Special Education Instructional Assistant – Special Education Support

Job Description

Special Education Instructional Assistant | Frederick County Public Schools

The Tone:
This is a support position at Frederick County Public Schools, located in Frederick County. The school system provides educational services to the community and relies on dedicated staff to foster a positive learning environment. This role is crucial in ensuring that students with special needs receive individualized support, allowing them to thrive academically and personally.

The TL;DR
• Role: Special Education Instructional Assistant
• Type: 10-month position (190 days / year), 7 hours per day
• Location: In-person, Frederick County Public Schools
• Pay: $21.23 hourly
• Team: Reports to one or more certified classroom teachers and/or school administrator(s)
• Mission: To monitor, assist, and provide support for students with special needs to implement their Individualized Education Program (IEP).

What You’ll Actually Do
• Student Support: Provide direct assistance and support to students with special needs under the direction of certificated FCPS staff.
• IEP Implementation: Monitor and assist students in meeting the goals and objectives outlined in their Individualized Education Program (IEP).
• Personal Care: Assist students with routine physical and/or personal care needs that do not require a nurse.
• Material Preparation: Set up, adapt, and prepare materials, equipment, and assistive devices for student use.
• Program Operations: Provide general clerical support for the special education program and offer weekly classroom coverage for teachers attending IEP team meetings.

The Must-Haves
• Background: Entry-Level. High school diploma or equivalent (GED). Alternatively, 48 college credits, an AA degree, or passing one of the following exams: ParaPathways, Pearson NES: Foundations of Classroom Support, or Pearson NES: Foundations of Classroom Support & Instruction.
• Experience: No specific prior experience required.
• Skills: Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and concisely in both oral and written form; working knowledge of English, spelling, vocabulary, and mathematics; ability to maintain confidentiality of student information.
• Bonus: Associate of Arts Degree; college level coursework related to child development; previous experience working with children in an educational setting; experience working with students with disabilities; bilingual-Spanish; knowledge of American Sign Language; knowledge of child development and instructional strategies.