Autist Spectrum Floater Teacher Assistant

The Creekside School•San Jose, CA

12h

About The Position

The Floater Teaching Assistant will work under the supervision of the Program Manager and Principal to implement individual student education and behavior plans for the purpose of the students’ educational, behavioral, and social-emotional growth. They will support the classrooms and overall program where needed on a day to day basis.

Requirements

High School Diploma
At least 1 year experience as an Instructional Assistant, Teaching Assistant or Paraprofessional in a classroom/school/clinical/therapeutic setting implementing an educational and/or therapeutic program.
At least 1 year experience working with those on the autism spectrum and/or working with students who are moderate to severely affected by a developmental disability in a professional setting.
At least a preliminary understanding of typical and atypical development of children, a variety of behavioral strategies/theories, how to work with those severe sensory and communicative challenges, and the unique and individual learning styles of those with developmental disabilities.
Basic understanding of special education and/or clinical programs for students with autism.
Be open to learning about and implementing new approaches used with children who have special needs through training, coaching sessions, and conferences; be able to transfer new learning into practice.
Proficient in Google Suite/Workspace.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Exemplary organizational skills and efficiency in completing tasks as assigned.
Strong problem-solving skills with a solutions-focused approach to any issues as they arise (with students, staff, parents, community members, ets.). The ability to anticipate and resolve problems while keeping the Special Educator and other classroom staff informed about such decisions.
Maintain calm and professional demeanor when dealing with difficult or emotional situations.
Ability to work collaboratively with a team of professionals to best serve the needs of the students we serve.
Be self-reflective and objective for the ultimate benefit of the students and school program, give and take feedback in a positive and supportive way.
Must consistently demonstrate the ability to be a self-initiator, creative and flexible to meet the needs of the organization and the individual learning styles of the children.
Good judgment, tact, and ability to maintain the highest level of professionalism as a representative of the organization.
Be energetic and able to demonstrate appropriate and genuine affect when working with the students.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Psychology or related field

Responsibilities

Support the overall needs of the students and program as needed across classrooms and therapies
Be up to date on all student programs across the school.
Demonstrate a strong set of general best practice skills with students. Such as skills in basic Safety-Care techniques, best practice instructional strategies and high quality community support.
When not assigned to a classroom, demonstrate initiative in supporting classrooms and therapy programs as needed
When able, respond to support and help calls
Support the Program Manager in executing programs, events, and field trips as needed.
Under the direction of the Special Educator and Related Services provides, implement Individual Education Plans (IEPs), lesson plans, and Related Services plans
Follow IEP recommendations, Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP), sensory integration plans, communication plans, and other individual student plans consistently and with fidelity.
Take excellent and accurate data on all IEP goals and educational programs throughout the day and input all data and notes accurately and in a timely manner.
Create individual student and classroom materials as needed.
Support students in off-site community education while maintaining a high level of responsibility and safety for all students and staff.
Transport students to community locations in TCS vehicles while adhering to all safety and traffic laws and maintaining a good driving record
Complete daily responsibilities as assigned by the Special Educator/classroom team, ensure the classroom is ready for the next day, ensure materials/activities are set up prior to student arrival, minimizing wait time.
Support the social-emotional development, health and well being of students at all times
Utilize developmentally based, researched supported techniques and therapies such as The Developmental, Individual Difference, Relationship-based (DIR®/Floortime™) Model and Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions (NDBI)
Support students using least restrictive prompts and scaffolds so as to maximize independent skill development.
Continually work to build a positive relationship and rapport with each assigned student by engaging in child led activities with the student, pairing with student preferred activities and items, and striving to establish a developmentally appropriate relationship where meaningful back and forth social interaction may occur.
Utilize restrictive practices such as restraint, seclusion, escape extinction, and planned punishment only as a last resort or as part of an IEP team approved, data driven, and supervised intervention.
Serve as an active member of a collaborative team environment to support the overall mission of TCS
Contribute to the development of IEPs and related services plans by collecting accurate data, giving detailed observation reports, and participating in student discussions.
Participate in all staff meetings, trainings, and professional development days
Communicate effectively and respectfully with all parents, care providers, students, other staff members, administrative staff, the board of directors, colleagues, district officials, and community members.
Help to maintain school-wide and classroom supplies and equipment including curriculum supplies, computers, walkies and all other electronic equipment, assuring their organization, availability, cleanliness, and working order.
Cooperate with all employee protocols and school policies
Maintain the confidentiality of all students and families
Work with the Principal, Teacher and Related Services to ensure the school program/classroom is adhering to all laws, regulations, and standards set forth by the California Department of Education.