Exceptional Children Support Specialist; Pre-K

Job Description

Reports To: Exceptional Children Teacher

Terms of Employment: Permanent, 10‑Month Position. This position follows the instructional calendar and does not require work on non‑instructional days (e.g., holidays, teacher workdays, or breaks other than required professional development days as requested by supervisors – 2 per year).

Nature of Work

An Exceptional Children Support Specialist provides direct support to students with disabilities under the supervision of a special education teacher, assisting with instruction, daily living skills, and behavioral needs, while also maintaining records and managing the classroom environment.

• Must hold a high school diploma or equivalent
• Must be 18 years of age
• Possession of an equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities for the position
• Child Development Associate credential, preferred
• Work experience in an early childhood setting, preferred
• Alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board may find appropriate and necessary
• Citizenship, residency, or work visa required

• Cooperate in developing procedures for the classroom.
• Assist in the preparation of materials.
• Maintain awareness of goals and objectives of supervising teachers.
• Assist in implementing the planned program.
• Participate in and facilitate activities to improve effectiveness of the total school program.
• Carry out student supervisory duties in a prompt and reasonable manner to ensure a safe and healthful environment.
• Maintain classroom files and records in accordance with applicable rules, laws, and regulations.
• Exhibit positive behavior toward children, parents, staff, and administrators.
• Represent the needs of school and children to parents and the community in a positive manner.
• Conduct oneself as a positive role model in the school and community.
• Assist students with understanding, interpreting, and adhering to laws, rules, and regulations.
• Feed and/or toilet students as needed and assist with any other tasks students are not able to perform for themselves.
• Share responsibility for school cleanliness and neatness.
• Be knowledgeable of current Pre‑K issues by attending staff development and reading current literature and publications.
• Assist with the screening process of students for possible Pre‑K participation/enrollment.
• Accompany and assist teachers on home visits.
• Perform all other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

• This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 10 pounds of force.
• Work regularly requires sitting, speaking or hearing, using hands to finger, handle or feel repetitive motions and occasionally requires standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling, reaching with hands and arms, pushing or pulling and lifting.
• Work has standard vision requirements; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word and conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly or quickly; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels.

• Ability to assist children using patience and understanding.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with school officials, associates, students, parents, and the general public.
• General knowledge of daily routines of the classroom.
• General knowledge of student handbook rules.
• General knowledge of procedures to follow in the event of an emergency; general knowledge of the principles of organization and administration.
• Some knowledge of the curriculum for the grade.
• Possess excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
• Ability to constantly monitor the safety and well‑being of students, particularly when a student is participating in an inclusive activity.
• Ability to motivate students.
• Ability to maintain a clean and orderly environment.
• Ability to perform general clerical duties.
• Ability to maintain order and discipline in a classroom.
• Ability to operate common office machines.
• Ability to maintain basic files and records.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments.

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees of this job.