*POSITION TITLE*	Exceptional Children Teacher Assistant
*SCHOOL/DEPARTMENT*	Assigned school
*SALARY*	Salary Grade 58
*FLSA STATUS*	Exempt
*REPORTS TO*	EC Teacher
*SUPERVISES*	None
*WORK WEEK SCHEDULE*	Monday – Friday
*WORK HOURS*	40
*NUMBER OF MONTHS PER YEAR*	10

POSITION PURPOSE:

The EC Teacher Assistant performs responsible human support and paraprofessional work assisting classroom teachers or other professional to achieve instructional objectives; assisting students with disabilities with achieving established goals and with personal care and mobility. Further, the EC Teacher Assistant provides individual assistance with academics and behavioral problems and may lead small group activities as directed. The EC Teacher Assistant assists the supervising teacher with general housekeeping and clerical duties.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum Degree Level: Associate's Degree

Minimum Experience/Requirements: Candidates must meet at least one of the following criteria: 1) hold at least an Associate’s Degree, 2) 48-semester hours of transferable college coursework, or 3) have 96-contact hours of college coursework plus passing scores on the WorkKeys test.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

General knowledge of the practices, methods and techniques used in the teaching of the special education population
General knowledge of the activities performed by the lead teacher
General knowledge of the daily routines of the classroom
General knowledge of student handbook rules and regulations
General knowledge of procedures to follow in an emergency
General knowledge of the principles of organization and administration
General knowledge of the curriculum for the assigned grade
Ability to maintain files and information
Skill in the use of classroom and instructional equipment
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 order and discipline in a classroom
Ability to operate audio visual, standard office, word and data processing equipment
Ability to operate adaptive equipment
Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationship with teachers, peers, parents, students, and administrators

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE

Minimum Degree Level: Associate's Degree
Experience working with exceptional children
Any equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities

CERTIFICATION AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

If assigned as an assistant working with Emotionally Disabled students, the EC Teacher Assistant is required to become initially certified in a Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) program and maintain that certification through the proper renewal process (adhering to all timelines)
Must possess a valid driver’s license issued by the NC Department of Motor Vehicles

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Three (3) to five (5) years of experience working in and EC classroom/environment
Spanish Speaking

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Assist classroom teacher with performing specific duties assigned or undertaking specialized tasks to achieve and enhance instructional and behavioral objectives
Work with individuals, small groups, or large groups as assigned by the teacher
Assist with behavior modifications as requested by the teacher
Lift, move, and operate adaptive equipment
Assist students with personal care tasks, including but not limited to, lavatory, clothing, hygiene, diapering, toileting, and wash-up routines
Escort students as assigned by teacher or administrator
Assist students with mobility needs such as lifting and positioning students, lifting in and out of wheelchairs, loading and unloading on/off the bus, transporting students in and around the school and on field trips
Monitor students during assigned periods within a variety of school environments for the purpose of maintaining a safe and positive learning environment
Provide programmed practice activities and repetitions as developed by the teacher, therapist or pathologist
Report student concerns directly and expeditiously to the teacher and assist with student resolution
Assist with breakfast, lunch, snack, including clean-up
Maintain various confidential records and files
Participate in staff development activities as directed by the Department for Exceptional Children
Perform additional duties as requested by the teacher, principal or District EC Staff

Pre-Kindergarten Classes

Assist teacher with setting up the room for morning activities; greet students; assist students with the placement of belongings; may be asked to supervise morning activities
Supplement the activities of the teacher; reinforce learning in small groups; provide one-on-one individual assistance; supervise Centers; participate in activities for children with special needs; assist students with independent projects; listen to students; read stories
Constantly monitor the behavior of the students and employ strategies as necessary to protect students from injury; reward good behavior; respond to inappropriate behavior as instructed by the teacher; supervise play time and situations where the classroom teacher is out of the room
Give approved medications; assist sick or hurt children; contact parents, if necessary, as directed by the teacher
Prepare letters for parents, informing them of classroom activities as directed by the teacher

Separate Setting Classrooms

Assist with the delivery of special services for intellectually and/or physically disabled students
Assist with therapeutic rehabilitation
Prepare students for therapy and other special classes
Monitor the administration of medication
Monitor special diets as needed
Make attempts to incorporate fine motor skills, sensory stimulation, self-help skills, social skills and computer skills into classroom activities
Collaborate with teacher to incorporate information provided by parents, doctors, nurses, therapists and counselors in order to understand the needs of and provide for appropriate services for students
Coordinate with social workers, teachers, bus drivers, administrators, volunteers, and other assistants as directed by the teacher
Perform general housekeeping duties, i.e. set up various equipment each morning; put equipment away at the end of the day; wash mats, toys, equipment, etc. with antibacterial soap/Clorox; charge wheelchairs; perform repair and maintenance tasks related to school and student equipment

Therapeutic Settings/ 1:1 Behavioral Support

Assist teacher with setting up the room for activities; greet students; assist students with belongings; supervise activities
Reinforce learning in small groups; provide one-on-one individual assistance; supervise Centers; assist students with independent projects; listen to students; read stories
Constantly monitor the behavior of the students and employ strategies as necessary to mitigate behavioral issues; reward good behavior; respond to inappropriate behavior as instructed by the teacher; supervise play time and situations where the classroom teacher is out of the room
Monitor the administration of medication
Collaborate with teacher to incorporate information provided by parents, doctors, nurses, therapists and counselors in order to understand the needs of and provide for appropriate services for students
Perform general housekeeping duties, i.e. set up various equipment each morning; put equipment away at the end of the day; wash mats, toys, equipment, etc. with antibacterial soap/Clorox; perform repair and maintenance tasks related to school and student equipment
Coordinate with teachers, bus drivers, administrators, and other assistants as directed by the teacher
Engage in CPI techniques as a last resort to maintain the safety and security of the student and others