General Definition of Work

The exceptional children (EC) teacher assistant, under general supervision, performs support work with minimal decision-making discretion assisting the assigned teacher and instructing EC students. Position works cooperatively to guide children in achieving goals of the students' Individual Education Program (IEP) and provides access to general education as needed. Employee performs school-based work to carry out Board of Education policies under the direction of the principal.

The exceptional children personal needs assistant (PNA), under general supervision, performs support work with minimal decision-making discretion assisting the assigned teacher with instructing EC students and assisting students with their personal needs.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Salary/Status

Hourly NC 07B/Full-time, 09 months

Reports To

Principal

Place of Work

The normal place of work is on the premises used by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. Charlotte- Mecklenburg Schools reserves the right to require you to work at such other place(s) as it may reasonably require from time to time.

Essential Functions

• Adhere to all state, federal, and local laws, policies, and procedures
• Assist children individually or in small groups to help them master assignments and reinforce learning concepts presented by teachers
• Supervise students in classrooms, halls, cafeterias, school yards, and gymnasiums
• Enforce administration policies and rules governing students
• Discuss assigned duties with the classroom teacher to coordinate instructional efforts
• Instruct and monitor students in the use and care of equipment and materials to prevent injuries and damage
• Collect data to document individual student progress toward IEP goals
• Present subject matter to students under the direction and guidance of teachers, using agreed upon methods of delivery (whole groups, small groups, and/or individual support)
• Assist with checking materials and portfolios, correcting papers, supervising, and testing as directed by the teacher
• Assist with student attendance procedures, record keeping, and organizing classroom learning spaces
• Prepare lesson materials, bulletin board displays, exhibits, equipment, and demonstrations for their assigned classroom(s)
• Participate in the daily bus, car and van transportation duties involving children's arrival and departure to and from schools
• Assist and supervise during emergency drills, assemblies, specials (e.g. PE, art, recess) field trips and to other school related functions on and off school campus
• Provide physical assistance to students as needed in the areas of self-help, clothing management, toileting (including accidents and catheterization), and feeding
• Provide physical assistance to therapists and teachers as needed in duties related to occupational and physical therapy and mainstreaming classes
• Provide physical assistance as needed to students by writing assignments, taking notes and/or writing students' responses under the direction of the teacher
• Provide physical assistance as needed to students by lifting, positioning, assisting with walking and by pushing wheelchairs
• Participate in professional development and other meetings
• Perform related duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Knowledge of local, state, and federal regulations and laws pertaining to exceptional children
• Knowledge and ability to use current technology and alternate forms of communication relevant to specific disabilities. This may include low-tech and high-tech devices
• Knowledge of classroom management and differentiation techniques
• Knowledge of the Individual Education Program (process, strategies, classroom management, learning assessment and diagnosis, and research related to learning)
• Ability to use research-based techniques in instruction and behavior management
• Ability to learn and use specialized tools, equipment or software related to business needs
• Ability to implement local, state, and federal rules, guidelines, and procedures into daily business operations
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Ability to reason, make judgments, and maintain effective working relationships
• Ability to employ positive communication skills in all settings/mediums
• Ability to problem-solve utilizing sound judgment
• Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding school system business
• Ability to take initiative, work independently, and exercise sound judgement

Education and Experience

• At least one of the following below that has been completed required:
  • Associate's degree
  • Two years of higher education equivalent to 48 credit hours
  • Ability to pass a formal assessment (WorkKeys and 96 hours of in-service training)
  • Completion of the NC Department of Labor (DOL) Teacher Assistant Apprenticeship Program
• One year working with EC children preferred
• Equivalent combination of education and experience