Teaching Associate Jobs in Merced, CA (NOW HIRING)

About the Employer
Welcome to the Waterford Unified School District!
Thank you for your interest in joining the Waterford USD family. We are proud of the fact that we have talented staff, excellent growth opportunities, outstanding support, and an invigorating mission. The primary function of Waterford USD is to service and support our schools along with numerous other agencies, as we strive for excellence for our preschool and school-aged children.
Waterford USD serves others by building capacity in our employees, being responsive to the needs of our customers and modeling integrity and respect in our actions and communications.
Vision Statement:
Committed to excellence, achievement, and success
Mission Statement:
Waterford USD, in partnership and collaboration with families and the community, is committed to developing:
* A safe, healthy and supportive environment
* Academic excellence and achievement for all students
* Well-rounded successful citizens with personal integrity
* Self-directed and collaborative learners who are college and career ready
* Diverse learning opportunities
* Critical thinking and creative expression
Job Summary
6.5 hours a day (full-time)
Job Description / Essential Elements:
DEFINITION
Under supervision, assist a certificated teacher in providing instruction to individuals or small groups of academically and/or behaviorally challenged students in a classroom; monitor, redirect and report student progress regarding inappropriate behaviors and performance; assist students in developing various self-help, social and community skills; assist in meeting special needs which may include feeding and toileting students; administer intensive behavior intervention programs to identified special education students; perform a variety of clerical duties as assigned.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
1. Basic Function: Under the direction of an assigned supervisor, assist a certificated teacher in providing instruction to individual or small groups of special needs students in the classroom; monitor and report student progress regarding behavior and performance; assist students in developing various self-help, social and community skills.
2. Representative Duties: Tutor individuals or small groups of special needs students, reinforcing instruction as directed by the teacher; monitor and oversee student drills, practices and related activities.
3. Confer with teachers concerning programs and materials to meet student needs; utilize appropriate methods of instruction to achieve goals and objectives set forth in the Individualized Education Program (IEP).
4. Provide instruction and assistance to special needs students in social, gross motor, fine motor and self-help skills; assist students in the school setting.
5. Assist students on and off the bus; push wheelchairs and lift students as needed.
6. Observe and control behavior and interaction of students according to approved procedures; report progress regarding student performance and behavior.
7. Operate various exercise, therapeutic, instructional and office equipment.
8. Prepare lessons and instructional materials for individual students as directed by the teacher, maintain daily records of achievement.
9. Provide support to the teacher by setting up work areas, displays and exhibits, operating audio-visual equipment, operating educational training equipment and distributing and collecting paper and supplies.
10. Prepare lessons and instructional materials for individual students, assisting with feeding children and toileting activities including toilet training.
11. Providing emotional and physical support to students; assist with feeding children and toileting activities including toilet training.
12. Prepare students for and assist students in main-streamed classes according to established procedures.
13. Assure the health and safety of students by following health and safety practices and procedures; assist in maintaining a clean and orderly classroom environment.
INDEPENDENCE AIDE JOB DESCRIPTION, Page 2
14. Oversee student activities; lead and monitor playground activities and movement education as assigned.
15. Participate in meetings and in-service training programs as assigned.
16. Perform other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
Special needs, problems and requirements of special needs students;
Child guidance principles and practices;
Basic subjects taught in schools, including math, grammar, spelling, language and reading;
Safe practices in classroom and playground activities;
Oral and written communication skills;
Interpersonal relations skills using tack, patience and courtesy;
Record-keeping techniques;
Classroom procedures and conduct.
Ability to:
Assist certificated staff with instruction and related activities of the assigned learning environment;
Assist students in developing self-help and social skills;
Print and write legibly;
Make arithmetic calculations quickly and accurately;
Understand and follow oral and written directions;
Learn the procedures, functions and limitations of assigned duties;
Communicate effectively with physically and developmentally challenged children;
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others;
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing;
Restrain and discipline students according to approve policies and procedures;
Operate various instructional, therapeutic and office equipment.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
1. Lifting light-medium weighted objects
2. Dexterity of hands and fingers to manipulate specialized apparatus and standard office and classroom equipment
3. Bending at the waist, kneeling or crouching to assist students
4. Seeing to read a variety of materials and monitor student activities
5. Hearing and speaking to exchange information
EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and skill is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and skill would be:
Education:
Must be NCLB compliant by: holding an AA degree or completion of two years of study (minimum 48 units) at an institution of higher education.
Requirements / Qualifications

• Letter of Introduction
• Letter(s) of Recommendation (3)
• NCLB Compliance
• Proof of HS Graduation (Copy of Diploma, GED Certificate or High School Transcript)
• Resume
• TB Screening Result

Comments and Other Information
Preferred: Special or General Education Experience
NCLB = CODESP Test Certificate or 48 College Units
TB screening test required upon job offer.