Primary Purpose

Under the direction of the classroom teacher, support and implement an appropriate instructional program to

meet the individual needs of students with disabilities as identified through the Individualized Education Program

(IEP) process. Assist with reinforcing lessons, self-help, behavior management, and personal care needs of the student.  Work under general supervision of the principal and immediate direction of a certified teacher.

 

Minimum Qualifications 

Education/Certificate

• High School diploma or GED (Recognized by the Texas Education Agency or Regional Accrediting Agency)
• Valid Texas Educational Aide certificate
• NCLB Certification Required 
• Crisis Prevention & Intervention certified (CPI), obtain within the first 90 days
• Candidates must have a satisfactory outcome of fingerprinting background check. Non-refundable fee (approximately $50) paid by employee.

 

Knowledge/Skills

• Ability to work with children with disabilities
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to work collaboratively with students, parents, and other staff members
• Knowledge of general office equipment
• Proficient skills in organization, typing, file maintenance, computers, and software programs, including word processing, spreadsheet, database and graphics

 

Experience

• Experience working with children

 

Major Responsibilities and Duties

(The following statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned and should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions that may be assigned or skills that may be required.)

Professionalism 

The Educators' Code of Ethics is set forth in the Texas Administrative Code to provide rules for standard practices and ethical conduct toward students, professional colleagues, school officials, parents, and members of the community.

• Rule §247.1 Purpose and Scope; Definitions 
• Rule §247.2 Code of Ethics and Standard Practices for Texas Educators 

Instructional Management

The aide promotes improvement of instruction through activities such as the following:

• Work with individual students or small student groups to conduct instructional activities and develop academic skills as outlined by the teacher.
• Assist the teacher in preparing instructional materials, paperwork, and classroom displays.
• Provide orientation and assistance to substitute teachers.
• Assist teachers in implementing program objectives that support developmental, behavioral and academic student performance. 
• Keep teacher(s) informed of unique needs or problems of individual students.
• Assume responsibility for learning and adapting to each student’s independent medical, physical, communicative, mental, and emotional needs.
• Work with individual students or small groups to develop motor skills and conduct instructional exercises assigned by the classroom teacher.
• Maintain appropriate documentation related to personal care services and student goals. Enter documentation as required for School Health and Related Services (SHARS) reimbursement

 

Classroom Management and Organization Improvement 

The aide works to improve the classroom, school or organization through activities such as the following: 

• Help with inventory, care, and maintenance of equipment.
• Help the teacher with maintaining daily documentation on instruction and/or behavior, collect data on student academic and behavioral progress, and perform clerical functions.
• Assist in managing student behavior, including crisis intervention, physical management of disruptive students and inappropriate behaviors, as needed.
• Assist with maintaining a safe, neat and orderly classroom.
• Monitor special education students to ensure a safe and positive learning environment (e.g. lunch, playground/outside, special areas, restroom, hallways, field trips).   

 

Communication and Community Relations

The aide works to promote a positive tone for school or community relations through activities such as the following:

• Be a positive role model for students, support the mission of the District.

• Maintain a professional relationship with colleagues, students, parents, and community members.
• Use effective communication skills to present information accurately and clearly.   
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Flexibility to work with diverse students and staff
• Follow the proper communication procedure to report student, parent, or teacher concerns.

Professional Growth and Development

The aide participates in professional growth and development through activities such as the following:

• Participate in staff development training programs, faculty meetings, and special events as assigned.

           

Qualities of an Effective Aide

The aide exhibits qualities such as the following:

• Daily attendance and punctuality at work are essential functions of the job.
• Keep informed of and comply with state, District, and school regulations and policies for classroom teachers.
• Compile, maintain, and file reports, records, and other documents as required.
• Shall comply with District policies, as well as state and federal laws and regulations.
• Shall comply with the standards of conduct set out in Board Policy DH (Legal) and (Local) and with any other policies, regulations, and guidelines that impose duties, requirements, and standards.
• Maintain confidentiality.

Supervisory Responsibilities

 

• None

 

Equipment

Wheelchair lift, ramp, computer, computer software programs and peripherals, teacher resource materials and audiovisual equipment, adaptive equipment, oxygen gauges, laminating machine, printer, copier, fax and other equipment applicable to the position.

 

Working Conditions

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors

• Maintain emotional control under stress.
• Work with frequent interruptions.
• Frequent walking, standing, stooping, bending, pulling and pushing, lifting, and carrying (may lift and move textbooks and classroom equipment).
• May be required under specific circumstances to provide physical restraint of students in danger of causing harm to themselves or others.
• Occasional district wide and statewide travel.
• Use a computer for prolonged periods resulting in repetitive hand motion.
• Frequent exposure to: temperature extremes (hot and cold), humidity extremes, noise, low or intense illumination vibration. 
• Occasional exposure to: biological hazards (communicable diseases, bacteria, etc.), work outside, work around moving objects or vehicles, work on uneven surfaces.
• This program may require feeding, diapering, and caring of severely handicapped students.

 

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.