Exceptional Children (EC) Teacher Assistant

Location: Avery High School (Extended Content Classroom)

Reports To: Principal, EC Director

Position Overview

Avery County Schools is seeking a dedicated, compassionate, and student-centered Exceptional Children (EC) Teacher Assistant to support students with disabilities in both instructional and functional settings. The EC Teacher Assistant works closely with the classroom teacher and other school staff to provide academic, behavioral, communication, social-emotional, and personal care support to students.

The ideal candidate will be flexible, collaborative, and committed to helping students achieve independence and success within the least restrictive environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Student Support

• Assist students individually and in small groups with academic tasks and instructional activities.
• Reinforce teacher-directed instruction and provide additional support to help students access the curriculum.
• Support students in developing independence, communication, social skills, and daily living skills.
• Monitor student behavior and implement behavior support strategies as directed by the teacher.
• Assist with crisis prevention and intervention strategies as needed.
• Maintain student safety and supervision throughout the school day.
• Support students during classroom activities, transitions, lunch, recess, field trips, and school events.

Personal Care and Physical Assistance

• Assist students with toileting, feeding, dressing, hygiene, and other personal care needs as required.
• Safely lift, transfer, reposition, move, and assist students with mobility needs.
• Assist with wheelchair transportation, adaptive equipment, and physical support during instructional activities.
• Participate in required training related to lifting, transferring, and student safety procedures.

Classroom Support

• Assist teachers with preparing instructional materials and classroom activities.
• Collect and maintain student data, progress monitoring information, and required documentation.
• Assist with classroom organization, housekeeping, and maintaining instructional materials.
• Prepare copies, organize files, maintain records, and support other clerical duties as assigned.
• Support implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), accommodations, and modifications.

Professional Responsibilities

• Maintain confidentiality of student information.
• Work positively and collaboratively with teachers, administrators, therapists, and families.
• Participate in staff meetings, professional development, and required trainings.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the director, principal, or supervising teacher.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet one of the following requirements:

• Associate's Degree or higher; OR
• Completion of at least 48 semester hours of college coursework; OR
• Successful completion of the WorkKeys Skills Assessment and 96 hours of approved professional development coursework.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with children or students with disabilities.
• Experience supporting students with behavioral, communication, or adaptive needs.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a collaborative team.

Physical Requirements

The position requires the ability to:

• Frequently stand, walk, bend, stoop, and move throughout the school day.
• Lift, carry, push, pull, transfer, and reposition students as needed.
• Assist students with mobility and personal care tasks.
• Operate classroom technology and instructional equipment.
• Respond appropriately and safely in emergency situations.
• Perform duties requiring moderate physical activity throughout the workday.