or groups of EC students in all curricular areas as directed by the teacher.
• Collect data to document individual student progress on IEP goals.
• Plan and work with the teacher in devising instructional strategies.
• Operate and care for equipment and materials for both classroom and individual students.
• Assist and supervise during emergency drills, assemblies, play periods, field trips, and to other designated places.
• Act as a bus monitor when special needs of an EC student(s) are identified by the IEP team.
• Alert the teacher to any problem or special information about an individual student.
• Participate in in-service training programs for professional growth.
• Assist in checking materials and portfolios, correcting papers, supervising, and testing as directed by the teacher.
• Assist in keeping bulletin boards and other learning centers current.
• Assist in school routines and transitions.
• Assist with student attendance procedures, record keeping, collecting money, ordering materials and other duties as assigned.
• Provide physical assistance to students as needed in the areas of self-help, clothing, toileting (including accidents and catheterization).
• Provide physical assistance to therapists and teachers as needed in duties related to occupational and physical therapy and mainstreaming classes.
• Provide physical assistance as needed to students by writing assignments under the direction of the teacher.
• Provide physical assistance as needed to students by lifting, positioning and by pushing wheelchairs.

Requirements

• Associate's degree in a relevant field.
• Experience working with children, particularly those with special needs, is preferred.

Nice-to-haves

• Certification in CPR and First Aid.
• Experience in a classroom setting or with special education.

Benefits

• Professional development opportunities.
• Supportive work environment with a focus on student success.