Special Education Teaching Assistant

Department: Student Services/Schools

FLSA Status (Exempt/Non-exempt) : Non-Exempt; Unit C

Reports to: Principal or other

In compliance with state and federal laws, newton public schools is committed to equity, anti-racism and a nondiscrimination policy for students, employees and prospective applicants. All educational and employment determinations are based on an individual’s qualifications and achievements without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, pregnancy, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, ancestry, homelessness, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by state and/or federal statute.

SUMMARY: Provides a variety of generalized support services to students and schools.

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

• Childcare or working with children in a daycare setting or children/young adults in a school setting or recreation setting is preferred. Classes in education, special education, psychology or related fields is preferred. Written language, technology skill and interpersonal communication skill to support communication among team members, with community contacts, school staff and parents is required.
• Associate’s degree or minimum of 48 college credit hours (classes in education, special education, psychology or a related field preferred). Successful completion of ParaPro Assessment may be substituted for educational requirements. Bachelor’s degree in education, special education, psychology or other related field preferred.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities (Not Limited To):

• Assist the classroom teacher to include the student in all aspects of the school day
• Implement academic and social programming and strategies as developed by the team
• Implement accommodations and modifications as outlined on the IEP and developed by the team
• Implement behavior plans as developed by the team
• Assist in data collection
• Promote social interactions throughout the day
• Support students with adapted living skills such as toileting, feeding, dressing etc. as needed
• Communicate on a regular basis with the family or as directed by the school team
• Maintain confidentiality about all personal information regarding the student, programming and family
• Assist in all aspects of the school day whether or not such aspects directly pertain to the individual student, this includes supervision at recess, lunch or
• other “duties”
• May be expected to provide substitute educator services
• May be expected to attend trainings related to position
• Consistent, reliable and punctual attendance is essential for supervision and instruction of the students
• Responsible for implementing “other job related duties” as needed

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

Work Environment:

• Ability to physically support students who utilize specialized equipment such as standers, wheelchairs, supportive seating etc.
• Ability to physically respond to students who are physically unsafe and use physical restraints as part of a de-escalation process (verbal de-escalation is preferred).
• Ability to physically respond to students who have bolted from the building.
• Ability to physically maintain a safe learning environment, including moving furniture in response to a crisis situation.

Physical Requirements:

• Regularly required to lift and/or move objects weighing up to 25 pounds.