Instructional Aide, SPED

PRIMARY PURPOSE

Provide instructional, behavioral, and personal support to students with disabilities under the direction of a certified teacher and campus administration. Assist in creating a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment while helping students access instruction, develop independence, and make progress toward their educational goals. Work under general supervision of principal and immediate direction of certified teacher.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Certification

• High school diploma or GED
• Valid Texas paraprofessional certificate or willingness to obtain
• Meet NCLB Paraprofessional Highly Qualified Requirements

Special Knowledge/Skills

• Patience and interest in working with students with disabilities
• Ability to follow teacher directions and implement instructional strategies
• Knowledge of basic classroom procedures and child development
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work as part of a team

Experience

• Experience working with children
• Experience working with students in a special education classroom, preferred

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

Instructional Support

• Assist in implementing IEP goals through daily instructional activities
• Support students in academic tasks, communication practice, and life skills routines
• Prepare materials and adapt resources as directed by the teacher
• Monitor student progress and behavior; collect and document data as needed
• Provide support with assistive technology, adaptive equipment, and mobility aids

Student Management

• Support students with physical, behavioral, and emotional needs
• Follow behavior intervention plans and assist with emotional regulation strategies
• Supervise students during classroom transitions, lunch, restroom breaks, and other daily routines
• Maintain confidentiality of student records and information

Other

• Attend relevant trainings and staff meetings as required
• Participate in safety drills, ARD meetings (if requested), and school functions
• Follow all campus and district procedures, including emergency and safety protocols

Supervisory Responsibilities None Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors Tools/Equipment Used: Standard instructional and office equipment, mobility aids, adaptive devices Posture: Frequent standing and walking; prolonged sitting; kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, lifting Motion: Regular movement; frequent physical assistance or prompts to students Lifting: Frequent light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds); Occasional heavy lifting (45 pounds or over) and positioning or students with physical disabilities, controlling behavior through physical restraint, assisting nonambulatory students, and lifting and moving adaptive and other classroom equipment Environment: Work inside and outside (exposure to sun, heat, cold, and inclement weather); exposure to noise; exposure to biological hazards (bacteria, communicable diseases); exposure to behavior challenges Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions and challenging students needs; maintain emotional control under stress; ability to safetly respond to student behavioral or physical needs This document describes the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.