Special Education Instructional Assistant

Position Title: Special Education Instructional Assistant FLSA Status: Exempt Position Purpose: The Special Education Instructional Assistant provides individualized support to a specific student to ensure access to instruction, the Montessori environment, and the broader school community. This role supports the student’s academic, social, behavioral, and developmental needs as directed by the Special Education Teacher and classroom Lead Teacher. The Special Education Instructional Assistant promotes student independence and gradually reduces support when appropriate, ensuring the student can fully engage in the learning environment over time. Core Responsibilities: Student Support and Access: The Special Education Instructional Assistant will: * Provide individualized support to a designated student throughout the school day as assigned * Support the student in accessing classroom instruction, materials, and routines * Implement accommodations and modifications as directed by the Special Education Teacher and Lead Teacher * Assist the student in initiating, sustaining, and completing work tasks * Support transitions, organization, and engagement in the Montessori work cycle * Reinforce strategies that promote independence, self-regulation, and self-advocacy * Balance support with appropriate fading to avoid over-dependence Behavioral and Social-Emotional Support: The Special Education Instructional Assistant will: * Implement behavior support plans as designed by the Special Education Teacher or school team * Support the student in developing social skills and appropriate peer interactions * Use consistent, proactive strategies to support emotional regulation * Reinforce grace and courtesy and classroom/community expectations * Monitor and respond to student needs in a calm, consistent, and supportive manner Collaboration and Communication: The Special Education Instructional Assistant will: * Work closely with the Lead Teacher and Special Education Teacher to ensure alignment of support * Follow direction from instructional staff regarding student goals, strategies, and expectations * Communicate regularly with teachers about student progress, needs, and observations * Participate in team meetings as appropriate Data Collection and Documentation: The Special Education Instructional Assistant will: * Collect data on student behavior, engagement, and progress as directed * Maintain accurate and organized records * Share observations that inform instructional and support decisions Classroom and Environment Support (as appropriate): The Special Education Instructional Assistant will: * Support the student’s participation in the prepared Montessori environment * Assist with maintaining organization and accessibility of materials for the student * Provide limited classroom support when it directly relates to supporting the assigned student Professional Practice and Responsibilities: The Special Education Instructional Assistant will: * Maintain confidentiality regarding student information * Engage in training related to student needs, behavior support, and instructional strategies * Follow all school policies, procedures, and professional expectations * Maintain consistent attendance and reliability * Demonstrate flexibility and responsiveness to student and classroom needs Essential Functions: The essential functions of the Special Education Instructional Assistant position include, but are not limited to: * Providing individualized student support throughout the school day as directed by instructional and student support staff * Supporting student access to instruction, classroom routines, transitions, and the Montessori learning environment * Implementing instructional accommodations, behavioral strategies, and support plans with consistency and fidelity * Promoting student independence, self-regulation, and engagement while avoiding over-dependence on adult support * Supervising and supporting students across classroom, lunch, recess, arrival/dismissal, and other school settings as assigned * Collecting and documenting student data, observations, and progress information as directed * Collaborating effectively with teachers, related service providers, and school staff regarding student support needs * Responding calmly, consistently, and appropriately to behavioral, emotional, or safety concerns * Communicating professionally and maintaining confidentiality regarding student information * Managing multiple responsibilities and responding flexibly to changing student and classroom needs * Performing duties that require frequent standing, walking, bending, lifting classroom materials, and active engagement with students throughout the school day * Regular and reliable attendance Performance Expectations: Performance will be evaluated based on: Student Support and Independence * Effectiveness in supporting student access to learning * Promotion of student independence and reduction of over-reliance Implementation of Plans * Fidelity in implementing instructional, behavioral, and support plans Collaboration and Communication * Responsiveness to direction from teachers * Quality of communication and teamwork Professional Responsibilities * Reliability, consistency, confidentiality, and professionalism Qualifications: * High school diploma required; associate’s or bachelor’s degree preferred * Experience working with children, particularly students with diverse learning or behavioral needs * Ability to follow direction and implement instructional and behavioral strategies * Strong interpersonal and communication skills * Patience, consistency, and a calm demeanor Key Competencies: * Ability to build supportive, trusting relationships with students * Skill in promoting independence while providing appropriate support * Consistency in implementing routines and strategies * Strong observation and attention to detail * Flexibility and responsiveness * Professionalism and discretion