What are the responsibilities and job description for the EC Teacher Assistant position at W.A. Young Elementary School?
EC Teacher Assistant
Location: WA Young Elementary School
Posting Start Date: 7/6/2026
Closing Date: The position is open til filled.
Contact Person: Melissa Street-Principal
Contact Number: 828-584-0632
SUMMARY: An Exceptional Children Instructional Assistant assists the classroom teacher in every area necessary to provide support, instruction, and supervision for students with special needs.
RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES:
1. Performs a wide range of tasks to support the efforts of the teacher, meet the needs of all students, and ensure the provision of quality instruction for all students.
2. Performs, under general supervision, a variety of technical and clerical tasks in assisting the teacher.
3. Stays abreast of activities performed by the teacher, daily routines of the classroom, student handbook rules, handbook of Parents’ Rights, and procedures to follow in the event of an emergency.
4 . Obtains and maintains certification in Nonviolent Crisis Intervention and additional trainings and Professional Learning Communities as outlined by EC Central Services and the building administrator.
5. Participates in professional learning to assure implementation of: adapting instruction, use of equipment and tools for students with disabilities; confidentiality regulations; principles of organization and administration of the school district; curriculum for the grade/age of the children with which the assistant is assigned to work; evidence-based practices for teaching students with disabilities; research-based curricula.
8. Under the supervision of the teacher, provides direct and indirect instruction to students; assists students with becoming increasingly independent.
9. Provides supervision of student(s), ensuring the safety and well-being of students; implements the use of positive reinforcement procedures to teach and reinforce appropriate behaviors.
10. Collects data on student performance under the direction of the teacher.
11. Performs various clerical duties as needed, maintains records of student progress; develops and files incident reports; grades student papers and scores tests; checks daily attendance; makes copies; develops classroom display and instructional materials; maintains and operates audiovisual equipment; orders supplies; maintains class files, etc. 12. Assists with the delivery of specialized services for students in need daily living skills and self-care skills; includes but is not limited to tube feeding, catheterization, toileting, changing diapers, lifting, pushing wheelchairs, use of other adapted equipment; and other necessary and appropriate medical procedures under the training and supervision of the school nurse and/or classroom teacher.
13. Administers medication, when trained, and monitors special diets.
14. Performs general housekeeping duties; sets up a variety of equipment each morning; puts equipment away at the end of the day; washes mats, toys, equipment, etc. with appropriate cleaning supplies; performs simple repairs and maintenance related to student and school equipment.
15. Accepts possible exposure to blood-borne pathogens and other bodily fluids and may be required to wear personal protective equipment such as latex gloves.
26. PreK: May work with EC Specialized Programs as follows: accompany classes on field trips; assist with physical education class; assist with the instruction of emergency procedures; perform lunch, bus, hall duty, etc.; keep abreast of and adhere to child care licensure and sanitation rules and regulations.
MINIMUM EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND REQUIREMENTS: Associate's degree; in combination with the training and experience to demonstrate the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to do this job effectively. Must meet paraprofessional requirements under No Child Left Behind; required. Must become initially certified in a Crisis Intervention Program and any other specific program to be determined by the BCPS Exceptional Children’s Department, as well as maintain that certification through the proper renewal process (adhering to all timelines).
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
1. Ability to work independently and efficiently, including the ability to research and gather information from varied sources.
2. Working knowledge and proficient level of experience with Microsoft Office programs such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
3. Ability to learn, interpret,t and explain departmental and systems procedures and policies. 4. Ability to walk, lift, reach, stoop, stand, grasp, kneel, crouch, and key requiring repetitive Motions; Lift students of various weights independently and with shared responsibility.
5. Ability to communicate effectively; possess excellent oral and written communication skills (grammar, spelling, etc).
6. Operate/use a variety of automated office machines and other office equipment.
7. Safely work in situations of exposure to blood-borne pathogens, which may require specialized personal protective equipment.
8. Establish positive relationships with students.
9. Perform under stress, deal with persons acting under stress, and adapt when confronted with emergencies.
10. Apt to teach or assist in providing instruction.
11. Familiar with best practices in working with students with disabilities.
12. Ability to relate well to diverse groups of people.
13. Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
14. Ability to prepare, read, and comprehend a variety of job-related forms, reports, spreadsheets, maps, plans, records, documentation, etc.
15. Apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
16. Apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral,l or diagrammatic form.
17. Perform under stress; deal with persons acting under stress and adapt when confronted with emergencies.
18. Be aware of cultural differences among individuals and groups of persons.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Work in this classification is considered light physical work requiring the exertion of up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to move objects.