Special Education Instructional Assistant Onboarding Checklist

Special Education Instructional Assistant Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Special Education Instructional Assistant starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Education onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Special Education Instructional Assistant, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Special Education Instructional Assistant onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Special Education Instructional Assistant Onboarding Checklist

1. Orientation: The new Special Education Instructional Assistant attends an orientation session to familiarize themselves with the company’s mission, values, policies, and procedures. This task is typically performed by the Human Resources department or a designated trainer.

2. Introduction to the Team: The new Instructional Assistant is introduced to their immediate team members, including the Special Education teacher, other instructional assistants, and support staff. This task is usually performed by the Special Education teacher or the team lead.

3. Classroom Tour: The new Instructional Assistant is given a tour of the classroom and shown the various resources, materials, and equipment available. The Special Education teacher or a senior Instructional Assistant typically performs this task.

4. Review of Individual Education Plans (IEPs): The new Instructional Assistant is provided with an overview of the students’ IEPs, including their goals, accommodations, and modifications. The Special Education teacher or the school’s Special Education coordinator performs this task.

5. Training on Assistive Technology: The new Instructional Assistant receives training on the use of assistive technology devices and software that may be used in the classroom to support students with disabilities. This task is usually performed by the school’s technology specialist or a designated trainer.

6. Behavior Management Strategies: The new Instructional Assistant is trained on the school’s behavior management strategies and techniques to effectively support students with challenging behaviors. This task is typically performed by the Special Education teacher or a behavior specialist.

7. Collaboration with General Education Teachers: The new Instructional Assistant is introduced to the general education teachers with whom they will be collaborating to support students in inclusive settings. This task is usually performed by the Special Education teacher or the school’s Special Education coordinator.

8. Review of Safety Procedures: The new Instructional Assistant is briefed on the school’s safety procedures, including emergency evacuation plans, protocols for handling medical emergencies, and procedures for managing student behavior. This task is typically performed by the school’s administration or a designated safety officer.

9. Introduction to Support Services: The new Instructional Assistant is introduced to the various support services available within the school, such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, and counseling. This task is usually performed by the Special Education teacher or the school’s Special Education coordinator.

10. Shadowing and Observation: The new Instructional Assistant spends time shadowing and observing experienced Instructional Assistants or the Special Education teacher to gain practical insights into their role and responsibilities. This task is typically performed by the Special Education teacher or a senior Instructional Assistant.

11. Review of Confidentiality and Privacy Policies: The new Instructional Assistant is provided with information on the school’s confidentiality and privacy policies to ensure the protection of students’ sensitive information. This task is usually performed by the school’s administration or the Special Education coordinator.

12. Introduction to Individual Students: The new Instructional Assistant is introduced to each student they will be working with, learning about their specific needs, preferences, and communication styles. This task is typically performed by the Special Education teacher or a senior Instructional Assistant.

13. Training on Personal Care and Medical Procedures: If required, the new Instructional Assistant receives training on personal care tasks, such as toileting, feeding, and administering medication, as well as any specific medical procedures necessary for certain students. This task is usually performed by the school nurse or a designated healthcare professional.

14. Review of Documentation and Record-Keeping: The new Instructional Assistant is trained on the proper documentation and record-keeping procedures, including progress notes, incident reports, and data collection. This task is typically performed by the Special Education teacher or a senior Instructional Assistant.

15. Introduction to Parent Communication: The new Instructional Assistant is provided with guidance on effective communication with parents, including strategies for building positive relationships and sharing student progress. This task is usually performed by the Special Education teacher or the school’s Special Education coordinator.

16. Professional Development Opportunities: The new Instructional Assistant is informed about the professional development opportunities available to enhance their skills and knowledge in special education. This task is typically performed by the school’s administration or the Special Education coordinator.

17. Review of Ethical Guidelines: The new Instructional Assistant is familiarized with the ethical guidelines and standards of conduct expected in their role, ensuring they adhere to professional and legal obligations. This task is usually performed by the Special Education teacher or the school’s administration.

18. Introduction to Crisis Intervention Procedures: The new Instructional Assistant is trained on crisis intervention procedures, including de-escalation techniques and protocols for handling emergency situations. This task is typically performed by the Special Education teacher or a behavior specialist.

19. Review of Curriculum and Instructional Materials: The new Instructional Assistant is provided with an overview of the curriculum and instructional materials used in the classroom, ensuring they understand how to support students’ learning goals. This task is typically performed by the Special Education teacher or a curriculum coordinator.

20. Performance Expectations and Evaluation: The new Instructional Assistant is informed about the performance expectations and evaluation process, including feedback mechanisms and opportunities for professional growth. This task is usually performed by the Special Education teacher or the school’s administration

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Special Education Instructional Assistant checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Special Education Instructional Assistant up to speed and working well in your Education team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.