Instructional Assistant, Special Education School

Program and Role Summary

Wayfinder’s Special Education School offers children and youth, ages 5 to 22, who are visually impaired or have moderate-to-severe disabilities a safe, positive environment for learning and growth. In the least restrictive environment in our state-certified, non-public school, teachers develop students’ communication, mobility and functional skills to increase their independence.

The primary focus on the Instructional Assistant, is to provide direct care for blind, visually impaired and multi-handicapped children ages 5-21 and support the Special Education Teacher. Job emphasis is centered on helping the students increase daily living skills, socialization, independence and pre-vocational skills.

Primary Responsibilities :

• Implements IEP (Individualized Education Plan) objectives under the supervision of the teacher, including lesson plans on individualized goals and objectives such as meal plans and pre-vocational skills.
• Supervises students to ensure the health and safety of the students is maintained. Uses observational skills to remain aware of changes in the behavior and physical condition of the students.
• Provides daily living skills instruction including but not limited to, tooth brushing, showering, dressing, bed-making, toileting, toilet training, and eating.
• Completes detailed documentation / record keeping on student’s individual progress, including maintaining logs on student behavior or incidents for communicating with school staff, parents, and residential staff.
• Transports students to and from school, in Wayfinder Family Services vans or taxis and to and from outings.
• Assists in planning, organizing, and instruction of recreational activities (swimming, bowling, gym, dance, etc.) on grounds and in the community.
• Other duties as outlined in the position description.