La Plata High School.Instructional Assistant - Inclusion.3540

Instructional Assistant - Special Education

Provides instructional and behavioral support to teachers and students in a special education classroom setting. Assists with special education lesson preparation, supervision, and maintaining a safe and organized learning environment.

Annual Duty Days: 190 Days

Terms of Employment: 10 Month

FLSA Status:
Non-Exempt

Salary Scale: AFSCME Pay Grade 03

Job Summary

Provides instructional and behavioral support to teachers and students in a special education classroom setting. Assists with special education lesson preparation, supervision, and maintaining a safe and organized learning environment.

Essential Duties

• Assists with planning and delivering instructional activities aligned with IEP goals for students with learning disabilities.
• Works with individuals or small groups to reinforce instruction.
• Prepares and organizes materials and supplies for lessons.
• Assists students during arrival and dismissal, including on and off buses.
• Provides personal care assistance such as feeding, toileting, diapering, and hygiene support when necessary.
• Supports students with behavioral and emotional needs using de-escalation techniques.
• Performs routine classroom support tasks, including attendance, lunch/recess duty, office errands, and making copies.
• Provides individualized support to students with IEPs and 504 plans, including academic and behavioral accommodations.
• Provides substitute coverage as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education:
  
  High school diploma or equivalent.
• Experience:
  
  Two (2) years of experience working with special needs children, preferably in a classroom setting.
• Other Requirements:
  • Para Pro certification preferred or willingness to obtain.
  • CPR/First Aid certification preferred.
  • Must be at least 18 years old to work in elementary schools.
  • Must be at least 18 years old and out of high school for two years to work in middle and high schools.
  • Valid Maryland Class C Driver's License.
  • Willingness to complete additional training as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of child development and age-appropriate instructional practices.
• Skill in fostering positive relationships with students, staff, and families.
• Skill in time management, organization, and communication.
• Ability to support classroom instruction across all grade levels.
• Ability to follow teacher direction and implement developmentally appropriate activities.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with professionalism and self-motivation.
• Ability to comply with all CCPS safety policies and procedures.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Must be able to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, and lift/move 10–50 pounds.
• Requires good hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, and visual acuity.
• Frequently required to sit or stand, reach, talk, and hear.
• Work is performed in a standard classroom environment with moderate noise levels.

ADA Compliance

Charles County Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer, ensuring ADA compliance and reasonable accommodations as needed.