SY -27 Classroom Assistant Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Instructional Support

Assists special education classroom teachers assigned to programs for students with disabilities, including impaired hearing. Assists teachers of deaf/hard of hearing support in the implementation of instructional activities in school and community settings.

Essential Functions

• Uses basic American Sign Language, in a non-interpretive manner, to assist students in the execution and completion of assigned tasks and to facilitate the educational process for students with impaired hearing.
• Assists students in using instructional materials and equipment.
• Provides verbal and/or written feedback of observations to the teacher for the purpose of evaluating students' progress and/or implementing IEP goals and objectives.
• Works with students individually and in groups to reinforce instructional objectives and implement IEP goals and objectives.
• Records and reports appropriate data regarding academic, behavioral, and/or health information and services provided to the student using the appropriate service log.
• Attends IEP meetings at the request of the principal, teacher and/or parent.
• Adapts activities, assignments and/or materials as directed by the teacher to allow students performing at different levels and/or disabilities to participate in the instructional program.
• Assists the teacher with the preparation and maintenance of instructional materials and classroom displays.
• Guides and assists students in small group instruction setting with class routines and in transitioning form one activity to the next.
• Guides students in developing positive, appropriate interpersonal relationships with peers and adults.
• Supports students with emotional or behavior concerns and assist them in developing appropriate social skills.
• Assists in the management and shaping of student behavioral techniques and/or positive reinforcement strategies.
• Monitors and assists students in educational and community settings.
• Assists students with ambulation, positioning, turning, and/or mobility within the school premises, class trips, and in the community.
• Assists students with the use of mobility and/or weight bearing equipment, such as leg braces, walkers, standers, and tricycles.
• Assists students in accessing communication devices such as switches, pointers, feeders, picture boards, and voice output devices, including ensuring that the equipment is hooked up and functioning properly.
• Assists students with daily living skills, including feeding, grooming and dressing.
• Assists students with all aspects of toileting, which may include lifting on and off the toilet, diapering and the use of changing tables and mats.
• Assists with student's tube feeding needs when required as instructed by the teacher and/or school nurse.
• Administers First Aid and/or CPR whenever needed and/or required.
• Serves as a source of information and help to any substitute teacher assigned in the absence of the regularly-assigned teacher.

Demonstrated knowledge of:

• American Sign Language.
• The growth, development and potential educational challenges of students with impaired hearing and disabilities.
• The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) on a basic level.
• The types of educational disabilities and special education programs as outlined in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) on a basic level.

Demonstrated ability to:

• Communicate with students using American Sign Language.
• Use and understand American Sign Language on a basic level.
• Illustrate an understanding, patient, and receptive attitude towards students of varied age groups, temperaments and abilities.
• Behave and speak in a professional manner at all times.
• Maintain a cooperative staff relationship with all personnel in the education setting.
• Reading, writing and speaking English.
• Operate standard office equipment (e.g. computer, printer, fax machine, copier) including relevant software applications.
• Maintain student confidentiality and handle information and materials with complete security.
• Learn and apply behavior modification or management strategies, techniques and reinforcement methods.
• Learn and utilize teaching aids, assistive technology and/or…