GAP Aide

1 Gaining Appropriate Performance (GAP) Aide Job Description

Job Title: GAP Aide FSLA: Nonexempt

Reports to: Assigned Principal and Teacher Pay Grade: Clerical/Para-2

Dept. /School: Assigned Campus Calendar Days: 187

Revised: 2.11.2025 The GAP Aide supports students with special education needs, including emotional, therapeutic, and behavioral challenges, by assisting the teacher in implementing individualized supports, modifications, and accommodations outlined in the students' Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), while fostering a safe, nurturing, and structured educational environment that promotes both academic and social participation. Education/Certification:

• High school diploma or GED
• 48 college hours OR Paraprofessional Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (PAKS) Certification
• Valid Texas educational aide certificate

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Ability to work with children with disabilities
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Knowledge of general office equipment

Experience:

• Two years of child related work experience preferred
  1. Help teacher prepare instructional materials and classroom displays
  2. Help maintain a neat and orderly classroom
  3. Help with inventory, care, and maintenance of equipment
  4. Help teacher keep administrative records and prepare required reports
  5. Provide orientation and assistance to substitute teachers Student Management
  6. Assist students with physical disabilities based on their individual needs, including transferring to and from wheelchairs, lifting, positioning, and providing personal care support such as feeding, bathroom assistance, and personal hygiene
  7. Keep the teacher informed of any special needs or issues concerning individual students
  8. Assist in managing student behavior, including intervening in crisis situations and restraining disruptive or dangerous students, in accordance with the guidelines outlined in the Texas Behavioral Support Initiative (TBSI) and/or the Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) Primary Purpose Major Responsibilities and Duties Qualifications 2 Gaining Appropriate Performance (GAP) Aide Job Description
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     9. Recognize differences in each student's special medical, physical, communicative, and emotional needs and adapt methods and interaction accordingly
     10. Work with individual students or small groups to develop motor skills and conduct instructional exercises assigned by teacher
     11. Help supervise students throughout the school day, inside and outside the classroom This includes lunchroom, bus, and playground duty Other
     12. Maintain confidentiality
     13. Participate in staff development training programs, faculty meetings, and special events as assigned
     14. Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures
     15. Perform other duties as assigned None The evaluation of the GAP aide is a responsibility resting with the Principal. An evaluation shall be completed in writing at least once during the course of the school year. Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including computer and peripherals; standard instructional equipment; other specialized and adaptive equipment used by students Posture: Frequent standing; kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting Motion: Frequent walking and reaching Lifting: Frequent light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds); Occasional heavy lifting (45 pounds or over) and positioning or students with physical disabilities, controlling behavior through physical restraint, assisting nonambulatory students, and lifting and moving adaptive and other classroom equipment Environment: Work inside and outside (exposure to sun, heat, cold, and inclement weather); exposure to noise; exposure to biological hazards (bacteria, communicable diseases) Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress This document describes the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required. Work Environment Evaluation Supervisory Responsibilities