A special education assistant is a professional who assists teachers in the education of students with disabilities in kindergarten through grade 12. An assistant may assist students in a variety of ways to help them fully participate in the educational environment, such as assisting students with homework and preparing class materials. A teaching assistant usually has a bachelor’s or associate’s degree in education, as well as specialized training in teaching students with disabilities.
A special education assistant usually assists with paperwork and lesson planning in the classroom. Because students with special needs can have a wide range of developmental, emotional, and physical disabilities, the assistant attends to each student’s individual needs, such as grooming and eating, as well as bathroom assistance. Another important job responsibility of the assistant is to ensure the safety of students with special needs on school property, both inside and outside of the classroom.
An education assistant must have a lot of patience and be able to work in stressful and difficult situations. The assistant must have excellent oral and written communication skills, as well as the ability to follow the teacher’s explicit instructions. Typically, a special education assistant is required to be adaptable working with a variety of students. He must also be extremely detail-oriented, as each student has unique needs and requirements for classroom accommodations. In most cases, the assistant is expected to work with students individually as well as in small groups. If necessary, he may be required to lift students.
Most special education assistants have a bachelor’s degree, usually in child development, and have prior experience working with children. The assistant must also show that they understand physical and emotional disabilities, developmental disorders, and learning disabilities. A special education assistant with the ability to communicate in more than one language is generally more marketable. Typically, the assistant will receive some form of training to become familiar with the school’s procedures and policies, as well as the teacher’s class materials and instructional methods.
As a special education assistant gains more responsibilities or advances in his education, he may be paid more. In some cases, an assistant may be eligible for tuition reimbursement for further education. In many cases, an assistant may be eligible for educational assistance in exchange for working for a school district for a set amount of time. A special education assistant may be required to pass a background check or drug test before being hired in some cases. He is frequently required to have a current driver’s license.