CLASS TITLE: INSTRUCTIONAL ASSISTANT SPECIAL EDUCATION

RCSD takes pride in our dedicated workforce and strong connection with our students, families, and community. Our highly dedicated and skilled team of professionals provides a safe and supportive, inspirational and rigorous, joyful and inclusive environment for all learners. We are looking to build our workforce with a staff who share this vision and want to instill passion in learning emphasizing student strengths and gifts for all learners: all abilities, all ethnicities and cultural identities, LGBTQ+ youth, and multilingual learners.

BASIC FUNCTION:

Under the direction of an assigned supervisor, perform a variety of instructional tasks in support of a special education classroom of students with emotional, educational, physical and/or behavioral problems; assist the teacher by performing a variety of clerical duties related to special education programs; assist in monitoring and responding to students with special needs.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:

Assist in the instruction of students with emotional, educational, physical and/or behavioral problems; maintain sensitivity to learning difficulties encountered by students with special needs.

Assist a certificated teacher by providing individual assistance to students in academic areas; work with small groups of students to reinforce instruction provided by the teacher.

Assist in the review of student history and in the review of individual education plans as directed; review daily lesson plan with instructional personnel.

Assist in the development and presentation of learning materials and instructional exercises; assist in compliance with established timelines and activities related to the master plan.

Assist students with activities for the development of small muscles and eye-hand coordination and deficiencies; lead activities designed to help students achieve motor control and body awareness.

Observe behavior of students to assure safety; assist in resolving student disputes; assist in the development and management of appropriate student behavior using positive reinforcement techniques.

Set up work areas and prepare areas for reading, crafts and other activities; set up exhibits, displays, collections and bulletin boards.

Order and operate a variety of instructional and audio-visual equipment as required; operate copiers, computers, typewriter and general office machines as needed.

Maintain routine records related to student work and classroom activities; grade tests and check student test corrections; maintain confidentially of student records according to established policies and guidelines.

Assist in performing clerical tasks such as typing, duplicating, filing and taking attendance; distribute and account for an inventory of textbooks, supplies and equipment.

Accompany mainstreamed students to regular classrooms as assigned; provide individual instructional assistance.

Monitor children on the playground, on educational field trips and during lunch time; monitor students getting on and off school buses as assigned; assist in planning and arranging field trips and special activities and transport children on field trips as assigned.

Confer with teachers concerning programs and materials to meet students’ needs as necessary; administer and score classroom tests as assigned.

Attend staff meetings and in-service programs as required; attend meetings related to curriculum or student issues as needed.

Translate oral and written communications between teacher, child, parents and district personnel as needed.

Perform first aid in emergency situations according to established guidelines; observe health and safety rules and procedures.

Perform related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

General needs and behavior of children.

Basic subjects taught in district schools including math, reading, writing, grammar, and spelling.

Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.

Correct oral and written usage of English and a designated second language as required.

Safe practices in classroom activities.

Classroom procedures and appropriate student conduct.

Problems and concerns of students with special emotional, educational, physical and/or behavioral needs.

Basic instructional methods and techniques.

Basic student behavior management and modification techniques and principles.

Operation of standard office equipment including computers.

Basic record-keeping techniques.

ABILITY TO:

Reinforce instruction to individual or small groups of special education students as directed by the teacher.

Learn and apply curriculum content and objectives to students with special needs.

Work effectively with handicapped students earning their confidence and trust.

Assist with instruction and related activities in a classroom or assigned learning environment.

Implement teacher-directed activities thoroughly.

Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.

Maintain classroom and playground area in a safe, clean and orderly condition.

Perform clerical duties including typing and preparing and maintaining routine records.

Observe health and safety regulations.

Perform first aid according to established procedures and guidelines.

Demonstrate an understanding, patient and receptive attitude towards children.

Learn indoor and outdoor recreational activities suitable for learning handicapped students.

Learn and apply basic first aid techniques and practices.

Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with children and adults.

Perform routine clerical tasks.

Operate standard office machines and equipment.

Understand and follow oral and written directions.

Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Read, write, translate and interpret English and a designated second language as required.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Any combination equivalent to: graduation from high school and one year of experience working with children in an organized setting.

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Some positions in this classification may require a valid California driver's license, evidence of appropriate automobile insurance based on DMV regulations and insurable by the District liability insurance carrier; standard First Aid Certificate must be obtained within the probationary period; some positions in this classification may be required to speak a second designated language.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The Redwood City School District (RCSD) is an equal-opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship. RCSD makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.

The Redwood City School District seeks to employ individuals who represent the rich diversity of cultures, language groups, and abilities of its surrounding communities.