Definition:
Under supervision by the principal and the direction of the special education teacher, the aide works with identified special education youngsters to provide specialized instructional assistance support and does related work designed by the Resource Specialist or Special Education Teacher to implement the IEP. Special education students may include learning disability, intellectual disability, behavioral and/or emotional disability, physical and communicative disability.

Examples of Duties:
Provides direct tutoring assistance with individuals and small groups of children under direct prescription by the teacher. Attends to individual children's physical and behavioral needs under prescribed supervision. Assists children in training of basic living and survival skills. Assists the teacher in other classroom or playground activities for special education youngsters. May supervise the loading and unloading of students who are transported. Participates in in-service training activities. Performs related tasks as required.

Employment Standards:
Education and Experience: Graduation from high school or equivalent. College level training is desirable. Previous successful experience working with identified special education students is desirable. Incumbent employees are expected to avail themselves of in-service, community college or adult education courses in the special education aide field.

Knowledge of:
Competent basic skills of reading, oral and written language and math. Knowledgeable of, or willing to learn, the skills listed in the paragraph below.

Ability to:
Use knowledge of hygiene and child guidance principles; use principles of learning theory; use positive methods in motivating and controlling students; exhibit extreme patience in repetitive tasks or learning situations; engage in strenuous physical activity when necessary; give positive feedback to enhance the self-concept of students; show enthusiasm and sincere interest in working with handicapped youngsters; maintain a neat, clean appearance, to be punctual and dependable; to carry out instructions with minimum supervision; to exhibit a positive attitude toward work assignments and children; to demonstrate initiative; to serve as a role model for students; to respect the privacy of others and keep information regarding students confidential.