Teaching Assistant​/Paraprofessional

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The Teaching Assistant (TA)/Paraprofessional is responsible for a variety of duties related to providing instruction and support to individuals who have physical, developmental and/or intellectual disabilities under the supervision of a teacher. This position will implement the individual treatment and behavior plans of the individuals utilizing selected curriculum, will model appropriate behavior and interactions with individuals and staff, and will assist individuals by providing for special health care and personal care needs.

Other duties may be assigned.

• Ensures that the staff to individual ratio is maintained at all times.
• Assists Teacher with the assessment of the individual’s progress and/or implementing treatment plan objectives.
• Adapts classroom activities, assignments and/or materials under the direction of the teacher for the purpose of supporting and reinforcing both classroom and each individual’s goals and objectives.
• Implements under the supervision of the teacher, a curriculum or curricula that includes instructional programs, lesson plans, and activities for the purpose of addressing each individual’s goals and objectives as identified in their individual treatment plans.
• Assists the Teacher with implementing individual behavior plans using a variety of methodologies and best practices based on the needs of the individual.
• Provides instruction in the most appropriate learning environment whether individually, or in small groups or large groups.
• Ensures that all individuals remain actively engaged in meaningful activities according to their functional level.
• Records accurate and detailed documentation within required time frames regarding each individual’s progress in meeting goals and objectives, personal care, behavior reports, and health and safety as required by the program. Additional documentation may be required when necessary.
• Provides and assists individuals by providing special health care and personal care needs.
• Maintains an organized and clean classroom that supports a safe and accessible learning environment and meets all mandated requirements.
• Addresses challenging behaviors proactively and utilizes positive behavior intervention to manage and promote improved behavior.
• Monitors individual’s daily schedule and behavior plan (e.g. classroom schedule, toileting, medication, appetite, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining a safe and positive learning environment.
• Monitors the location of the individuals served at all times.
• Respond to and report unsafe conditions, environment and equipment to the Teacher or a Director verbally and in writing.
• Observe individuals for injury or bruises. Follow incident reporting procedures including documentation and submitting report to the Teacher or a Director.
• Evaluates the individual for changes in emotional and/or physical status and reports to the Teacher or a Director.
• Ensures that each individuals’ rights are protected.
• Uses person first language and treat individuals with dignity and respect.
• Dress appropriately and professionally for the responsibilities of the position.

• Comply with work schedule as assigned by Supervisor. The work schedule and location may vary with little to no notice based upon workload and organizational needs.
• Arrive prepared for scheduled or assigned job duties and responsibilities.
• Clock in and out before and after every shift.
• Ensure that the staff to individual served ratio as required by regulatory agencies is met at all times. A Teaching Assistant/Paraprofessional identified as part of the employee to individual ratio may be asked to complete a scheduled work shift without an unpaid meal break.
• Comply with Easterseals and program attendance and leave procedures.

• Use a team approach to support and improve the health, behavioral and learning needs of the individuals served.
• Maintain a professional working relationship with all individuals served, families, co-workers and administrative staff at all times.
• Provide a timely and professional response and/or…