DEFINITION:Under general supervision of the site administrator, to perform a variety of follow-up instructional activities; to assist in the conduct of training and learning activities with children experiencing special learning needs; to perform a variety of routine clerical and supportive activities for instructional personnel; and to do other job related work as required.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:The instructional Aide (IA)- Special Education classification is under the supervision of the school principal, and is placed at individual sites dependent on the needs of students. Instructional Aide (IA)-Special Education may coordinate and work with other Special Education staff including, but not limited to: Special education and general education teachers, psychologists, SLP, other Instructional Assistants.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES:The duties listed are typical, but not exclusive:
- Assists instructional personnel with the presentation of learning materials and in the conduct of instructional exercises.
- Tutors individual students and small groups of students with the learning needs to reinforce and follow up learning and training activities.
- Monitors and assists students with special learning needs in drill, practice, and study activities as a follow-up to the presentation of instructional lessons by instructional personnel.
- Directs students into safe learning and play activities and functions, and assists in shaping appropriate social behaviors.
- Assists in the management of student behavior through the use of positive reinforcement strategies and other appropriate techniques.
- Assists in the preparation of a variety of instructional materials and learning aids geared to the instructional level of children with special needs.
- Assists in maintaining a variety of records and files, including confidential student records and medical information.
- Assists in supervision of students during classroom activities, on campus/play fields, nutrition times, library, and field trips.
- Monitors and assists in the remediation of specific learning problems and conditions.
- Assists in maintaining an orderly, attractive, and positive learning environment.
- Operates and assists students in using a variety of instructional materials, media, and computer assisted instructional equipment and software programs.
QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE:Knowledge of:
- correct English usage, spelling, grammar, punctuation;
- the needs and concerns of children with learning disabilities;
- basic record keeping.
ABILITY TO: - meet the physical, mental and environmental demands of position;
- work with children or groups of children effectively;
- meet district stands for physical and mental health;
- understand and carry out oral and written directions;
- establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work;
- perform tasks in a safe and efficient manner, so as not cause a risk to the health and safety of self and others.
Requirements / QualificationsComments and Other InformationApplicants must take and pass the Instructional Aide test, or provide proof of 48 semester units at an accredited college or university. If you have previously taken and passed the test, you do not need to retake the test. Call to verify your eligibility. Verification of test scores from other districts will be accepted provided it satisfies requirements of the No Child Left Behind Act. Please submit a letter of verification of passage from the testing district.
NOTE: Applicants DO NOT have to take the Instructional Aide Test if they have a Associate Degree or above; OR have completed 48 general education units.