Minimum Qualifications & Abilities: 

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• AA Degree or 48 Semester Units or meet a rigorous standard of quality, and demonstrate, through an assessment, the knowledge and ability to assist in instruction – (CODESP Exam).
• Knowledge of basic concepts of child growth, development, and behavior.
• Be capable of physically assisting students with special needs as required, including, but not limited to positioning, lifting, transferring, and restraining.
• Demonstrate an understanding, patient and receptive attitude toward children with disabilities; appropriately manage student behavior and guide children toward more acceptable social behaviors.
• Ability to work effectively and cooperatively with teachers, students, parents, and administrators.
• Training in Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) – may be provided.
• Training in Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) – preferred.

Essential Functions: 

• Implements lesson plans developed by the teacher; assists with group or one-on-one instruction in a variety of subjects or activities; collects data; and reports progress regarding student performance.
• Checks accuracy of student’s work and presents additional assignments within parameters established by the teacher.
• Carries out the instructions of a certificated employee to implement special physical handling.
• Monitors children and provides for their physical and hygienic needs, including, but not limited to dressing, feeding, toileting, hand washing, and changing diapers, for the purpose of maintaining a clean, healthy, and safe environment.
• Assists teachers on field trips by helping students meet physical needs (dressing, feeding, and toileting).
• Assists the teacher in the monitoring, motivating, and teaching of students with disabilities.
• Makes minor adjustments on special equipment, such as wheelchairs, crutches, and braces, as instructed.
• May obtain food from kitchen, serve food, and feed students or help them feed themselves.
• Directs children into safe play activities and assists them with appropriate social behaviors in the classroom and on the playground.
• Assists in managing the behavior of children through the use of a variety of reinforcement techniques.
• Assures the health and safety of students by following established practices and procedures; maintains learning environment in a safe, orderly, and clean manner.
• Assists in the preparation of instructional materials.
• Participates in parent conferences and performs interpretation functions as requested.
• Assists students in mainstream classes.
• Supports the teacher with data collection for the purpose of documenting student progress.
• Operates a variety of classroom and office equipment, including a computer, copier, paper cutter, and other standard office equipment.
• Performs other duties as assigned by Superintendent or designee.