Teacher Aide, SPED Inclusion

Teacher Aide, SPED Inclusion

The role of the Special Education Paraprofessional involves providing assistance to the teacher in implementing the instructional program. Prerequisites include a high school diploma or general equivalency diploma (GED) in English and the ability to obtain Texas Educational Aide Certification. Special knowledge and skills include the ability to work well with parents of children with disabilities and the ability to follow verbal and written instructions.

Major responsibilities and duties include assisting assigned students according to their individual needs, including transferring to and from wheelchairs, lifting, positioning, signing, interpreting, etc. Assisting assigned students with physical needs and personal care including feeding, bathroom needs, and personal hygiene. Managing the behavior of assigned students and intervening in crisis situations, including restraining disruptive or dangerous students as needed. Assuming responsibility for learning and adapting to each assigned student's special medical, physical, communicative, and emotional needs.

Working with assigned students or small groups to develop motor skills and conduct instructional exercises assigned by the teacher. Assisting assigned students throughout the school day, inside and outside the classroom, including lunchroom, bus, and playground duty. Keeping the teacher informed of any special needs or problems of assigned students. Upholding and enforcing school rules, regulations, and state and local board policy.

Maintaining confidentiality. Participating in professional development programs, faculty meetings, and special events as needed. Monitoring the safety of students with disabilities on school buses. Assisting in loading and unloading students from school buses. Assisting the bus driver in emergency situations. Assisting a substitute bus driver in following the established bus route. Administering first aid to students on buses as needed.

Recording information on student's pick-up and drop-off times. Remaining with a student at the transportation area until parents pick up students. Performing all other duties as assigned.

Mental demands include working with multiple deadlines and frequent interruptions, maintaining emotional control under stress. Physical demands include frequent standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, pushing and pulling; repetitive hand motions including frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching; regular heavy lifting of students, and in emergency situations, drag or lift injured students (up to 180 pounds) to evacuate bus. Environmental factors include exposure to bacteria and communicable diseases;

work outside in excessive heat, cold and humidity, intermittent noise, fumes, wind, and dust.