REPORTING TO: Teacher, Parkland School
STAFF SUPERVISED: None
MISSION STATEMENT: The Parkland Community Living and Supports Society exists to improve the quality of life of the disabled through individual choice, dignity and rights.
PARKLAND SCHOOL OBJECTIVE: To meet the educational, social, recreational and life skills needs of disabled students through the use of individualized programming stressing choices, dignity and rights.
- PURPOSE OF POSITION:
Under the general direction of the Teacher, the Teacher Aide: supports the Teacher in student management; assists in the provision of targeted instruction to each assigned student; provides an environment where the student(s) learning potential can be maximized; provides administrative support to the Teacher; and contributes to the overall effectiveness of the team. - TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Under the general direction of the Teacher, the incumbent in this position will be required to:
- Support the Teacher in student management by:
- assisting the student(s) in their work placement programs
- evaluating the students� progress in their work placement assignments
- providing the student(s) with assistance in their personal hygiene and physical activities
- arranging appointments for the student(s) with therapists, or other professional staff
- listening to and interpreting the students� oral and other forms of communication
- endeavouring to meet the students� requests for assistance
- initiating and/or participating with the teacher in the organizing and supervising programs, trips, and off-school activities
- initiating activities for the student(s) in one-on-one, non-academic settings (walks, hot tub, gym activities, Snoezelen Room)
- supervising the students� free play periods, recesses, lunch breaks, and classroom activities
- assisting the Teacher in special areas like physical education, snack program, work experience, language classes, life skills, music, or any other special areas that are teacher-directed/supervised
- Assist in the provision of targeted instruction to each assigned student by:
- tutoring the student(s) in the completion of work assigned by the Teacher
- assisting the Teacher with daily program delivery
- assisting the student(s) by carrying out programs outlined by professionals (PT/OT/Speech/Behaviour/Vision/Hearing)
- initiating and/or assisting in the preparation of instructional materials
- developing and updating the Individual Educational Plan(s) for the student(s) with Teacher�s approval
- developing programs to provide the opportunity for the student(s) to learn specific skills and/or acceptable behaviours
- assessing, monitoring and reporting verbally, and as required in writing, on the student(s)
- monitoring progress on behaviour/learning difficulties, and on strategies and professional programs
- assisting the student(s) with any supplementary assignments
- assisting the student(s) in any self-help activities and/or skills
- Provide an environment where the student(s) learning potential can be maximized by:
- offering assistance, being compassionate and sensitive to the student(s) feelings
- assisting the student(s) in communicating wants and needs in various ways
- providing security, guidance and support to the student(s)
- providing physical care such as bathing, eating, and dressing to the student(s) as required
- providing physical therapy to the student(s) under the direction of a qualified professional
- building self-esteem and self-confidence in the student(s)
- providing a broad variety of opportunities for the student(s) to be successful
- practising positive reinforcement
- inspiring the student(s) to seek knowledge and master skills
- being available to the student(s) and treating them fairly and objectively
- respecting the student(s) and being tolerant of their ideas and opinions
- maintaining a current knowledge of the student(s) growth and development
- accommodating the diversified abilities of the student(s) by providing extra curricula challenges and activities
- responding appropriately to verbal and non-verbal cues presented by the student(s)
- stimulating the student(s) through displays of personal enthusiasm, humour and positive attitudes
- encouraging the student(s) to achieve the greatest level of independence as possible
- maintaining a Communication Book as required
- Provide administrative support to the teacher by:
- gathering data on the student(s) activities, progress, and mastery of skills on a daily or monthly basis conducting approved student assessments and evaluations
- preparing and maintaining timetables, checklists, schedules, sub plans, and criterion tests
- conducting student evaluations
- liaising with parents/guardians and other professionals as requested by the Teacher or Director
- assisting the Teacher with program activities
- responding to emergency situations as required
- assisting the Teachers by covering other positions when needed
- attending professional development activities for personal growth
- Contribute to the overall effectiveness of the team by:
- ensuring that appropriate behaviours and skills are modelled to the student(s)
- offering assistance to other workers when appropriate
- assuming additional duties outside of the classroom
- attending meetings, at least monthly, with the other members of the team
- supporting other employees in the performance of their duties
- acting as a resource person to Teacher/Director regarding the student(s)
- conducting him/herself in an ethical manner
- adhering to the societal �Code of Ethics�
- following Standard and Emergency Handling Procedures as dictated by written policies
- Support the Teacher in student management by:
- JOB SPECIFICATIONS:
To be effective in the performance of the position described above, an individual would require the following:
KNOWLEDGE:- Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the values of citizenship, choice, support, and equality of opportunity, as defined and adhered to by the Parkland Community Living and Support Society.
- Working knowledge of provincial statutes including the School Act, Child Welfare Act, individual rights protection legislation, and Abuse Protocol
- Detailed knowledge of policies and procedures of Parkland C.L.A.S.S.
- Working knowledge of curriculum content and appropriate instructional techniques
- Demonstrated knowledge of Individual Education Plan development, and short and long range goal setting
- Working knowledge of instructional planning, customizing, monitoring and evaluating
- Working knowledge of learning environment design and development
- Working knowledge of assessment techniques and tools like Brigance, Carolina, AIM etc.
- Detailed knowledge of First Aid and CPR as demonstrated by valid certification
- Working knowledge of Basic Skills as demonstrated by satisfactory completion of Parkland C.L.A.S.S. training courss
- Detailed knowledge of the material in the Food Handling and Health Guidelines
- Detailed knowledge of the material in the Canada Food Guide
- Detailed knowledge of Abuse Protocol
- Working knowledge of medication administration, restrictive procedures and professional assault response
- Demonstrated ability to work with the students of Parkland School
- Demonstrated skill in maintaining learning and development partnerships with parents, guardians, other professionals, and
- he community
- Demonstrated skill in behaviour management and modification
- Demonstrated skill in crisis intervention and management
- Demonstrated ability in teaching children
- Ability to be an effective team player
- Ability to work independently when required
To adequately perform the duties of this position the incumbent will have completed Grade 12. Additional training in rehabilitation, early childhood teacher�s assistant, and/or special education is highly desirable.
EXPERIENCE:
The skills and knowledge listed above will likely have been gained through a minimum of six (6) months of directly related experience.
Note: Some equivalency of experience and/or education may be accepted.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:- Good physical condition with no back problems as confirmed by a medical examination
- Clean criminal record or one that is acceptable to the Executive Director
- Clean Child Welfare Check or one that is acceptable to the Executive Director
- Valid Class 5 Driver�s Licence if required to transport students with adequate insurance ($1 million liability)
- Valid Professional Assault Response Training Certificate
- Valid First Aid Certificate
- Valid CPR Certificate
