Preschool Itinerant Instructional Assistant

Special Education Assistant

Provides a variety of instructional assistance and support services associated with general and specialized educational programs and student needs across the school campus. Essential duties and responsibilities generally include the following. Other duties may be assigned:

• Meets needs of all students with disabilities on their campus under the direction of school administration and special education teams.
• Monitors and assists students in multiple classroom environments to complete tasks, stay focused and provides accommodations per the Individual Education Plan (IEP).
• Covers for absences for Classroom Independence Assistants (CIAs) and assistants in specialized programs.
• Assists in teaching and modeling workplace skills and positive behaviors.
• Assists students in daily living skills such as feeding, toileting, mobility.
• Provides support in monitoring, intervening, and redirecting student behaviors.
• Acts to prevent and deescalate student behavior.
• Utilizes and assists student with utilization of assistive technology.
• Assists in data collection related to IEP goals
• Leads individual and small group activities with students under teacher direction.
• Facilitates communication between general education and special education teachers.
• Escorts students to and from classes, activities, and transportation buses as needed.
• Maintains documentation and records for student files; maintains and updates computer files.
• Performs other duties as assigned, including but not limited to playground or cafeteria monitor.
• Prepares instructional materials and copies.
• Prepares and distributes learning materials according to teacher direction.
• Assists students to use educational tools.

Knowledge of applicable Federal, state, county and city statutes, rules, policies and procedures. Knowledge of applicable Peoria Unified School District and departmental policies and procedures. Demonstrates understanding of the unique needs and characteristics of students with a variety of disabilities (i.e. Specific Learning Disability, Other Health Impaired, Emotional Disability) Knowledge of principles of classroom and behavior management. Knowledge of the principles of record, file and database management.

Knowledge of principles of child development stages and developmental delays. Demonstrates flexibility, common sense and good judgment. Skill in following oral and written directions. Skill in identifying, preventing and deescalating negative behaviors. Skill in assisting students in progressing on Individual Education Plan (IEP) goals. Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relations with co-workers, vendors, students, parents, the general public and others having business with the school district.

Skill in operating a personal computer utilizing a variety of software applications.

Have obtained an associate (or higher) degree OR Have at least two years of post-secondary education that is equivalent to at least 48 semester hours from an accredited higher education institution OR Have met a rigorous standard of quality by demonstrating knowledge on a Paraprofessional Assessment, available at the Peoria Unified School District Office