Instructional Aides - Elementary Level

TITLE: Instructional AideSUMMARY: Reporting to the Building Principal and/or the Assistant Superintendent/Director of Student Services, the Instructional Assistant provides instructional, behavioral, social-emotional, functional, and personal care support to students under the direction of licensed staff. The Instructional Assistant assists in implementing instructional programs and individualized student supports while fostering student independence, engagement, and success across educational settings.ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The Instructional Assistant shall: Maintain the highest standards of professionalism, ethical conduct, and confidentiality in accordance with district policies, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and other applicable state and federal laws. Work under the direction and supervision of licensed instructional staff to support the academic, behavioral, social-emotional, communication, functional, and physical needs of students. Provide instructional support to students individually, in small groups, and within whole-class settings to reinforce teacher-directed instruction and promote student engagement and independence.

Assist in implementing teacher-developed lesson plans, instructional activities, accommodations, modifications, interventions, and assessments. Support the implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), Section 504 Plans, behavior support plans, health care plans, communication plans, and other individualized student supports, as assigned. Collect and document academic, behavioral, functional, and other student performance data to support instructional decision-making and progress monitoring. Implement positive behavioral interventions and supports using district-approved practices and individualized behavior intervention plans.

Promote student independence by providing the least restrictive level of assistance necessary while encouraging self-advocacy, problem-solving, and age-appropriate independence. Support students in developing academic, communication, executive functioning, social-emotional, behavioral, vocational, functional, and daily living skills appropriate to their individual educational programs. Assist students during instructional and non-instructional activities, including arrival and dismissal, transitions, lunch, recess, specials, field trips, community-based instruction, vocational experiences, extracurricular activities, and other school-sponsored events. Assist with classroom organization, preparation of instructional materials, classroom housekeeping, inventory of supplies, and maintenance of a safe, organized, and engaging learning environment.

Utilize instructional technology, assistive technology, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems, adaptive equipment, and other specialized materials to support student access to instruction. Assist students with activities of daily living (ADLs), including toileting, feeding, dressing, hygiene, mobility, positioning, transfers, and other personal care needs, as assigned and following appropriate training, while maintaining student dignity, privacy, and safety. Implement health, safety, medical, and emergency procedures as directed, including universal precautions and other district protocols. Successfully complete required district training, including but not limited to physical restraint, de-escalation, safety procedures, mandated reporting, and other required professional development based on assignment.

Utilize approved crisis prevention and intervention techniques, including physical restraint when necessary, appropriately trained, and in accordance with district policy and applicable state regulations. Establish and maintain positive, respectful, and collaborative working relationships with students, families, colleagues, administrators, and related service providers. Participate in team meetings, professional development, and other assigned school activities. Perform other duties as assigned by the supervising administrator that are consistent with the responsibilities of the position.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Education and ExperienceAssociate's degree or evidence of meeting the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Highly Qualified requirements required; bachelor's degree preferred.

Minimum of two (2) years of experience working with children required. Post-secondary training and experience working in an educational setting with students of varying abilities strongly preferred. Successful completion of Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI), Safety-Care, or other district-approved physical restraint training may be required based on assignmentKnowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesThe Instructional Assistant shall demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and abilities: Knowledge Child development and the educational, behavioral, communication, social-emotional, and physical needs of students with disabilities and diverse learning needs. Curriculum expectations and instructional practices appropriate to assigned students.

Computer applications, educational software, and assistive technology used to support student learning. Safe operation of school equipment, including but not limited to office equipment, Hoyer lifts, mobility devices, adaptive equipment, and other assistive devices, as assigned. District policies, procedures, and applicable confidentiality requirements. Skills Effective interpersonal communication using tact, patience, professionalism, and courtesy.

Organization and time management to prioritize responsibilities and meet deadlines. Supporting instructional, behavioral, functional, and social-emotional programming under the direction of licensed staff. Maintaining accurate records and documentation, as assigned. Abilities Communicate effectively with students, families, teachers, administrators, and other school personnel.

Establish and maintain cooperative, productive, flexible, and professional working relationships. Understand and carry out oral and written directions. Exercise sound judgment and solve practical problems within the scope of the position. Maintain confidentiality of student information in accordance with district policy and applicable state and federal laws.

Demonstrate professionalism through reliable attendance, appropriate work attire, ethical conduct, and sound decision-making. Read, write, speak, and understand English. Demonstrate basic reading, writing, mathematics, and computer skills. Actively engage in instructional and recreational activities with students, including sitting, standing, walking, bending, kneeling, reaching, lifting, and working at a student's level throughout the school day.

Safely assist students with mobility, transfers, positioning, personal care, and activities of daily living, as assigned and following appropriate training.PHYSICAL DEMANDS: While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to remain in a stationary position for extended periods; move or lift up to 30 lbs.; and position oneself to enable assisting special needs students. Accommodations may be made for an individual with disabilities to perform the functions. WORK ENVIRONMENT: This job is performed in a generally clean and healthy indoor school classroom environment.The essential duties and responsibilities listed are intended only as an illustration of the type of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if work is similar, related, or a logical assignment of the position.