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BELLFLOWER UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

CLASS TITLE: INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANT- SPECIAL EDUCATION

BASIC FUNCTION:

Under the general administrative direction and direction of a teacher, to instruct pupils individually or in groups in accordance with prescribed learning objectives Provide instructional support and assistance to teachers and students assigned to a designated special education instructional program, including Special Day Class (SDC) and the Resource Specialist Program (RSP); perform a variety of support activities related to behavior management and classroom instruction of special education students; perform a variety of clerical support duties related to classroom activities. Assistant may be assigned to work with pupil(s) ages 3 to 22 years old.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:

1. Works with pupils individually or in small groups to tutor, reinforce, or follow up learning activities. E
2. Assist teachers with implementation of pupils' individualized Education Program (IEP) through instruction in a wide variety of curricular or extra curricular activities as defined in the district's curriculum or course of study; helps pupils learn to be aware of their personal appearance and to learn how to take care of personal needs. E
3. Implements assigned sections of pupil behavior management plans, which may involve the use of, approved behavior modification, physical management techniques or other skill or knowledge to establish and maintain appropriate behavior. E
4. Provide instructional assistance to individual or groups of special education students in a special class or when they are mainstreamed into regular classrooms; assist special and regular education students whom they are mainstreamed with during classroom activities and various other activities as directed. E
5. Assist assigned teacher with the implementation of lesson plans; assist in administering, proctoring, scoring tests and papers and charting student progress; modify materials and explain instructions and words. E
6. Assist pupils with the use of assistive technology including computers or other teaching aids to accommodate students and to enhance learning. E
7. Assist lifting of pupils in and out of wheelchairs, braces, and other orthopedic equipment. E
8. Perform toileting services, wheelchair assistance, feeding, and/or diapering, as needed. E
9. Assist pupils in dressing, undressing, bathing, and grooming as needed. E
10. Assist pupils with taking medication under administrative direction and while being observed by an assigned teacher. E
11. May administer first aid. E
12. Prepare lunch trays, specialized meals and assist with feeding of pupils unable to feed themselves. E
13. Reinforce instruction to students with learning disabilities and language, communication and behavioral problems; confer with teachers concerning programs and materials to meet the individual needs of special education students. E
14. Assist the teacher and administrator in the implementation of the pupil(s) and or site behavior management plans. E
15. Observe and control behavior of students according to approved procedures; report progress regarding student performance and behavior; communicate with parents regarding student performance and behavior as assigned. E
16. Perform a variety of clerical duties such as preparing, typing and duplicating instructional materials; maintain student records and files including confidential student records and information. E
17. Provide support to the teacher by setting up work areas, displays and exhibits, operating equipment and distributing and collecting paper, supplies and materials. E
18. Direct group activities of students as needed; assist in monitoring recesses, assemblies and playgroup activities. E
19. Accompanies and assists teachers during the transporting and instructing of pupils in off-campus or community based settings; rides with pupils on the bus which transports the pupils to and from school. E
20. Maintain an orderly, attractive and positive learning environment; assure the health and safety of students by following health and safety practices and procedures. E
21. Operate a variety of classroom and office equipment including a typewriter, VCR, copier, fax machines, computer and laminator. E
22. Perform related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

KNOWLEDGE OF: Practical learning patterns and behavior; basic characteristics of human behavior. Basic concepts of child development and behavior. Crisis management techniques; behavior management techniques and strategies. Practical learning patterns and behavior; personal hygiene. Basic communication skills; reading, speaking, and writing in English; basic math skills. Safe practices in classroom activities. Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy. Basic record-keeping techniques; operation of standard office and classroom equipment. Classroom procedures and appropriate student conduct.

ABILITY TO: Communicate with pupils and staff and to motivate pupils to participate in learning activities. Maintain emotional control under difficult situations; effectively react to emergencies. Learn and adapt to new procedures and conditions; be flexible and adjust to program needs and changes Perform clerical duties related to classroom activities. Understand and follow oral and written instructions. Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Monitor, observe and report student behavior and progress according to approved policies and procedures. Reinforce instruction to individual or small groups of students as directed by the teacher. Recognize and report safety hazards; learn laws, rules, practices and procedures related to public education for pupils and related to the program to which assigned. Operate standard office and classroom equipment. Observe health and safety regulations.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - The following are the minimum qualifications and requirements:

Education: High School diploma or equivalent AND ONE of the following:

1. 48 semester units from an accredited institution; OR
2. Associate's degree or higher; OR
3. Passing score on district-approved assessment demonstrating competency in reading, writing, and mathematics.

All degrees and units must be from an institution of higher learning recognized by the Council of Higher Education Accreditation.

Experience: No experience required. Experience working with children with special needs is preferred.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

ENVIRONMENT: Classroom, playground, off- campus, or community based settings.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate standard office and classroom equipment. Sitting or standing for extended periods of time. May be required to use a multi person lift or learn the use of mechanical lifting equipment to lift or move pupils who may weigh in excess of 50 pounds or a pupil of any weight who may present other lifting problems. Bending at the waist, kneeling, or standing for extended periods of time to assist students. May require constant attention to protect physical safety in a classroom where pupils because of assaultive or self-abusive tendencies could cause serious injury to themselves or others. May attend to a single pupil; all pupils in a classroom; or pupils in more than one classroom as need dictates. Seeing to read a variety of materials and monitor student activities. Hearing and speaking to exchange information. Reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally.