Special Education Associate- Preschool

Position Title:  Special Education Aide/Associate FLSA Status: Non-Exempt (Preschool)

Status:  Hourly- 7:45-12:00

Reports to the Building Principal and Special Education Teacher

POSITION PURPOSE

The special education aide/associate, in collaboration with, and under the guidance of, general and special education teachers, provides the necessary assistance to students with individual education plans (IEP).  This will be done to support the student's academic, emotional, and social development in the school setting as well as outside the school setting. 

PERFORMANCE ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Support and assist the instructor in executing the educational, social, and/or behavioral goals specified in the student's Individual Educational Plan (IEP).
• Perform clerical tasks such as filing and maintaining student records.
• Given proper training, assist with administering, scoring, and recording progress monitoring data.
• Given proper training, regularly and accurately record required data for Medicaid.
• Assist special education teacher in developing alternative forms of assessment when specified in the student's IEP.
• With direction from special education /general education teacher, review and reinforce a lesson for an individual student, or small group of students.
• Supervise students in the lunchroom, restrooms, halls, playground, and other areas, including school vehicles, as requested.
• Monitor and assist in assignment completion as established by a student's IEP (break down the components of an assignment/project).
• Assist with health care needs such as feeding and personal hygiene as established by the student's IEP.
• Participate in professional training and skill development opportunities as requested or students' needs warrant.
• Given proper training, successfully support a student's use of assistive technology devices.
• Attend IEP meetings as requested.
• Communicate with parents using an agreed-upon system (email, log, phone, etc.) under the direction of the special education/general classroom teacher.
• Discuss, review, and model appropriate social skills with all students.
• Take notes during class to supplement those taken by the student(s).
• Ensure that students are on task during class.
• When required by the student's IEP, read test questions aloud to them.
• Assist students in reviewing and practicing their organizational skills.
• Help students review for tests and quizzes as directed by the teacher.
• Demonstrate patience with students; utilizing firmness, friendliness, and fairness.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding ALL students and staff.
• Know emergency procedures for the building and classrooms within which you work, as well as those specified in the student's IEP.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Excellent human relations skills.  Has necessary verbal and written communication skills. Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.  Ability to relate positively with students, staff, parents, and the community.  Ability to effectively monitor, evaluate, and develop students.  

PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND VISUAL EFFORT

Continuous speaking, hearing, and visual effort.  Frequent walking, sitting, standing, and reaching.  Occasional climbing.  A high degree of concentration requires continuous and often intense mental and visual attention.  Numerous irregularities and complicated and complex tasks are involved.  Mobility required.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is primarily performed in a classroom environment, and may include playground supervision and working with students in other settings.  Occasionally exposed to dust, noise, odors, and other irritants.  Stress associated with work pace and pressure.  Work involves regular hours and days as set forth by the Board-approved calendar.  

The Gilbert Community School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  It is the policy of the Gilbert Community School District not to illegally discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, creed, age (for employment), marital status (for programs), sexual orientation, gender identity, and socioeconomic status (for programs) in its educational programs and its employment practices.  There is a grievance procedure for processing complaints of discrimination.

The statements contained herein describe the scope of the responsibility and essential functions of this position, but should not be considered to be an all-inclusive listing of work requirements.  Individuals may perform other duties as assigned.  Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time unless restricted by a negotiated contract.