SY 23-24 Classroom Assistant Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Job Summary

Assists special education classroom teachers assigned to programs for students with
disabilities, including impaired hearing. Assists teachers of deaf/hard of hearing support in
the implementation of instructional activities in school and community settings.

Essential Functions

• Uses basic American Sign Language, in a non-interpretive manner, to assist students in
the execution and completion of assigned tasks and to facilitate the educational process
for students with impaired hearing.
• Assists students in using instructional materials and equipment.
• Provides verbal and/or written feedback of observations to the teacher for the purpose of
evaluating students’ progress and/or implementing IEP goals and objectives.
• Works with students individually and in groups to reinforce instructional objectives and
implement IEP goals and objectives.
• Records and reports appropriate data regarding academic, behavioral, and/or health
information and services provided to the student using the appropriate service log.
• Attends IEP meetings at the request of the principal, teacher and/or parent.
• Adapts activities, assignments and/or materials as directed by the teacher to allow
students performing at different levels and/or disabilities to participate in the instructional
program.
• Assists the teacher with the preparation and maintenance of instructional materials and
classroom displays.
• Guides and assists students in small group instruction setting with class routines and in
transitioning form one activity to the next.
• Guides students in developing positive, appropriate interpersonal relationships with peers
and adults.
• Supports students with emotional or behavior concerns and assist them in developing
appropriate social skills.
• Assists in the management and shaping of student behavioral techniques and/or positive
reinforcement strategies.
• Monitors and assists students in educational and community settings.
• Assists students with ambulation, positioning, turning, and/or mobility within the school
premises, class trips, and in the community.
• Assists students with the use of mobility and/or weight bearing equipment, such as leg
braces, walkers, standers, and tricycles.
• Assists students in accessing communication devices such as switches, pointers, feeders,
picture boards, and voice output devices, including ensuring that the equipment is hooked
up and functioning properly.
• Assists students with daily living skills, including feeding, grooming and dressing.
• Assists students with all aspects of toileting, which may include lifting on and off the toilet,
diapering and the use of changing tables and mats.
• Assists with student’s tube feeding needs when required as instructed by the teacher
and/or school nurse.

• Administers First Aid and/or CPR whenever needed and/or required.
• Serves as a source of information and help to any substitute teacher assigned in the
absence of the regularly-assigned teacher.

• Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated knowledge of:

•  American Sign Language.

o the growth, development and potential educational challenges of students with
impaired hearing and disabilities.
o the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) on a basic level
o the types of educational disabilities and special education programs as outlined in
the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) on a basic level.
• Demonstrated ability to:
o communicate with students using American Sign Language.
o use and understand American Sign Language on a basic level.
o illustrate an understanding, patient, and receptive attitude towards students of varied
age groups, temperaments and abilities.
o behave and speak in a professional manner at all times.
o maintain a cooperative staff relationship with all personnel in the education setting.
o reading, writing and speaking English.
o operate standard office equipment (e.g. computer, printer, fax machine, copier)
including relevant software applications.
o maintain student confidentiality and handle information and materials with complete
security.
o learn and apply behavior modification or management strategies, techniques and
reinforcement methods.
o learn and utilize teaching aids, assistive technology and/or communication devices
used by students with disabilities.
o maintain accurate, complete and correct service logs for all students.
o move rapidly forward, backward and laterally.
o lift, move and position a student up to age twenty-two who may weigh 150 pounds or
more with the assistance from properly trained personnel and/or a mechanical lift.
o communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
o understand and follow oral and written instructions.
o establish and maintain effective working relationships.