2024-25 Classroom Assistant Elementary Special Ed - Deaf and Hard of Hearing

ROLE AND PURPOSE :

To assist in the implementation of services for each student in the Regional Day School Program for the Deaf (RDSPD). The Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) Classroom Assistant will provide support for the physical and instructional needs of the students in the special education and general education setting.

They will assist in the implementation of self-advocacy, behavior management, and the re-teaching of instruction. The DHH TA will work under the general supervision of the campus principal and RDSPD Coordinator and the immediate direction of a certified teacher of the deaf.

QUALIFICATIONS :

Education / Certification :

High School Diploma from an accredited institution

Experience :

• Sign Language; preferred
• School-based experience preferred
• Valid driver's license preferred

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES :

INSTRUCTIONAL MANAGEMENT

• Must attend regular professional development in regards to sign language and show growth in skills each year.
• Facilitate communication for students who are deaf and hard of hearing in the general education setting or in a special education / RDSPD setting.
• Take initiative to assist the teacher of the deaf and other colleagues with classroom instruction and management activities, including but not limited to : one-to-one and small group instruction, classroom organization, transitions, routines, behavior shaping, communication, and assistive technology.
• Provide and appropriately document assistance to students requiring health related services and supports such as, transitioning, feeding, toileting, hygiene or other health related needs, while maintaining student dignity and safety.
• Takes initiative and looks for opportunities to assist.
• Check amplification, (hearing aids, batteries, cochlear implants) daily and assist students with putting on equipment.
• Deliver teacher determined support and services in assigned instructional setting or class
• Perform designated data keeping and / or instructional preparation tasks

SCHOOL / ORGANIZATION CLIMATE

• Work cooperatively with principal, RDSPD coordinator, RDSPD teachers, therapists, and general education teachers to insure the success and safety of the students.
• Participate in specialized training to improve skills needed to successfully complete responsibilities for the Regional Day School Program for the Deaf.
• Maintain structured classroom routines when teacher is present, out of classroom or when working with substitute teacher.

SCHOOL / ORGANIZATIONAL IMPROVEMENT

• Follow established schedule - with the RDSPD Coordinator's approval. The assistant then works under the direction of the RDSPD teacher responsible for the instructional block of time.
• Interact with students professionally, calmly, and intentionally using language for teaching, communicating effectively, and behavior shaping

ADMINISTRATION AND FISCAL / FACILITIES MANAGEMENT

• Operate copy and laminating machines, computer, and audio-visual equipment
• Maintain classroom organization and cleanliness
• Take initiative to organize, store and / or prepare student learning and instructional materials

STUDENT MANAGEMENT

• Assist teacher in implementing social emotional, academic, functional, and positively based interventions for teaching replacement behaviors including : use of reinforcement, consequences, visual systems for shaping behavior, organizational structures for student learning and success
• Assist the teacher in addressing physical aggression including relationship building, de-escalation and possible use of safe, non-harmful physical restraint procedures
• Assist the teacher in safe lifting and transfer procedures for students
• Serve as a communication facilitator in general education settings, sign language required

SCHOOL / COMMUNITY RELATIONS

• Assist with community learning experiences, field trips and necessary interpretation (when appropriate).
• Maintain confidentiality of student information, disabilities and services

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Reasonable accommodations will be made if necessary : While performing the duties of a classroom teaching assistant in a specialized setting, the employee may frequently be required to stoop, reach, stand, walk, lift, pull, push, grasp, talk, hear, see and use repetitive physical motions.

While performing these duties of the job, the employee may frequently be required to lift and / or move at least 50 pounds of materials, or lift children from wheelchairs, onto changing tables, etc.

PROFESSIONAL GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

• Participate in professional learning to support students who are deaf and hard of hearing.
• Increase capacity of sign language knowledge and skills.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supervise and instruct students in the absence of the teacher during IEP meetings, staffing's and conferences.
• Supervise students during bus duty, building / playground duty, lunch duty, and co-curricular activities

MISCELLANEOUS

• Performs other duties as assigned by supervisor
30+ days ago