Elementary Instructional Assistant-Adaptive Classroom

POSITION TITLE: Instructional Assistant – Adaptive Classroom
FLSA: Non-Exempt
REPORTS TO: School Principal
POSITION TYPE: Classified, Full-Time

Position Purpose

Under the direct supervision of a certified teacher, the Instructional Assistant provides instructional, behavioral, and personal care support to students with disabilities in a self-contained adaptive classroom. The position assists students with individualized learning activities, daily living skills, communication, and social development while promoting student independence, safety, and success in the educational environment.

Essential Job Functions

• Assists the classroom teacher in implementing instructional activities and individualized supports aligned with students' Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
• Works with students individually and in small groups to reinforce academic, functional, communication, and daily living skills.
• Provides assistance with personal care needs, which may include toileting, diapering, feeding, dressing, hygiene, and other activities of daily living.
• Supports students with mobility needs, positioning, and transitions throughout the school environment, using appropriate equipment and techniques as trained.
• Assists with implementing individualized behavior intervention plans and positive behavioral support strategies under the direction of certified staff.
• Supports students in developing communication, social interaction, self-regulation, and independence skills.
• Assists with classroom preparation, instructional materials, adaptive equipment, and assistive technology as needed.
• Observes and documents student progress, behaviors, and performance as directed by the classroom teacher.
• Provides supervision and assistance during classroom activities, meals, recess, transportation transitions, field trips, and other school-related activities.
• Maintains a safe, supportive, structured, and respectful learning environment that meets the diverse needs of students.
• Collaborates with teachers, related service providers, and other school personnel to support student learning and well-being.
• Maintains confidentiality of student information and follows all applicable school division policies, safety procedures, and special education requirements.

Additional Duties

• Assists with other student supervision and school-related responsibilities as assigned.
• Performs other related duties as assigned by the school principal or supervising teacher.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and implement strategies provided by certified staff.
• Ability to work effectively with students with a wide range of developmental, intellectual, physical, behavioral, and communication needs.
• Ability to demonstrate patience, compassion, flexibility, and professionalism when working with students requiring intensive support.
• Ability to assist students with personal care and activities of daily living while maintaining their dignity and privacy.
• Ability to respond appropriately to challenging behaviors and follow established behavioral and safety procedures.
• Ability to establish positive and cooperative relationships with students, staff, families, and other school personnel.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of student and employee information.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Willingness to participate in training related to special education, student safety, behavior management, personal care, and other assigned responsibilities.

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and perform other physical activities throughout the school day.
• Ability to provide physical assistance to students with mobility, positioning, and personal care needs, with appropriate training and equipment.
• Ability to respond promptly to student safety concerns and behavioral situations.
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors during student activities.
• Ability to perform essential job responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodation.

Qualifications Profile

Any combination of education and experience providing the required knowledge and skills for successful performance would be qualifying. Typical qualifications include:

• Associate degree preferred.
• Successful completion of 60 hours of college-level coursework or passing score on the ParaPro Assessment.
• Previous experience working with students with disabilities or individuals requiring specialized support preferred.
• Willingness to participate in division-provided training related to the responsibilities of the position.