SPED Paraprofessional Life Skills

JOB TITLE: Special Education Aide HOUR STATUS: Exempt 187 days

REPORTS TO: Director of Special Education PAY GRADE: CP2

DEPT./SCHOOL: DATE REVISED: 07/2025

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

Assist special education teacher(s) in providing for the physical and instructional needs of student(s) with significant disabilities. Assist in the implementation of highly structured classroom programs, including self-help, behavior management, and academic and functional instruction. Work under the general supervision of the Director of Special Education, campus principal and the immediate direction of a certified special education teacher.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Certification:

Must have one of the following:

48 hours of college credit, or

Associate's Degree or higher, or

HS or GED with Region 12 Paraprofessional Academy certificate

Certified in Nonviolent Crisis Intervention

Special Knowledge/Skills:

Ability to work well with children with a variety of significant disabilities

Ability to follow verbal and written instructions and daily schedule and routines

Knowledge in utilization of picture communication system

Ability to implement the use of specialized CPI techniques when necessary

Knowledge of general office equipment

Copperas Cove Independent School District

Experience:

Two years experience working with children with a variety of disabilities

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

Uphold and enforce school rules, administrative regulations, and state and local board policy.

May assist students with physical disabilities according to their individual needs, including transferring them to and from wheelchairs, lifting, or positioning.

Assume responsibility for learning and adapting to each student's special medical, physical, communicative, and emotional needs.

May assist students with physical needs and personal care including feeding, toileting, and personal hygiene.

May assist in managing the behavior of students and crisis intervention, including the possibility of restraining a student to prevent him/her causing imminent harm to self or others.

May work with individual students or small groups to develop motor skills and conduct instructional exercises designed and created by the special education teacher.

Assist in supervising students throughout the school day, both inside and outside the classroom, including lunchroom, bus duty, and playground.

Keep the teacher informed of any special needs or problems of individual students.

Assist the teacher in preparing instructional materials and classroom displays.

Assist in maintaining a neat and orderly classroom.

Assist in inventory, care, and maintenance of equipment.

Assist the teacher in keeping administrative records and preparing required

Provide orientation and assistance to substitute teachers.

Maintain confidentiality. reports.

Participate in staff-development training programs, faculty meetings, and special events as needed.

Copperas Cove Independent School District

Perform other duties as assigned.

EQUIPMENT USED:

Wheelchair lift, ramps, personal computer, copier, typewriter, and audio-visual equipment.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Mental Demands: Ability to read and follow a daily routine and schedule geared toward serving students. Ability to communicate effectively (verbal); and maintain emotional control under potentially volatile situations and prolonged stress.

Physical Demands/Environmental Factors: Frequent standing; stooping; bending; kneeling; pushing and pulling; regular heavy lifting of students. Possible exposure to biological hazards, including bacteria and communicable diseases.