Warwick Public Schools Jobs Hiring Now

Classification 17A

$1,207.85 - $1,301.30 (outside applicants start at step 1)

7:30 AM - 3:00PM 30 minute unpaid lunch

7 hrs per day 35 hrs per wk

36 wks per year

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Special Education Teacher Assistant – Visually Impaired (1:1) provides individualized instructional and specialized support services to a student with a visual impairment. The position is responsible for assisting the student in accessing the educational program through Braille literacy support, adaptation of instructional materials, orientation and mobility reinforcement, assistive technology, and other accommodations necessary to ensure meaningful participation in the school environment while promoting independence and student success.

ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED:

• Maintain student safety during arrival, dismissal, classroom instruction, transitions, lunch, recess, field trips, and throughout the school day.
• Provide one-to-one instructional support as directed by the Special Education Teacher and Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments (TVI).
• Prepare academic materials, including textbooks, worksheets, assessments, classroom handouts, and other educational resources, in Unified English Braille (UEB) literary and mathematics codes. When appropriate, prepare materials using Spanish Braille code based on student needs.
• Adapt instructional materials and classroom activities to ensure accessibility through tactile graphics, raised-line drawings, manipulatives, American Printing House for the Blind (APH) materials, and other specialized instructional resources.
• Provide verbal descriptions and directions during classroom lessons, demonstrations, presentations, and activities to ensure meaningful access to instruction.
• Model and reinforce orientation and mobility skills during classroom transitions, travel throughout the building, outdoor activities, and community-based instruction while maintaining student safety.
• Assist the student in navigating busy hallways, stairways, and other school environments safely and independently.
• Reinforce Braille literacy skills and other instructional objectives as directed by the TVI and classroom teachers.
• Model and reinforce appropriate social interactions with peers and adults to encourage independence and successful participation in the school community.
• Utilize specialized technology, including Duxbury Braille Translator software, Juliet Braille Embosser, Zychem tactile graphics machine, ChromeVox screen reader, and other assistive technology as directed.
• Assist the student in the use of assistive technology and adaptive equipment during classroom instruction and school activities.
• Maintain an inventory of Braille paper, embosser supplies, APH materials, and other specialized instructional resources in consultation with the Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments.
• Participate in ongoing collaboration with the Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments, Orientation and Mobility Specialist, Special Education Teacher, classroom teachers, Adapted Physical Education staff, related service providers, and administrators regarding student progress and instructional needs.
• Support participation during Adapted Physical Education and other school activities by providing verbal instruction, reinforcing orientation and mobility skills, and ensuring student safety.
• Implement student behavior support plans as directed by the Special Education Teacher and document incidents as required.
• Maintain records and documentation as directed by supervisory staff, including submission of required service documentation for Medicaid reimbursement through the RELAY Service Portal.
• Prepare, organize, distribute, and display instructional materials as directed.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Principal, Special Education Department, or Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with students who have visual impairments and multiple educational needs.
• Working knowledge of or ability to become proficient in Unified English Braille (UEB), including literary and mathematics codes.
• Ability to learn and apply specialized instructional techniques, assistive technology, orientation and mobility concepts, and adaptive educational strategies.
• Ability to prepare accessible instructional materials using Braille translation software and tactile graphics equipment.
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions accurately.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students, staff, parents, and related service providers.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to adapt to changing student needs.
• Commitment to maintaining student dignity, independence, and meaningful access to educational programming.

EDUCATION:

Such as may be gained through graduation from a senior high school or equivalent (GED). A minimum of two years college course work (60 credits) required with an emphasis in the field of special services, early childhood, elementary education or an Associates Degree in a program specifically in the area of teacher assistant preferred. Completion of Parapro course required. One year related experience preferred.

Experience working with students with disabilities is preferred. Experience supporting students with visual impairments, Braille literacy, assistive technology, or orientation and mobility is highly desirable. Successful candidates must demonstrate proficiency in Unified English Braille (UEB), including literary and mathematics codes, or possess the ability to acquire proficiency through district-approved training. The ability to learn and apply additional specialized skills necessary to support students with visual impairments is required.

One of the following is required:

Unified English Braille (UEB) Certification – Demonstrates proficiency in literary and mathematics Braille. Training is offered through state agencies, universities, and organizations serving individuals with visual impairments.

National Library Service (NLS) Braille Certification for Braille transcribers.

APPLICATION:

Apply in writing to: Human Resources Office

Warwick Public Schools

69 Draper Avenue

Warwick, Rhode Island 02889

Jennifer Bertrand