SPECIAL EDUCATION AIDE
Location: Assigned School Building
Terms of Employment: Nine Months; Full-Time or Part-Time as Assigned
Reports To: Building Principal and/or Special Education Teacher
Salary Classification: As per Current Support Salary Schedule

PURPOSE

Under the direct supervision of certified staff, assists students with disabilities in achieving educational, behavioral, social, emotional, and functional goals within the classroom and school environment. Provides instructional, behavioral, and personal support to students individually and in small groups while helping maintain a safe, positive, and inclusive learning environment.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Assists students individually and in small groups with instructional activities in reading, writing, math, communication, social skills, and other academic areas.
• Reinforces instructional concepts and learning activities as directed by certified staff.
• Implements accommodations, modifications, behavior plans, and instructional strategies as directed through Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and/or behavior intervention plans.
• Assists students with organization, task completion, transitions, and daily classroom routines.
• Provides supervision and support to students in classrooms, hallways, playgrounds, cafeterias, buses, field trips, and other school settings as assigned.
• Assists students with behavioral, emotional, and social regulation while promoting positive interactions and appropriate social skills.
• Supports students with disabilities and special needs in maintaining safety, independence, and participation in educational activities.
• Assists certified staff in preparing instructional materials, classroom activities, visual supports, and adaptive materials.
• Assists with classroom management and helps maintain a safe, structured, and orderly learning environment.
• Assists with data collection, documentation, and record keeping related to student progress, behavior, attendance, and instructional support activities.
• Assists students with technology and computer-based learning activities.
• Maintains confidentiality regarding students, staff, and district information in accordance with district policy and federal/state regulations.
• Follows all applicable safety procedures, district policies, and regulations regarding student supervision and support.
• May assist students with personal care needs, mobility support, feeding, lifting, toileting, hygiene, and other physical assistance as required by student needs and assignment.
• Participates in required trainings and professional development activities.
• Accompanies students on field trips and school activities for supervision and support purposes.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

• Assists guidance counselors, pupil services staff, nursing staff, or building administration as needed.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all-inclusive of every task or responsibility.

EQUIPMENT

• Uses standard office and classroom equipment, including computers, copiers, adaptive equipment, and educational technology devices.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Ability to work effectively with students with varying educational, behavioral, emotional, and physical needs
• Team player with the ability to collaborate positively with staff, students, and families
• Ability to implement and follow school and district policies and procedures
• Demonstrates patience, empathy, flexibility, and professionalism
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times
• Ability to de-escalate behaviors and support positive student interactions
• Ability to follow student behavior plans and instructional directives
• Clear oral and written communication skills
• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• Ability to adapt to changing student and classroom needs
• Basic computer and technology skills
• Ability to model appropriate behavior, communication, and social skills for students

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS, WORK HAZARDS

• Works in standard classroom, school, and outdoor environments.
• May be required to assist with lifting, positioning, mobility, and physical support of students.
• May be exposed to challenging student behaviors, bodily fluids, and situations requiring crisis intervention.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, lift, and assist students throughout the workday.

Note: Also see the Summary of Physical, Sensory, and Environmental Requirements Needed to Perform Essential Functions for this position.

QUALIFICATIONS PROFILE

Any combination of education and experience providing the required skill and knowledge for successful performance would be qualifying. Typical qualifications would include:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required
• Successful completion of college-level coursework (48 credits) or passing score on the ParaPro Assessment preferred or required based on assignment
• Prior experience working with children or students with disabilities preferred
• CPR/First Aid certification may be required depending on assignment
• Ability to successfully complete district-required training programs

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt