Student Support Assistant

Student Support Assistant

The Student Support Assistant provides support to students with disabilities to help them achieve their Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals and objectives and promote maximum independence within the least restrictive environment (LRE). The role involves implementing specific strategies and interventions outlined in the students' IEP, Behavior Intervention Plan, and DA Fade Plan, while consistently working towards fostering independence and reducing reliance on adult assistance.

Student Support and Independence:

1. Provide individualized support to students with disabilities to help them progress towards their IEP goals and objectives.
2. Implement strategies to encourage, promote, and maximize student independence.
3. Utilize techniques to promote independence and fading of support, such as observing before assisting, giving extra processing time, using least intrusive prompts (gestural, non-verbal, verbal, model, light physical, hand over hand), and praising independent attempts.
4. Direct students to answer to the teacher to encourage teacher engagement.
5. Work to fade assistance as outlined in the student's Fade Plan.
6. Provide services as explicitly described in the students' IEP, focusing on behavioral concerns, instructional needs, and/or medical needs.
7. Implement positive behavioral intervention plans (BIP) and de-escalation strategies as needed.
8. Assist in collecting data related to student progress on goals and objectives, and the effectiveness of the adult support.

Collaboration and Communication:

1. Collaborate with the classroom guide and case manager to evaluate the students' progress.
2. Communicate progress and any concerns to the case manager and/or Campus Director of Special Education.
3. Participate in team meetings to facilitate and support the fading process.

Documentation and Procedures:

1. Adhere to DCPS policies and procedures for the timely implementation of the adult support.
2. Understand and utilize forms such as the IEP Goals Charting, Task Analysis Behavioral Data, Review of Behavioral Intervention Plan, and Fade Plan.

Additional Responsibilities:

1. Supervise students to ensure safety during transitions and activities.
2. If an assigned student is in the Extended Day afterschool program, the Student Support Assistant may be required to shift schedules or work overtime for additional pay following legal requirements.
3. Fulfill supervision responsibilities for another student if the assigned students are absent.
4. Provide supervision and enriching activities during non-academic times including lunch, recess, and other duties, as assigned.
5. Record and consistently communicate about the students' development outside of the classroom.
6. Participate in and contribute to all family conferencing conversations and mandatory school events.
7. Attend and contribute to all employee training sessions, supervision meetings, and staff meetings.
8. Regularly read all organizational and campus-specific communications, responding when necessary.

Required Skills/Abilities:

1. Ability to follow adult directions and prompts.
2. Understanding and ability to implement positive behavioral intervention plans.
3. Ability to work effectively with students with varying needs and disabilities in diverse settings.
4. Knowledge of and commitment to fostering student independence and self-advocacy.
5. Ability to communicate clearly and appropriately.
6. Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
7. Proficient or willing to learn Google Suite and related software as required for recordkeeping and documentation.

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Previous experience as a teacher's assistant is preferred.
• Registered Behavior Technician or ParaPro certification is a plus.
• Previous Montessori experience is a plus.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of standing and walking throughout the classroom and outdoor spaces.
• Must be able to lift up to 45 pounds at a time.
• Must be able to sit and stand on the floor throughout the day, and bend, kneel, or squat to be at eye level with children.