Special Education Teaching Assistant Onboarding Checklist

Special Education Teaching Assistant Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Special Education Teaching 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 Teaching Assistant, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Special Education Teaching Assistant onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Special Education Teaching Assistant Onboarding Checklist

1. Orientation: The new special education teaching assistant attends an orientation session to familiarize themselves with the school’s policies, procedures, and culture. This task is typically performed by the school’s administration or human resources department.

2. Introduction to the team: The teaching assistant is introduced to the special education team, including the special education teacher, other teaching assistants, and related service providers. This task is usually performed by the special education teacher or the team leader.

3. Classroom tour: The teaching assistant is given a tour of the special education classroom, including the layout, resources, and equipment available. The special education teacher or a senior teaching assistant typically performs this task.

4. Review of student profiles: The teaching assistant reviews individual student profiles, including their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), behavior plans, and any relevant medical information. This task is usually performed by the special education teacher or the case manager.

5. Training on assistive technology: The teaching 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 typically performed by the special education teacher or the school’s technology specialist.

6. Understanding behavior management strategies: The teaching assistant is trained on behavior management strategies and techniques to effectively support students with challenging behaviors. This task is usually performed by the special education teacher or a behavior specialist.

7. Shadowing experienced teaching assistants: The new teaching assistant shadows experienced teaching assistants to observe their interactions with students, instructional strategies, and classroom management techniques. This task is typically performed by senior teaching assistants or the special education teacher.

8. Collaboration with related service providers: The teaching assistant collaborates with related service providers, such as speech therapists, occupational therapists, and physical therapists, to understand their roles and how to support students during therapy sessions. This task is usually performed by the special education teacher or the related service providers themselves.

9. Familiarization with curriculum and instructional materials: The teaching assistant becomes familiar with the curriculum and instructional materials used in the special education classroom, including adapted materials and modifications. This task is typically performed by the special education teacher or the curriculum coordinator.

10. Review of emergency procedures: The teaching assistant is trained on emergency procedures specific to the special education classroom, including evacuation plans, lockdown drills, and protocols for medical emergencies. This task is usually performed by the school’s administration or the special education teacher.

11. Introduction to student support services: The teaching assistant is introduced to the school’s student support services, such as the school psychologist, social worker, and counselor, to understand how they can collaborate to meet students’ social-emotional needs. This task is typically performed by the special education teacher or the student support services team.

12. Understanding confidentiality and privacy laws: The teaching assistant receives training on confidentiality and privacy laws, such as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), to ensure the protection of students’ personal information. This task is usually performed by the school’s administration or the special education teacher.

13. Professional development opportunities: The teaching assistant is informed about professional development opportunities, workshops, and conferences related to special education that they can attend to enhance their skills and knowledge. This task is typically performed by the special education teacher or the professional development coordinator.

14. Introduction to communication platforms: The teaching assistant is introduced to the communication platforms used by the school, such as email, online learning management systems, and parent-teacher communication apps, to facilitate effective communication with colleagues, parents, and students. This task is typically performed by the school’s technology specialist or the special education teacher.

15. Review of safety protocols: The teaching assistant reviews safety protocols specific to the special education classroom, such as handling and storing adaptive equipment, administering medication, and maintaining a safe environment. This task is usually performed by the special education teacher or the school nurse.

16. Understanding individual student goals: The teaching assistant reviews individual student goals outlined in their IEPs and collaborates with the special education teacher to develop strategies to support students in achieving those goals. This task is typically performed by the special education teacher or the case manager.

17. Introduction to data collection and progress monitoring: The teaching assistant is trained on data collection methods and progress monitoring techniques used in the special education classroom to track students’ academic and behavioral progress. This task is usually performed by the special education teacher or the data specialist.

18. Building relationships with students: The teaching assistant focuses on building positive relationships with students, getting to know their interests, strengths, and challenges, and establishing trust and rapport. This task is performed by the teaching assistant themselves, with guidance from the special education teacher.

19. Collaboration with general education teachers: The teaching assistant collaborates with general education teachers to understand the curriculum, classroom expectations, and strategies for inclusion of students with disabilities in the general education setting. This task is typically performed by the special education teacher or the inclusion coordinator.

20. Ongoing professional support: The teaching assistant receives ongoing professional support, including regular check-ins, feedback, and opportunities for professional growth, to ensure their success in the role. This task is typically 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 Teaching Assistant checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Special Education Teaching 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.