Exceptional Children Program Assistant (ECPA)-Fall 2024

Position : Exceptional Children Program Assistant (ECPA) School / Department : Sterling Montessori Academy and Charter School

Reports To : EC Director / Executive Director

Work Week Schedule : Monday-Friday, 8 : 00a.m. 4 : 00p.m.

Work Hours Per Week : 40

Number of Months Per Year : 10

Nature of Work : The EC Program Assistant (ECPA) provides support to the classroom teacher and other professionals in the supervision, instruction, social emotional and positive behavior support of students with disabilities, ages 3-14 years, in a variety of settings, including classroom, recreational and community to achieve established goals and objectives, including personal care and mobility.

The ECPA provides individual assistance with academics, behavioral problems, personal care and mobility, and may lead small group activities as directed.

The ECPA assists the teacher with general housekeeping and clerical duties as needed.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities :

General knowledge of the varying needs of students with disabilities

General knowledge of the practices, methods and techniques used in the teaching of the exceptional children population

General knowledge of the activities performed by the lead teacher

General knowledge of the daily routines of the classroom

General knowledge of student handbook rules and regulations

General knowledge of procedures to follow in an emergency

General knowledge of Montessori philosophy, teachings, and practices

General knowledge of the curriculum for the assigned grade(s)

General knowledge of Positive Discipline

General knowledge and understanding of behavior strategies / interventions

Ability to constantly monitor the safety and well-being of students, particularly when a student is participating in an inclusive activity

Ability to motivate students

Ability to respond appropriately in emergency situations and to remain calm in stressful situations

Ability to operate necessary equipment (adaptive, audio visual, computer, etc.)

Ability to maintain files and information

Ability to take direction from lead teacher and director

Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions

Ability to establish and maintain effective professional relationships with teachers, colleagues, parents, students, and administrators

Ability to adapt to individual needs of teachers and students and work with interruptions

Ability to understand, manage and relate to students who have may behavioral problems, cognitive and physical disabilities

Strong classroom management skills to assist in maintaining order and discipline in the classroom

Skills to assist with data collection

Competency in basic skills such as reading, math, spelling and grammar

Has punctual and dependable attendance

Has good decision making skills

CPI trained (Required to have or willing to be trained)

Essential Duties and Responsibilities :

Assist with the delivery of special services for students

Assist classroom teacher with performing specific duties assigned or undertaking specialized tasks to achieve and enhance instructional and behavioral objectives

Work with individual students, small groups or large groups as assigned by the teacher

Assist with behavior modifications as requested by the teacher

Lift, move and operate equipment

Assist students with personal care tasks, including but not limited to, bathroom, clothing, hygiene, diapering, toileting, and wash-up routines

Escort, monitor and maintain supervision of students as assigned within a variety of school environments such as to and from events, classes, lunch, and other activities as needed according to the IEP and approved policies and procedures students as assigned by teacher or administrator

Assist students with mobility needs (ex., lifting and positioning, assisting in and out of wheelchair, loading and unloading from transportation, navigating in and around the school and on field trips)

Monitor students during assigned periods within a variety of school environments for the purpose of maintaining a safe and positive learning environment

Report student concerns directly and expeditiously to the teacher and assist with student resolution as deem appropriate

Assist with breakfast, lunch, snack, including clean-up if needed

Maintain various confidential records and files

Participate in trainings, meetings, and other professional development activities as directed by the school or department

Perform additional duties as requested by the teacher or administrator

Behavioral Support (1 : 1 and small group)

Assist teacher with preparing the environment for activities; greet students upon arrival; assist students with belongings;

supervise activities, escort students to transportation upon dismissal

Provide direct behavior intervention support across settings as needed

Reinforce learning in small groups; provide one-to-one individual assistance; supervise small groups; assist students with independent lessons and projects

Constantly monitor the behavior of the students and employ strategies as necessary to mitigate behavioral issues; respond to inappropriate behavior as instructed by the teacher;

supervise play time and situations where the classroom teacher is out of the room

Collaborate with the teacher to incorporate information outlined in the IEP or provided by parents, doctors, therapists, counselors, etc.

in order to understand the needs of and provide for appropriate services for students.

Assist teacher in performing general housekeeping duties to ensure the learning environment is prepared daily (i.e., set up various equipment each morning;

put equipment away at the end of the day, sanitize mats, toys, equipment with wipes; ensure student equipment is in proper working condition)

Coordinate with teachers, specialists, administrators, other assistants and staff as directed by the teacher

Engage in crisis intervention techniques as a last resort to maintain the safety and security of the student and others

Collects and charts progress monitoring data for IEP goals (academic and behavioral), BIPs or contracts as assigned by the teacher

Working Conditions and Physical Demands :

Work is considered medium physical work requiring the exertion of up to 40 pounds of force. Position entails significant walking, bending, standing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, some pushing and / or pulling, climbing and balancing, running short distances, and possible interventions in order to maintain a safe learning environment.

Assignment may require the ability to physically move students or equipment, position students in specialized equipment and assist with toileting needs or bathroom supervision.

Work Environment : Experience :

Experience :

High School Diploma or GED required

Experience working with exceptional children

Training and / or experience in utilizing specialized instructional techniques such as behavior intervention strategies, picture exchange communication systems, and social stories preferred.

Disclaimer :

This is a list of general duties and responsibilities of this position. This is not an exhaustive list and should not be considered as an inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and skills that may be required of the employees assigned to this position.

This list can be revised by the supervisor, with HR review and approval at any time.