Special Education Instructional Aide - Mild/Moderate Class

Richland School District

Full-time

Educational Services

About the position

The Special Education Instructional Aide plays a crucial role in supporting a certificated teacher in delivering effective instruction to students with mild to moderate disabilities in a special education classroom. This position involves working closely with individual students or small groups, monitoring their progress, and reporting on their behavior and performance. The aide is responsible for implementing lesson plans, assisting with instructional activities, and ensuring that students' physical and hygienic needs are met. This role requires a compassionate and patient approach to working with children with disabilities, as well as the ability to manage behavior and guide students towards acceptable social interactions. In addition to instructional support, the aide will assist in the preparation of instructional materials, check the accuracy of students' work, and provide additional assignments as directed by the teacher. The aide will also be involved in monitoring students during field trips, helping them with their physical needs, and ensuring a safe and healthy environment. The position may require physical assistance with students, including lifting and transferring, and the aide must be capable of performing these tasks safely and effectively. The ideal candidate will possess a high school diploma or equivalent, with additional qualifications such as an AA degree or 48 semester units. Knowledge of child development and behavior is essential, along with the ability to work cooperatively with teachers, students, parents, and administrators. Training in Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) may be provided, while CPR training is preferred. This position is vital in fostering an inclusive educational environment and supporting the academic and social growth of students with special needs.

Responsibilities

• Assist a certificated teacher in providing instruction to individual or small groups of students in a special education classroom.
• Implement lesson plans developed by the teacher and assist with group or one-on-one instruction in various subjects.
• Monitor and report student progress regarding behavior and performance.
• Check the accuracy of students' work and present additional assignments as established by the teacher.
• Carry out instructions from a certificated employee to implement special physical handling as needed.
• Monitor children and provide for their physical and hygienic needs, including dressing, feeding, toileting, and hand washing.
• Assist teachers on field trips by helping students meet their physical needs.
• Make minor adjustments on special equipment, such as wheelchairs, crutches, and braces, as instructed.
• Direct children into safe play activities and assist them with appropriate social behaviors in the classroom and on the playground.
• Assist in managing the behavior of children using various reinforcement techniques.
• Maintain a safe, orderly, and clean learning environment for students.
• Assist in the preparation of instructional materials and participate in parent conferences as requested.
• Support the teacher with data collection for documenting student progress.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• AA Degree or 48 Semester Units or meet a rigorous standard of quality, and demonstrate knowledge and ability to assist in instruction (CODESP Exam).
• Knowledge of basic concepts of child growth, development, and behavior.
• Ability to physically assist students with special needs, including positioning, lifting, transferring, and restraining.
• Demonstrate an understanding, patient, and receptive attitude toward children with disabilities.
• Ability to work effectively and cooperatively with teachers, students, parents, and administrators.

Nice-to-haves

• Training in Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) may be provided.
• Training in Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is preferred.