Instructional Assistant Special Education MAAC Community Charter School

Under direction, assists in reinforcing instruction to individual and/or small groups of high school students with disabilities; assists students by modeling the necessary skills to perform assignments following educational and specific behavioral plans. Assists in the preparation of instructional materials and provides routine clerical support.

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this class.

• Tutors individual or small groups of students reinforcing instruction as directed by the teacher(s) and/or as described in the Individualized Educational Plan (IEP), monitors and provides oversight for student drills, practices and/or assignment in various subjects.
• Assists assigned teacher(s) with the preparation and implementation of lesson plans; assists in the administration of tests; grades student tests and assignments; records grades; maintains student files as assigned.
• Assists students in completing classroom assignments, homework, research and projects; assures student understanding of classroom rules and procedures.
• Monitors and assists individual and/or groups of students in a variety of settings (e.g. general education, classrooms, rest rooms, school-grounds, hallways, cafeteria, assemblies, field trips, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining a safe and positive learning environment.
• Performs a variety of clerical duties in support of classroom activities such as preparing, typing, duplicating and filing instructional materials; assists in monitoring student attendance.
• Reads age-appropriate stories to students; explains words and meanings; rephrases materials to enhance student understanding and provides similar learning examples.
• Provides classroom support to the teacher by setting up work areas and displays, distributing and collecting paper, supplies and materials; confers with teachers concerning lesson plans and materials to meet student needs.
• Observes and controls behavior of students in the classroom according to approved procedures.
• Operates a variety of classroom and office equipment including a computer, copier, paper cutter, laminator and audiovisual equipment; may operate power tools and/or shop machines.
• Assists in monitoring inventory levels of classroom supplies and equipment; assists in ordering, receiving and maintaining inventory of supplies and equipment.
• Assures the health and safety of students by following established practices and procedures; maintains learning environment in a safe, orderly and clean manner.
• Attends meetings as required and performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Youth guidance principles and practices for students with disabilities under an Individualized Educational Plan
• Instructional policies and procedures relating to students with disabilities.
• Safe practices in classroom and outdoors activities.
• Subjects taught in schools, including math, grammar, spelling, language and reading, Social Science and Science.
• Basic instructional methods and techniques.
• Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.
• Classroom procedures and appropriate student conduct.
• Operation of standard office and classroom equipment.
• Oral and written communication skills.
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
• Basic recordkeeping techniques.

Ability to:

• Assist with instruction and related activities in a classroom or assigned learning environment.
• Effectively work with emotionally, physically and/or mentally impaired students.
• Reinforce instruction to individual and/or small groups of students as directed by the Special Education Coordinator or teacher.
• Assist in the preparation of instructional materials.
• Understand and follow oral and written directions.
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Monitor, observe and report student behavior progress according to approved policies and procedures.
• Operate standard office and classroom equipment.
• Observe health and safety regulations.
• Perform clerical duties related to classroom activities.
• Maintain records and files.

• High School diploma or GED
• Two (2) years of experience working in special education or as a trainee in a special education classroom setting that includes hands-on activities preferred.
• Demonstrated experience with Microsoft Outlook including email, word processing, spreadsheet, database and other standard business software
• Twelve (12) completed units of college coursework (units in special education highly desirable)
• Bi-lingual Spanish/English (read, write, speak) highly desirable.

VALUE-BASED BEHAVIORS

Listens attentively to others. Asks clarifying questions to gain a better understanding of the other persons views and underlying assumptions
Works effectively in a team environment and actively participates in joint problem solving; willingly cooperates with co-workers
Identifies and takes advantage of opportunities for personal and professional development
Attends work consistently and punctually. Arrives to meetings prepared and on time; honors work commitments; follows through on what was agreed upon; meets deadlines
Honors the private and confidential matters of co-workers. Protects the proprietary information of MAAC systems
Follows rules, regulations, and policies; positively contributes to implementing changes
Deals with issues directly, in a respectful and timely manner. Focuses on resolving the issue while not criticizing the person. Follows rules, regulations, and policies; positively contributes to implementing changes

HEALTH STATUS

Must have a physical examination, TB clearance and a drug screen by a doctor/clinic designated by MAAC as well as immunization records for influenza*, pertussis and measles as required by state and federal regulations prior to the first day of employment.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this class, an employee is regularly required to stand, walk and sit, talk or hear both in person and by telephone, uses hands to finger, handle or feel objects or controls, reach with hands and arms. An employee also is regularly required to stoop, kneel, bend, crouch or crawl, climb or balance and lift up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, color vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Mental Demands

While performing the duties of this class, the employee is regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret information; analyze and solve problems; observe and interpret people and situations; use basic math; learn and apply new information or skills; work under intensive deadlines and interact with MAAC management, administrators, staff, teachers, parents, family members, children and others encountered in the course of work.

BACKGROUND CLEARANCE

All positions are subject to a background/education check, DMV check, NSOR, exclusion and debarment checks prior to hire and periodically throughout employment as required by various funding sources.

Note: California Start law requires background criminal checks on anyone who works in a licensed childcare facility who is not a client. Must have or obtain a current criminal background check clearance, signed criminal record statement, and signed Acknowledgement to Report Child Abuse form prior to the first day of employment.

TRANSPORTATION

Must have and maintain a valid California Drivers License, daily use of a personal, insured vehicle, and have and maintain a motor vehicle driving record acceptable to MAACs insurance carrier. Incumbents will be enrolled in the California DMV Pull Program.