Inclusion Aide

Department: Catholic Schools

Supervisor: Educational Resource Specialist/Principal

Purpose and Scope:

Under the general supervision of the teacher/director, the inclusion aide (IA) will provide specialized instructional, behavioral, physical, and medical assistance to students with a significant disability. Inclusion aide will provide necessary record keeping, perform routine classroom duties and supervision, and perform related work as required. The IA will help provide a well-organized, smoothly functional class environment in which students can take full advantage of the instructional program and available resource materials while attending primarily to identified students of need. IA may be required to assist students with eating, toileting and personal hygiene, mobility, communication, ABA therapy, and the use of specialized devices, such as augmented communication. 

Essential Job Functions

• Maintain visual and auditory supervision and awareness of assigned students at all times to ensure their safety in the school environment
• Collaborate with the primary teacher and/or coach/supervisor to assist with modification of assignments and activities to meet the needs of assigned students and reinforce instruction. 
• Model appropriate communication skills and guide students to increase expressive language
• Manage and maintain augmented communication devices
• Collaborate with parents, teachers, school staff, designated therapists and professional supports to implement modifications and strategies to provide highest level of care
• Collaborate with classroom teachers in meeting the student’s individualized goals and report progress to parents and school administration as required.
• Assist with transitions from activity to activity or around campus from class to class
• Assist in social interactions with assigned students and peers
• Provide supervision during Pledge and Prayer, special classes, snack, recess, Mass, emergency drills, assemblies, and lunch
• Assist students with toileting needs 
• Communicate with parents using class recording system or alternative reporting data
• Communicate with supervisors and teacher with successes and ongoing concerns for assigned students
• Implement fading techniques to foster independence of assigned students
• Address any challenging behaviors with a positive plan of support toward replacing undesired behavior with explicitly taught appropriate behavior.
• If needed, implement behavioral strategies including reinforcement, replacement behaviors, and token economy systems as outlined in the student’s behavior plan. 
• Assist teacher and teacher assistant with daily procedures (set up, clean up, supervision, activity centers)
• Assist teacher in creating a classroom culture of belonging for all children
• Use “person first” language to encourage development of inclusive and respectful school culture
• Utilize respectful individual and responsive care-giving practices with students
• Establish good rapport with children
• Throughout class time actively engage children in meaningful learning activities and experiences
• Assist with the implementation of health, emergency procedures and first aid
• Immediately report witnessed accidents to supervisor: Prepare a written report stating date, time, nature of accident and action taken
• Attend meetings and in-services as required by school
• Willing to become more knowledgeable of effective and appropriate care-giving practices utilized in early childhood care and/or with inclusion practices for students with special needs
• Treat confidential information about students, staff, and school affairs in a professional and ethical manner
• Establish and maintain cooperative, supportive and effective relationships with all school and parish personnel
• Must be punctual and on time for work
• Perform other related duties as assigned and demonstrates ability to be flexible and carry out duties

Qualifications

1. Experience and Education
1. Six months of childcare experience required; must be working towards or must have already received NAC, CDA, or CPC credentials, or Associate Degree from an accredited college or university in Early Childhood Education or related field preferred
2. Must be 18 years of age
3. Must be a high school graduate or GED
4. Must participate in Safe Environment (Called to Protect) Training and sign the Code of Ethics Policy
5. Fingerprinting and Tuberculin tests and any other requirements shall be obtained prior to employment according to the Arizona Department of Health Services, Diocese of Phoenix and the Arizona State Dept. of Education
6. Catholics must be willing to make a public profession of faith. Non-Catholic must be willing to sign the Diocese of Phoenix Division of Education and Evangelization Profession of Faith form
2. Skills and Knowledge
1. Ability to embrace and communicate mission of school and vision of inclusion
2. Effectively and respectfully communicate with students, parents and staff
3. Organizational skills and ability to maintain required documentation on time and with accuracy
4. Communicates in English at a level sufficient for successful job performance
5. Effectively supervises and cares for students in their play and routines
6. Assists with indoor and outdoor recreational activities
7. Meets the physical requirements necessary to perform the assigned duties safely and effectively
3. Personal Characteristics
1. Commitment to SFX mission, values, and Student Learning Expectations
2. Compassion and empathy for students of all ability levels
3. Must have a strong desire for success and be an excellent team player

Start Date:

2024-2025 school year