Educational Assistant

POSITION: Educational Assistant - Special Education (Life Skills)

LOCATION: Centennial Middle School

FTE: .8125

WORK HOURS: 6.5 hours a day, (9:10am - 4:10pm)

CONTRACT DAYS: 193 work days plus 7 paid Holidays and 10 days of Vacation

WAGES: $ $28.54 per hour Range D of Classified Scale

START DATE: December 8, 2025

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Open until filled

Job Purpose Statement/s: The job of Educational Assistant is to assist a certificated teacher in the planning and implementation of instructional programs for students. Employees in this job group perform paraprofessional duties in settings where special instructional programs and teaching techniques are used to address moderate to severe learning and physical disabilities; special social/behavioral, cultural, and language needs; or instruction in academic, technical, vocational, or talented and gifted programs. This can be accomplished through one-on-one and small group instruction and tutoring, and can include assistance in the testing of students and performing a variety of clerical duties in support of these programs. Some positions require aptitude and skill in working with the particular disability or learning needs of the students. Some positions may be associated with federal NCLB paraprofessional requirements. Methods of performing tasks are usually left to the judgment of the employee, with a supervisor giving occasional instructions, advice, or direction; work is reviewed periodically while in progress and upon completion.

Essential Job Functions:

• Assist in the planning and implementation of learning experiences for students enrolled in the program.
• Confer with teacher(s) to provide feedback on student performance in tutorial and testing activities.
• Interpret Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and related instructional plans, within guidelines set by a certificated teacher.
• Instruct students in small group and one-on-one settings.
• Revise lesson plan or teaching strategy during instructional activity as necessary to achieve IEP goals and objectives.
• Conduct student testing using prescribed test batteries upon receiving necessary training; correct tests and record scores; and inform the teacher of any unusual academic or disciplinary problems.
• Help students develop positive interpersonal relationships with peers and adults.
• Promote the safety of the students by helping them develop self-confidence.
• Interpret and implement a behavior management program; train and assist students in behavior management
• Provide education regarding appropriate interpersonal actions; respond to discipline problems; act as a role model.

Other Job Functions:

• Attend in-service and workshop training related to the area of assignment and apply the training to instructional responsibilities.
• Perform a variety of general clerical duties, including writing attendance reports, grading papers, and maintaining accurate files.
• Assist, as requested, in communication between students, teachers, and parents.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Job Requirements-Qualifications:

• Experience Preferred:Prior job-related experience in working with students with special needs.
• Skills, Knowledge, and/or Abilities Required:

General Skills in all Educational Assistant Positions in English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

General Knowledge in all Educational Assistant Positions includes modern office methods, practices, procedures, and equipment, including computer hardware and software, a required by specific assignments. The principles, practices, and techniques of instruction related to the area of assignment.

Special Education-related knowledge: Provisions of PL 94-142, or the ability to rapidly acquire a working knowledge of such provisions. Proper childcare techniques and the techniques and methods of student supervision and classroom management, in settings involving moderate to severe learning and physical disabilities and social/behavioral problems.

English Language Learner-related knowledge: English usage, Translation skills associated with one or more world languages,

General Abilities in all Educational Assistant Positions include working effectively in an environment that can be both physically and emotionally fatiguing. Deal in an empathetic manner with learning and/or physical disabilities exhibited by students within the area of assignment.Learn growth and development principles of students with special needs according to one's area of assignment. Learn basic first aid and safety requirements. Work in a team setting. Type at a speed necessary for successful job performance. Perform physical job tasks. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Special Education-Related Abilities:Deliver instructional programs to students who have moderate to severe learning and physical disabilities and/or social/behavioral problems. Work with students who may exhibit aggressive assault behavior, as required by a specific job assignment. Work with students who require attention to basic feeding and personal hygiene needs, as required of the specific job. Understand and appropriately interpret IEPs and work independently in the absence of direct teacher contact to carry out the goals and objectives of an IEP.

Education Required: High school diploma or equivalent. As required by specific assignment, supplemental training in special education principles and practices, behavior management, and/or procedures related to basic physical/medical needs and personal hygiene. Any employee, whose salary is funded through Title I, or who works in Title I school-wide programs, will be required to have earned an associate's (or higher) degree; completed at least two (2) years of study at an institution of higher education; or met a rigorous standard of quality and can demonstrate, through a formal state or local academic assessment (a) knowledge of, and the ability to assist in instructing, reading, writing, and mathematics; or (b) knowledge of, and the ability to assist in instructing, reading readiness, writing and readiness, and mathematics readiness as appropriate.

Licenses, Bonding, and/or Testing Required: Criminal Justice Fingerprint Clearance

Terms of Employment: Salary and work year to be established by the board.

Evaluation: Performance of this job will be evaluated annually in accordance with the provisions of the Board's Policy on Evaluation of Support Staff Personnel. Reports to the appropriate Building Administrator.