Job Summary

Under general supervision of the classroom teacher, to instruct students individually or in groups with prescribed learning objectives and to perform related tasks as required.

Examples of Duties

• Works with students individually or in small groups to tutor, reinforce of follow up on learning activities;
• Assists by guiding students and/or providing a model in a variety of areas;
• Assists in physical development and fitness, communication, personal hygiene (i.e. feeding, grooming, toileting), academic learning and vocational skills;
• Uses established guidelines as a pattern to individualize instruction to needs of each learner;
• Supervises classroom, outdoor playground, community mobility and field trip activities;
• Provides instruction in dance, games and music;
• Assists with classroom preparation and clean up;
• Provides for protection and safety to all students assigned;
• May operate mechanical equipment such as orthopedic braces and supports or teaching devices.

Employment Standards

Knowledge of:

• Learning patterns and behavior;
• Basic concepts of child development and behavior characteristics;
• Personal hygiene and mental health practices;
• Reading and writing in English, including grammar and composition;
• Number concepts;
• Classroom computer and other technical equipment.

Ability to:

• Communicate with children and motivate them to participate in learning activities;
• Learn to teach in special subject matter areas or to teach children who have special learning needs;
• Maintain emotional control under difficult situations;
• Learn and adapt to new procedures and conditions;
• Apply knowledge and practices with judgment;
• Maintain a continuing relationship with the same students and staff over a prolonged period;
• Recognize hazards to safety;
• Learn laws, rules, practices and procedures related to public education for children and related to the program to which assigned;
• Apply knowledge and practices with judgment;
• Perform routine clerical work;
• Speak distinctly in English or communicate in sign language;
• Supervise children in the classroom and out of doors;
• Read and comprehend fine print, such as texts, catalogs, etc.;
• Communicate effectively via telephone, computer modem and in person;
• Lift/move objects weighing up to 50 pounds.

Education and Experience and Requirements

• Graduation from high school or comparable demonstration of basic competence and one year of paid or voluntary experience working with children.
• Two years of college training related to psychology, child development or education may be substituted for one year of experience working with children.
• Training or experience working with special needs children is desirable.
• A passing score on the Instructional Aide Proficiency Test.

Range 30 | Personnel Commission Approved; 1/14/92