Paraprofessional - ASPIRE Academy

Paraprofessional - ASPIRE Academy role at Tri-County Special Education.

• High School Diploma or GED
• Sixty hours of college level credit, preference given to Associates
• Degree or higher education and/or
• Pass Work Keys or ETS Para-Pro Assessment
• Preference given to individuals with experience working with disability category of hire
• All aides must obtain the licensure and register credentials with the Illinois State Board of Education

• Building Principal
• Technical Assistant Supervisor
• Daily work load to be determined by student needs as determined by assigned classroom teacher

Under the guidance and supervision of the teacher, a primary goal of the teacher-school health aide is to assist the teacher to provide an organized and effective learning environment for students, redirect students when needed per the student  behavior intervention plan, and assist with activities of daily living if necessitated by the student  medical condition.

Generally a nine-month contract based on 176 work days. Hours to be determined by supervisor, based on building assignment and student needs. Extraordinary Care Aide if not informed in advance that their assigned student is absent, shall be assigned other duties on that day.

• Training will be required of all teacher-school health aides. The extent and content of training will be determined by the program supervisor and/or Director of Special Education. The purpose of the training will be to acquire skills as may be necessary to meet the specific or unique needs of students in the classroom.
• Carry out learning activities which are consistent with teacher direction and the students  Individualized Education Program (IEP).
• Function as a team member by showing initiative, being prompt and punctual in attendance, contributing to a positive learning and work environment, and lending special expertise and talents.
• Carry out school approved behavior management plans with teacher direction.
• Responsible for daily record keeping and providing feedback on student performance as assigned.
• Carry out routine duties such as supervision of recess, bus, mealtime, and hallway duties; record keeping such as student attendance and lunch money; preparation, maintenance, and inventory of materials; straightening, washing tables, putting materials away, clean-up after snack, etc.
• Observe and provide for the health and safety of all students including the provision of special health and hygiene procedures. Assisting students with Health Related Service Activities as required according to individual student needs. These activities include:
  Ambulation and transfer;
  Food and Nutrition (aides trained by the school nurse to do tube feedings);
  Toileting;
  Behavior Intervention;
  Hygiene and other activities based on the student  needs (these activities may require lifting, bending, kneeling, squatting, walking and working with equipment used for Physical and Occupational Therapy).
• Daily documentation log of HRS (Health Related Services) is required on HRS form.
• Responsible for attending Tri-County Early Childhood screenings, conducting screening procedures with children and providing feedback to parents.
• Demonstrate ethical use of confidential information.
• Assist in the development of motor skills such as positioning, range of motion, weight bearing, endurance, and coordination.
• Assist in the development of communication skills which may include sign language, language boards, and specialized instruction.
• Assume responsibility for conducting activities as per general school guidelines, policies and procedures.
• Acquire new skills by assisting in the identification of inservice needs and participate in in-service sessions including staff meetings under the direction of the appropriate supervisor(s).
• May assist the teacher in parent-child contacts on a weekly basis and preparing appropriate lessons for each child seen under the supervision of the teacher.
• Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds individually and 75 pounds with assistance.
• Perform vision and hearing screenings if certified and assist in all child find activities. Aides with vision and hearing certification can anticipate spending approximately 10% of their time with child find activities. Those without certification will spend approximately 5% of their time.
• Assist in the office with assimilating and stapling materials as time permits or as needed. May assist as a temporary assignment in office or janitorial as needed.
• Assistance with supervising students on field trips.
• Participation in Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (CPI) techniques including verbal de-escalation and, when necessary, physical intervention.
• Perform other duties as assigned consistent with institutional need.

• Demonstrates continual growth in technology knowledge and skills to stay abreast of current and emerging technologies.
• Participate in the plan and design of effective learning environments and experiences…