Special Ed. Instructional Assistant; IA - CDC

SPED Instructional Assistant II (SPED IA II)

The job of Special Education Instructional Assistant was established for the purpose of working with individual and/or small groups of students under the supervision of a professionally licensed teacher in the supervision and instruction of students receiving support through an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). The SPED IA may provide support and services in the general education classroom, in a special education classroom, or during intervention.

Employees in this classification will receive a variety of assignments including classroom support, intervention delivery, support services, data collection support, lunchroom, playground, and related arts support, etc.

Specialized Learning Environments (SLEs) are class-based programs designed to serve students with multiple disabilities and significant academic, medical, social-emotional, behavior, and/or communication needs. Instruction in the SLE incorporates the use of federally mandated, evidence-based programs and is guided by the general education curriculum as defined through the state standards and district guiding tenants. This instruction is individualized to the student based on the content of their IEP.

These programs are located in a number of elementary, middle, and high schools within Washington County School and include our Comprehensive Development Classrooms (CDC), Modified Academic Programs, and Behavior Intervention Programs; placement decisions are made by a student's IEP team.

Adapts classroom activities, assignments, and/or materials under the direction of the supervising teacher. Administers immediate first aid and medical assistance as instructed by a health care professional (e.g. diapering, tube feeding, colostomy bags, medication, etc). Assists in completing all record-keeping requirements. Assists in designing/utilizing appropriate materials for individual students in the regular or special education classrooms. Assists in instructing children in health and personal habits, such as eating, resting, and toilet habits.

(specifically Early Intervention) Assists in maintaining a safe work and play environment. Assists regular and special education teachers in facilitating modifications and/or adaptations in the educational environment, instructional materials and/or equipment for special education students. Assists students, individually or in small groups, with lessons to practice and/or reinforce learning concepts and assist students in reaching academic goals and grade-level standards.

Assists teacher in maintaining a positive, orderly, and academically focused learning condition in the instructional environment. Assumes responsibility for knowing and following the safety rules and proper procedures associated with the responsibilities of the job. Assumes the responsibility of having regular and timely attendance. Collaborates with instructional staff, other school personnel, parents and a variety of community resources for the benefit of and in the best interest of students in the academic areas, athletics, special programs, extra-curricular activities, etc.

Communicate with teachers as may be required to assist in evaluating progress and/or implement IEP objectives (where applicable). Discusses assigned duties with classroom teachers to coordinate instructional efforts. Dresses children and changes diapers as necessary. Employs and implements de-escalation/restraint strategies. Restraint training and certification is required. Employs special education strategies or techniques during instruction to improve the development of sensory and perceptual-motor skills, language, cognition, or memory as directed by supervising teacher.

Follows all board policies, school system rules and administrative regulations. Fosters cooperative social behavior through activities and group projects to assist students in forming satisfying relationships with other students and adults. Implements IEPs that focus on improving areas of skill deficits. Implements self-care programs, including providing direct assistance to students (e.g., toileting, positioning, lifting feeding, etc.) as needed and under the direction of the supervising teacher.

Implements, under the supervision of assigned teacher, instructional programs and lesson plans. Instructs and monitors students in the use and care of equipment and materials to prevent injuries and damage. Maintains a high level of personal integrity and a strong work ethic. Maintains classroom equipment, work areas, and manual and electronic files and records to ensure availability of items, provide written reference;

and provide a safe learning environment. Maintains confidentiality relative to employee, student, and parent records/information and procedures according to legal and system guidelines such as the Employee Handbook or Kingsport City Schools Policy Manual. May be required to ride the school bus with students to monitor the health and safety needs of…