Special Education ECSE Aide

Primary Purpose :

Assist special education teacher provide for physical, emotional and instructional needs of students with disabilities in special education setting both inside and outside of the classroom within special education and regular education settings.

Support appropriate learning activities and experiences designed to help them fulfill their potential for intellectual, emotional, physical, and social growth.

Assist in implementation of classroom programs, including self-help, behavior management, and instruction programs. Facilitate small group instruction to assigned students under the direction of the assigned classroom teacher.

Work under general supervision of principal and immediate direction of certified teacher.

Qualifications :

Education / Certification :

• High school diploma or GED
• 48 accredited college hours or Meets No Child Left Behind requirements
• Texas instructional aide certificate

Special Knowledge / Skills :

• Ability to work with children with disabilities
• Ability to work well with students and manage their behavior
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Knowledge of general office equipment

Experience :

Some experience working with children

Major Responsibilities and Duties :

Instructional Support

• Assist teacher to prepare instructional materials and classroom displays.
• Implement lesson plans under the direction of the teacher.
• Assist in maintaining a neat and orderly classroom.
• Assist with inventory, care, and maintenance of equipment.
• Assist teacher to keep administrative records and prepare required reports.
• Provide orientation and assistance to substitute teachers.
• Keep teacher informed of special needs or problems of individual students
• Support a classroom / school environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of students.

Student Management

• Assist students with physical disabilities according to their needs, including transferring to and from wheelchairs, lifting, or positioning.
• Help meet the individual needs of students, including transferring them to and from wheelchairs, lifting and positioning them, and signing or interpreting instructions for them, etc.
• Assist students with physical needs and personal care, including feeding, bathroom needs, and personal hygiene.
• Help manage behavior of students. This includes intervening in crisis situations and restraining disruptive or dangerous student behavior as needed.
• Assume responsibility for learning and adapting to each student’s special medical, physical, communicative, and emotional needs.
• Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
• Work with individual students or small groups to develop motor skills and conduct instructional exercises assigned by teacher.
• Help supervise students throughout the school day, inside and outside the classroom. This includes lunchroom, bus, and playground duty.
• Keep teacher informed of special needs or problems of individual students.

Other

• Demonstrates thoroughness, reliability and a high degree of accuracy in performing work assignments.
• Works cooperatively with others and maintains a positive attitude in the work environment.
• Demonstrates initiative and good judgment in problem solving and decision-making.
• Reports promptly and maintains good attendance.
• Uses time productively on the job.
• Follows district policies, rules and regulations.
• Accepts supervisory direction.
• Must be able to perform the essential functions of walking and interacting with students and / or district employees in the specific work site assigned (classroom or office setting).
• Demonstrates tact, courtesy and helpfulness in dealing with staff, students, parents, and visitors in the district.
• Be a positive role model for students; support mission of school district.
• Maintain a professional relationship with supervisors, colleagues, students, parents, and community members.
• Use effective communication skills to present information accurately and clearly.
• Participate in staff development activities to improve job-related skills including assigned areas aligned to student needs, disabilities, IDEA, state special education and district guidelines.
• Keep informed of and comply with federal, state, district, and school regulations and policies for special education teachers.
• Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents required.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities :

None

Equipment Used :

Wheelchair lift, ramp, personal computer, copier, and audiovisual equipment

Working Conditions :

Mental Demands / Physical Demands / Environmental Factors :

Maintain emotional control under stress. Frequent standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, pushing, and pulling; regular heavy lifting of students.

Biological exposure to bacteria and communicable diseases.

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.