Special Education Teaching Assistant – Early Childhood

• Full-time with benefits
  • 75% of health & dental insurance premiums paid
  • Vision & Symetra coverage available
  • South Dakota Retirement benefits
  • $25,000 life insurance policy
  • Personal & sick leave package
• Wage starts at $17.48/hour
• Position open until filled

TEACHER'S ASSISTANT
The following job description provides a general understanding of the duties, qualifications, physical demands, experience and educational background required for assistants within the Brookings School District. It is understood assistants are hired to assist certified staff and therefore their duties may continually change.

DEFINITION
Under supervision, to perform a variety of instructional activities; to assist in the conduct of intensified learning experiences; to perform routine clerical and supportive tasks for instructional personnel; and to do other related work as required.

GENERAL DUTIES
*Assists instructional personnel with the presentation of learning materials and in the conduct of instructional exercises.
*Tutors individual students and small groups of students to reinforce and follow up learning activities.
*Monitors and assists students in drill, practice, and study activities as a follow-up to the presentation of instructional concepts by instructional personnel.
*Directs students in safe learning activities and functions, and assists in the shaping of appropriate social behaviors.
*Assists in the management of student behavior through the use of positive strategies and techniques.
*Assists in the preparation of a variety of instructional materials and learning aids for use with individual or small groups of students.
*Maintains a variety of records and files, including confidential student records and information.
*Operates and assists students in the operation of a variety of instructional media machines and equipment.
*May administer and score a variety of criterion referenced and general aptitude tests, and records the test results.
*Requisitions, stores and maintains an appropriate inventory of textbooks, instructional materials, supplies, and equipment.
*Administers routine first aid and requests assistance for non-routine injury or illness.
*Assists in maintaining an orderly, attractive, and positive learning environment.
*May participate in parent conferences and other student progress report activities.

QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
Basic concepts of child growth and development, and developmental behavior characteristics;
Student behavior management strategies and techniques;
Appropriate English usage, punctuation, spelling, and grammar;
Basic arithmetical concepts;
Routine record management, storage, and retrieval systems and procedures.

Ability to:
Demonstrate an understanding, patient, and receptive attitude toward students of varied age groups;
Communicate effectively in oral and written form in English;
Perform routine clerical tasks and operate a variety of educational and office related machines and equipment;
Learn to utilize a variety of appropriate instructional materials and procedures in the enhancement of a positive educational environment;
Understand and carry out oral and written directions;
Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with children and adults.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical requirements indicated below are examples of the physical aspects that this position classification must perform in carrying out essential job functions.
*Persons performing service in this position classification will exert 10 to 20 pounds of force frequently to lift, carry push, pull, or otherwise move objects.
*This type of work involves sitting most of the time, but may involve running, walking or standing for brief periods.
*Persons performing service in this position must be able to be outside for specified periods of time (at least 30 minutes) in all types of climate situations, including temperatures that are below zero.
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable a person with a disability to perform the essential functions of the job.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and skill is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and skill would be:

Education:
A minimum of two years of college course work.