Instructional Special Education Assistant
About the Employer
Job Summary
Sheridan All Prep Academy is seeking a caring, dependable instructional assistant to provide dedicated one-to-one support to a kindergarten student receiving special education services in our Scappoose pod classroom.
Key Responsibilities
• Provide personal-care assistance, including toileting support, while maintaining the student's privacy, dignity, safety, and well-being.
• Assist the student with toileting and hygiene needs in accordance with established procedures, the student's support plan, and training provided by the school.
• Protect the student's privacy and dignity while providing personal-care assistance.
• Follow the student's individualized education program (IEP), behavior support plan, safety plan, or other applicable plans under the direction of licensed staff.
Qualifications
• High school diploma or equivalent from an accredited institution.
• Ability to meet any instructional-assistant requirements applicable to the position.
• Experience supporting children in an educational, childcare, healthcare, or similar setting is preferred.
• Experience assisting children with toileting, hygiene, or other personal-care needs is preferred but not required; training will be provided.
• Ability and willingness to provide toileting and personal-care assistance to a kindergarten-aged student.
• Ability to maintain student confidentiality and provide support in a respectful, patient, and professional manner.
• Successful completion of all required background checks.
Work Environment
Work is performed in a K-5 pod classroom and may take place indoors and outdoors. The employee may be exposed to seasonal weather, frequent noise, bodily fluids, cleaning or hygiene products, and unexpected student behaviors. Appropriate training and protective supplies will be provided.
Job Title
1:1 Special Education Instructional Assistant (0.425 FTE)
Under the Direction of
The instructional assistant will help the student access instruction, participate in classroom activities, develop independence, and follow the student's individualized education and support plans.
Provide Support to the Student
• Provide consistent one-to-one instructional, behavioral, and personal-care support to the assigned student.
• Assist the student with toileting and hygiene needs in accordance with established procedures, the student's support plan, and training provided by the school.
• Protect the student's privacy and dignity while providing personal-care assistance.
• Follow the student's individualized education program (IEP), behavior support plan, safety plan, or other applicable plans under the direction of licensed staff.
Support Classroom Activities
• Reinforce academic, communication, social-emotional, self-help, and independence skills using strategies provided by the licensed teacher or special education coordinator.
• Assist the student in developing positive relationships with peers and adults.
• Observe and document student progress, behavior, and support needs as directed.
Maintain Student Confidentiality
• Follow all student confidentiality, health, safety, and sanitation requirements.
• Participate in required training, staff meetings, and team communication.
• Maintain regular, consistent attendance and punctuality.
Ability to
• Work patiently and effectively with young students, including students with disabilities, learning differences, communication needs, or behavioral challenges.
• Follow written and verbal directions, including individualized student plans and safety procedures.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and protect student confidentiality.
• Provide personal-care assistance calmly, respectfully, and consistently.
Experience and Training
• Any combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.
• Preferred experience: one year of experience providing instruction, childcare, personal care, or supervision to children.
• Experience working with students with disabilities or kindergarten-aged children is especially helpful.
Physical Demands
This position requires the ability to:
• Frequently stand, walk, sit, bend, kneel, squat, reach, and move between floor level and standing.
• Assist a young student with toileting, clothing adjustments, handwashing, hygiene, and other personal-care routines.
• Respond promptly to the student's health, safety, mobility, or behavioral needs.
Certification and Licensing
No professional license is required. The selected candidate must complete all required employment, background-check, and school training requirements.
Application Information
If you have questions about this position, please contact Julie Yakis (Principal) at jyakis@sheridanallprep.org.