Part-Time Special Education Teaching Assistant
Job Description
Job title: Special Education Teaching Assistant
Classification: Part-time, or Full-time, depending on assignment, non-exempt
Number of working days: 188 days
Site Lead: Director of Special Education
Salary/rate of pay: On the Administrative Assistant/Classified Instructional/Club Montessori Staff pay scale
Benefits: Sick, paid holidays, 403(b) and 457 retirement plans through CalSTRS Pension2, childcare in Club M (subject to availability, application fees apply), and wellness resources. For Full-time positions: medical, dental, basic life policy, vision and employee assistance program.
Summary/Objective: A Special Education Teaching Assistant will work closely with students with special needs, supporting them in their academic and personal growth under the supervision of the special education teacher. Collaboration with teachers and other professionals will be crucial in creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment.
Essential Functions:
• Provide one-on-one and small group support to students with special needs, including those with learning disabilities, behavioral challenges, and other exceptionalities under the supervision of the teacher.
• Assist the classroom teacher in implementing individualized education plans (IEPs) and adapting curriculum materials to meet the diverse needs of students.
• Support students during instructional activities, ensuring they are engaged, on task, and comprehending the material being presented.
• Support during assigned disciplinary measures, which may include in-house suspension and social isolation. Attentive supervision will contribute to maintaining a safe and conducive learning environment for all students involved.
• Foster a positive and inclusive classroom environment by promoting respect, understanding, and cooperation among all students.
• Help manage classroom behavior by implementing strategies outlined in behavior intervention plans (BIPs), use Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) to help teach and reinforce desired behaviors, and effectively de-escalate tense situations.
• Collaborate with classroom teachers to modify assignments and assessments, as needed, to accommodate individual student requirements.
• Assist in the preparation and organization of classroom materials, resources, and activities.
• Provide assistance with daily tasks, such as personal care, mobility, and transitioning between activities.
• Participate in meetings with teachers and other professionals to discuss student progress, goals, and strategies.
• Maintain accurate records of student performance, behavior, and achievements, and contribute to progress reporting.
• Contribute to the creation of a safe and nurturing learning environment that promotes emotional well-being and academic growth.
• Attend relevant professional development opportunities to enhance your skills and stay up-to-date with best practices in special education.
• Model appropriate social interactions with students and peers.
Competency:
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with students, teachers, and other professionals.
• Empathy, patience, and a genuine desire to make a positive impact on the lives of students with diverse abilities.
• Ability to follow and implement instructions from teachers and specialists accurately.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical guidelines in working with sensitive information.
Supervisory Responsibilities: None
Work Environment:
• Classroom Environment: This role often works in classrooms where conditions can vary. This may include exposure to noise, varying levels of student engagement, and the need to adapt to changing circumstances.
• Emotional Demands: Working with students who have special needs can be emotionally demanding but also incredibly rewarding. Special Education Teaching Assistants must remain patient, compassionate, and composed, even in challenging situations.
• Collaboration: Regular interaction and collaboration with teachers, therapists, and other professionals to implement individualized education plans (IEPs) and behavior intervention plans (BIPS) to support students effectively.
• Professional Development: Ongoing learning and development to stay updated with best practices in special education, behavior management techniques, and educational technology.
Physical Demands:
The role of a Special Education Teaching Assistant involves various physical demands due to the nature of working with students who have diverse needs. These demands may include:
• Mobility: Moving around the classroom, assisting students with mobility challenges, and transitioning between activities.
• Lifting: Occasionally lifting and assisting students with physical disabilities, as well as lifting and arranging classroom materials.
• Sitting and Standing: Engaging with students, teachers, and activities while both sitting and standing for extended periods.
• Physical Assistance: Providing support with personal care tasks, which might involve assisting with feeding, toileting, and other activities of daily living.
• Adapting to Student Needs: Quickly responding to unexpected situations, such as helping a student who is experiencing a behavioral challenge.
Safety Measures:
• Safety Protocols: Following established safety protocols and guidelines to ensure the physical and emotional well-being of all students.
• Proper Techniques: Utilizing appropriate techniques for assisting students with physical disabilities or behavioral challenges to prevent injury to both students and staff.
• Health Considerations: Adhering to health and hygiene standards when assisting with personal care tasks and being mindful of any allergies or medical conditions that students may have.
Position Type and Expected Hours of Work: This position can be full-time or part-time, depending on assignment, with expected hours varying based on the needs of the school.
Travel: Minimal or none
Required Education and Experience:
• Associates Degree, 48 college educational units, or the ability to pass a paraprofessional exam
Preferred Education and Experience:
• Special education, or related field
• Montessori experience
Distinguishing Career Features:
Special Education Teaching Assistant Category I: Helps run small groups, may assist a student 1:1 at times, not assigned to a specific student per IEP documentation. May assist with other special education program duties. Not documented in an IEP, but serves under a Special Education Teacher’s Credential to assist in provision of documented service minutes as agreed to in a student’s IEP. It is the first and entry level in the career path. These positions typically have work assignments involving academic, therapeutic, behavioral, and medical dimensions. Advancement to category II requires more advanced knowledge, skill, and ability to work with special student populations.
Special Education Teaching Assistant Category II: Able to perform all SPED TA Category I duties, but can be assigned to multiple students requiring extra support throughout the day as documented in student IEPs as Extra Support. May share several students with other aides providing extra support. The second level career path for instructional support to teaching assistants. SpED TA II are typically assigned to a range of Special Education environments and students who may rotate from special education to general education classrooms. These positions typically have work assignments involving academic, limited behavioral, and limited personal health services. Advancement potential exists to TA III and other higher levels of specialized support. Advancement to category III requires more advanced knowledge, skill, and ability to work with special student populations.
Special Education Teaching Assistant Category III: Able to perform all SPED TA Category I and II duties, but SPED TA Category III is designed for higher levels of specialized support to students with special needs where moderate personal health care services are blended with academic and behavior intervention support. Services are provided to the student as a one-to-one aide. TA III manages mild to moderate behaviors or occasional toileting support, may be listed in the IEP as a Behavior Aide. Data collection supervised by case manager and/or CMP BCBA. No medical or safety concerns, other than occasional eloping. Assigned to one student as documented in the IEP. Advancement potential exists to category IV and other higher levels of specialized support. Advancement to category IV requires more advanced knowledge, skill, and ability to work with special student populations.
Special Education Teaching Assistant Category IV: Able to perform all SPED TA Category I, II, and III duties, but TA IV is designed for highest levels of specialized support to students with more intensive needs – medically fragile students, students with daily toileting needs, or more severe behaviors that constitute a safety risk for the student or staff. Services are provided to the student as a one-to-one aide. Data collection supervised by case manager and/or CMP BCBA.
Affirmative Action Plan/Equal Employment Opportunity AAP/EEO Statement: It is the policy of California Montessori Project to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. This policy relates to all phases of employment, including, but not limited to, recruiting, employment, placement, promotion, transfer, demotion, reduction of workforce and termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation, selection for training, the use of all facilities, and participation in all company-sponsored employee activities.
Other Duties Disclaimer: Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.
How to Apply
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