Aide Spec Ed - ECSE GR

Job Overview
The Aide Special Education ECSE (Early Childhood Special Education), will provide direct support/services to students with disabilities in a variety of educational settings in order to access the curriculum in the students' least restrictive environment. The incumbent will assist teacher and staff in performing a variety of tasks by implementing and/or documenting the student's Individualized Education Plan, including academics, behavior, communication, social and personal care skills. The incumbent will maintain an environment that is safe and engaging for all students. The Preschool Programs for Children with Disabilities (PPCD) include a range of services available for children who are ages 3-5. The PPCD program generally serves students with significant cognitive, behavioral, communication and/or physical disabilities. The students may require full assistance to care for their daily needs.

Position Description

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Service Delivery

• Interact with students in a variety of settings to ensure student safety and engagement (e.g., hallways, classroom, restroom, playground, arrival / departure)
• Assist with classroom management by maintaining alert attention regarding supervision of students at all times in a variety of settings
• Execute behavioral strategies as identified by the teacher based upon ARD documents (e.g., reinforcements, consequences, contingencies)
• Intervene using a continuum of behavior intervention strategies, up to and including approved physical restraint when student is in danger of harming self or others
• Implement academic/functional lessons under the guidance and direction of the teacher in a variety of settings (e.g., large group, small group, or independent practice)
• Assist students with personal care services (e.g., feeding, cleaning, dressing, lifting, positioning, transitioning, toileting, changing) - may be more than 50% of the work day
• Under the supervision of the nurse and classroom teacher, provide school health services such as G-tube feedings, administering medications, etc.

Compliance

• Record service implementation on approved logs (e.g., inclusive support logs, accommodation logs)
• Routinely collect data on IEP targets and behavior (skills development and mastery) in collaboration with the teacher
• Maintain confidentiality of student information

Teacher Support

• Prepare instructional materials under the guidance and direction of the teacher
• Perform other duties as assigned

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None

Qualification Requirements
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each of the above essential duties satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities, required unless otherwise stated as preferred. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essentials functions.

• Minimum of 48 college hours or passing score on the Para Professional Assessment of Knowledge and Skills Test
• Texas Educational Aide Certification Obtain within 10 days of hire
• De-Escalation/Restraint Certification Obtain within 30 days of hire (district-provided training)
• Proficient in using Windows Operating System as well as Microsoft Office applications (Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)
• Ability to effectively communicate information and ideas both verbally and in writing

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions
The work environment characteristics and physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work is performed in classrooms, offices, work stations and meeting rooms.
The position requires occasional walking, standing, sitting, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and lifting/carrying work related items weighing less than 40 pounds, such as books, papers and presentation materials. The employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus. Attendance at conferences and professional development is required. Work involves everyday risks and discomforts which require normal safety precautions when operating equipment or performing job duties. May work prolonged or irregular hours and must be able to maintain emotional control under stress.
Additional Information

• Work is performed in the classroom, community setting, offices, work stations, and meeting rooms. The employee will be required to work outside up to 25% of the time and will be exposed to the elements and inclement weather. The position requires lifting and positioning students, controlling certain behaviors through hands-on behavior intervention strategies and approved physical restraint strategies. Paraprofessionals are expected to intervene with students' behavior, which can include aggression, self-injurious, disruptive, and self-stimulatory behaviors. Work involves everyday risks and discomforts which require normal safety precautions when operating equipment or performing job duties, as well as potential exposure to bodily fluids and frequent childhood, pre-teen, and teen illnesses.
• This position is funded by grant funds. This position may be discontinued if grant funds are no longer available.