Classroom Assistant - Special Education at Arlington ISD

ROLE AND PURPOSE:

• To assist in the implementation of the instructional program, inclusive of academic, social emotional and functional supports for each student served via Special Education in specialized programs such as: Alternative Curriculum (Alt Curric), Individuals with Severe and Profound Disabilities (ISPD), Academic and Behavioral Learning Environment (ABLE), and Social Emotional and Academic Skills (SEAS). 

QUALIFICATIONS:    

Education/Certification:

• High school diploma or equivalent from an accredited institution

Experience:        

• School-based experience preferred
• Valid driver's license preferred 

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:  

INSTRUCTIONAL MANAGEMENT

• Take initiative to assist the teacher and other colleagues with classroom instruction and management activities, including but not limited to: one-to-one and small group instruction, classroom organization, transitions, routines, behavior shaping, communication, and assistive technology.
• Provide and appropriately document assistance to students requiring health related services and supports such as, transitioning, feeding, toileting, hygiene or other health related needs, while maintaining student dignity and safety.
• Deliver teacher determined support and services in assigned instructional setting or class
• Perform designated data keeping and/or instructional preparation tasks 

SCHOOL/ORGANIZATION CLIMATE

• Work cooperatively with principal, network coordinator, special education teachers, therapists, and regular education teachers to insure the success and safety of the students.
• Participate in specialized training to improve skills needed to successfully complete responsibilities for the specialized program assigned.
• Consult with teacher and principal on all general administration items including personnel policies. 

SCHOOL/ORGANIZATIONAL IMPROVEMENT

• Follow established schedule - with the principal's approval, the teacher of the program is responsible for formulating the schedule of the assistant(s). The assistant then works under the direction of the teacher responsible for the instructional block of time.
• Interact with students professionally, calmly, and intentionally using language for teaching, communicating effectively, and behavior shaping 

ADMINISTRATION AND FISCAL/FACILITIES MANAGEMENT

• Operate copy and laminating machines, computer, and audio-visual equipment
• Maintain classroom organization and cleanliness
• Take initiative to organize, store and/or prepare student learning and instructional materials 

STUDENT MANAGEMENT

• Assist teacher in implementing social emotional, academic, functional, and positively based interventions for teaching replacement behaviors including: use of reinforcement, consequences, visual systems for shaping behavior, organizational structures for student learning and success
• Assist the teacher in addressing physical aggression including relationship building, de-escalation and possible use of safe, non-harmful physical restraint procedures
• Assist the teacher in safe lifting and transfer procedures for students 

SCHOOL/COMMUNITY RELATIONS

• Assist with community learning experiences, field trips and necessary interpretation (if appropriate).
• Maintain confidentiality of student information, disabilities and services 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations will be made if necessary:
  • While performing the duties of a classroom teaching assistant in a specialized setting, the employee may frequently be required to stoop, reach, stand, walk, lift, pull, push, grasp, talk, hear, see and use repetitive physical motions.
  • While performing these duties of the job, the employee may frequently be required to lift and / or move at least 50 pounds of materials, or lift children from wheelchairs, onto changing tables, etc.
  • While performing the duties of the job assignment, the employee may frequently be required to deescalate physical aggression including the use of safe, non-harmful physical restraint procedures

PROFESSIONAL GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

• Participate in hygiene, communication systems, specific teaching methodologies, assistive technology, lifts and transfers, first aid, CPR, TBSI online training, and District De-escalation and Restraint Training as required by the job assignment to a specialized program
• Participate in professional learning to support student with disabilities as specific to specialized program role and responsibility. 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supervise and instruct students in the absence of the teacher during ARD meetings, staffing's and conferences.
• Supervise students during bus duty, building/playground duty, lunch duty, and co-curricular activities 

MISCELLANEOUS

• Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor
• Receive necessary vaccinations to prevent the contraction and spread of communicable diseases, such as Hepatitis.
• Wear appropriate equipment for safe lifts and transfers