POSITION PURPOSE

Assists the lead teacher daily in the classroom by preparing for lessons, teaching, and monitoring students in a variety of settings and assumes the role of the classroom teacher in the event that the teacher is unavailable.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND BASIC DUTIES

• Assists the teacher in the instruction of children with learning differences in a variety of subjects.
• Follows the lesson plans created by the teacher for small or large group instruction.
• Uses effective classroom management and behavior strategies with students in the classroom.
• Supports the classroom teacher by helping with organization, routine cleaning, copies, laminating and creation of materials.
• Ensures student safety at all times by following established procedures and using common sense both in and out of the classroom.
• Takes the responsibility of being the classroom teacher in the event that the teacher is out.
• Interacts with students in a positive and supportive way during learning and leisure time.
• Monitors play and leads group activities during recreational time such as recess, movement breaks, morning care/aftercare, and summer play.
• Follows all HIPPA guidelines to insure confidentiality.
• Acts as a mandatory reporter by reporting evidence of child abuse to the Department of Human Services.
• May perform other related or non-related duties, as assigned.

COMPETENCIES

Ethics:

• Treats people with respect.
• Inspires the trust of others.
• Demonstrates professional integrity and credibility.
• Upholds organizational values.
• Embraces Diversity.
• Promotes strong work ethic.

Professionalism:

• Approaches others in a tactful manner.
• Reacts well under pressure.
• Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position.
• Accepts responsibility for own actions.
• Follows through on commitments.

Judgment:

• Displays willingness to make decisions.
• Exhibits sound and accurate judgment.
• Supports and explains reasoning for decisions.
• Includes appropriate people in decision-making process.
• Makes timely decisions.

Client Focus:

• Demonstrates a commitment to clinical excellence.
• Manages difficult or emotional client situations.
• Responds promptly to client needs.
• Responds to requests for service and assistance.

Teaching:

• Follows the lesson plans prepared by the teacher to instruct a small group or a large group.
• Demonstrates mastery of curriculum procedures necessary to follow teacher plans.
• Makes learning fun, interesting and motivating for students.
• Able to use technology as needed to follow teacher lesson plans.

Organization:

• Follows the teachers established schedule for routine cleaning and organizational tasks.
• Helps to prepare learning materials for the teacher by creating materials/games, gathering/putting away needed supplies, making copies, laminating, writing on boards, and more.
• Takes good care of all ACCESS curriculum, teaching materials, tools and property.

Behavior Management:

• Demonstrates the ability to ignore, redirect, and correct undesirable behavior appropriately according to teacher guidance.
• Follows the teacher designed classroom behavior system of rewards and/or consequences in the classroom consistently.
• Gives frequent positive feedback when students demonstrate positive behaviors.
• Uses all established procedures to support students’ ability to successfully meet the expectations of the classroom including but not limited to visual schedules, communication boards, social stories, token systems, reward schedules, and recommended sensory input.
• Demonstrates the ability to follow an individual behavior plan established by the teacher and/or other members of the student’s team.
• Actively moves around the physical environments to observe, listen, intervene and/or model appropriate social skills.

Communication:

• Follows written and oral directions from the lead teacher.
• Asks questions to clarify expectations or to prioritize responsibilities.
• Asks questions to learn more about curriculum to become increasingly knowledgeable and valuable to the overall success of the classroom.
• Asks questions to gain information about behavior management techniques observed.
• Reports any behavioral concerns to the teacher that were observed when the teacher was not present.
• Reports any parent questions or concerns that have been brought to your attention to the teacher.
• Interacts with parents in the morning and/or afternoon in a positive and upbeat way.
• Avoids communicating with parents concerning specifics about a students’ academics or behavior and redirects these conversations to the classroom teacher.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to stand and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or more up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

The noise level in the work environment is moderate.

QUALIFICATIONS

Requirements:

• High school diploma or GED
• Minimum of 18 years’ old
• Previous experience working with children

Skills/Abilities:

• Ability to work cooperatively with the classroom teacher.
• Ability to make a positive impression in communicating with parents during drop off, pick up, and social gatherings related to school.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to be both efficient in tasks and perceptive to needs in the classroom environment.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

• Minimal travel is required for this position; this travel may include transporting students/clients.
• ACCESS drivers are required to maintain a valid Driver’s License, current auto liability insurance and registration, a clean driving record, and physical ability to drive to local locations throughout Arkansas.