Thornton Creek Elementary - Special Education Assistant ; Distinct - FTE

Overview of Position

Special Education Assistant/ISE‑203 is a one‑on‑one position assigned to a distinct service pathway, assisting in the supervision, care, and instruction of special‑needs students in either a regular or self‑contained classroom. The job includes implementing instruction plans, monitoring behavior, providing information to school personnel, and attending IEP meetings.

• Adapts classroom activities, assignments or materials to enable all special‑education students to participate.
• Administers tests, homework, grades, and other assignments to support teacher evaluation of student progress.
• Provides first aid and medical assistance as required.
• Supports students with personal care needs due to medical conditions or physical limitations.
• Attends meetings and in‑service presentations (e.g., first aid, CPR, emergency procedures).
• Regularly conferred with teachers (special‑education and/or mainstream) to evaluate progress and implement IEP objectives.
• Communicates with teachers and/or parents (phone, email, meetings) to provide information related to student progress.
• Directs and implements behavioral plans for students with behavior disorders to meet educational needs and maintain a safe environment.
• Instructs students in academic, social skills, daily living skills, and other activities to reinforce instructional objectives and remediation plans.
• Maintains instructional materials and student files/records to ensure availability and reliable information.
• Monitors students during assigned periods across various school environments to aid students and provide a safe learning environment.

• Performs other related duties as assigned to ensure efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Reports to the building Principal if assigned through staffing formulas; if based centrally, reports to the assigned Special Education Supervisor.

Knowledge

• Basic math, including fractions, percentages, and ratios.
• Ability to read and follow manuals, write documents in prescribed formats, and understand multi‑step written and oral instructions.
• Instructional procedures and practices.
• Age‑appropriate student activities.
• Safety practices and procedures.
• Conflict resolution.
• Stages of child development and behavior.

Skills

• Non‑technical task execution with potential skill upgrades as job conditions change.
• Adhering to safety practices.
• Operating standard office equipment and relevant software applications.
• Preparing and maintaining accurate records.

Abilities

• Data gathering and collation.
• Flexibility and teamwork across diverse circumstances.
• Problem‑solving to identify issues and create action plans.
• Adapting to changing work priorities.
• Communicating with diverse groups while maintaining confidentiality.
• Key‑boarding and basic computer literacy.
• Basic signing skills (if required).

Work under direct supervision using standardized procedures, lead or coordinate others, and operate within a defined budget. Utilization of resources from other work units may be required. There are continual opportunities to impact the organization’s services.

Physical demands include:

• Seldom lifting up to 50 pounds.
• Carrying, pushing, and pulling objects.
• Climbing and balancing.
• Frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling.
• Handling medically fragile children and providing toileting, diaper changes, tube feeding, and menstrual care as needed.
• 45% sitting, 25% walking, and 30% standing.
• Seldom up to 10% of the time during a 7‑hour period (with or without assistance).

Typical Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent plus at least one of the following:
  • Qualifying score on the Education Testing Service (ETS) para educator assessment.
  • Associate degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
  • 72 quarter credits or 48 semester credits at the 100 level or higher at an accredited college or university.
  • Completion of a registered apprenticeship program for para educators.

None specified.

Experience working with children.

Valid Washington State driver’s license or evidence of equivalent mobility.

Secure training, CPR, and first aid.

Criminal justice fingerprint background clearance.

Benefits are administered by the Washington State Healthcare Authority (HCA) under the School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB). Eligibility is based on scheduled work hours during the school year.

Salary information is available online for this role and similar positions.