The essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following fundamental duties:
- Explain, assist, and guide special education students with class assignments.
- Carry out and monitor the behavior of special education students in various settings by observing and keeping records, advising students and directing appropriate behavior.
- Assist in the implementation of behavior management techniques (restitution charting, timeout supervision, crisis intervention, stopping physical and argumentative fights including physical restraint procedures of special education students and assist in other special education student supervision assignments (school events, mealtime, loading and unloading buses, assemblies, playground, etc.) when appropriate.
- Reinforce the instruction of special education students through individual or small group activities.
- Assist special education students by use of adjunctive communication styles and systems such as communication boards, signing, touch talkers, computers, etc.
- Maintain positive rapport and model respect with special education students and staff
- Assist the special education teacher(s) and specialists with modifying materials regarding the instruction of IEP students.
- Maintain confidentiality of information regarding students, staff, and program operation.
- Assist special education students with their personal needs and behavior control as directed by the special education teacher(s) and/or specialists implementing these duties may include:
- Assist with toileting including diapering and training schedules as indicated in the IEP; maintaining toileting area and equipment.
- Assist with special accommodations including wheelchair, adaptive equipment, braces, etc.
- Assist with activities connected with self-help, grooming, assistance at locker, and
- Assist with student(s) organizational tasks and before and after school check-in and check-out.
- Assist with meal area and equipment.
- Attend staff meetings, IEP meetings, staff development, and other district activities as directed.
- Provide feedback to special education teacher(s) and/or therapists regarding student(s) performance.
- Assist in maintaining the cleanliness and orderliness of the classroom setting when paraprofessional is assigned to special education programs; i.e., ECSE, CID, or specific children needing classroom assistance and modifications. Any other work in this area should be incidental and not a regular part of the assignment.
- Perform other duties as appropriate to working with students with disabilities.
- Special education paraprofessionals may be required to perform bus duty before and after school. Bus duty includes helping load special education students into the bus, lock wheelchairs into place, fasten seatbelts and/or shoulder harnesses, help maintain behavior on the bus, maintain comfort and hygiene on the bus, assist in unloading the bus, bring students into the school building and assist students in getting to the proper classrooms, escort students from bus to residence.