Special Instructional Assistant

NEXT DOOR FOUNDATION INC•Milwaukee, WI

8d•Onsite

About The Position

Next Door is a trauma-informed agency and Pyramid Model implementation site providing early childhood programming, including support for students with significant developmental delays in early literacy, early learning, and social/emotional development. The Special Instructional Assistant works directly with students who have developmental delays and social/emotional deficits, under the supervision of and in conjunction with Next Door’s Disabilities and Mental Health teams. The role addresses goals outlined in students’ IEPs or Positive Behavior Support Plans and provides individualized support in and outside the classroom. The assistant supports instructional and behavioral needs, implements child-centered and developmentally appropriate learning activities, helps carry out behavior supports, and monitors student progress. The role includes collaborating with teachers, specialists, and families; maintaining accurate records and confidentiality; supporting classroom supervision and safety; and staying current with relevant early childhood special education standards, laws, and practices. The position is based at Next Door Capitol in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It is full time, on the day shift, with travel of up to 25%. The work is mainly in a classroom, with travel to various sites for meetings.

Requirements

Early Childhood Technical Diploma or Child Development Associate (CDA) credential.
Two years of experience working with preschool children in a group setting.
Temperament and patience to work with students with behavioral and developmental challenges.
Basic understanding of early childhood curriculum and developmentally appropriate practices for children ages 3–5.
Knowledge and understanding of IDEA.
Ability to work cooperatively and supportively as a team member.
Willingness and ability to work in a program located in a high-risk, low-income community.
Reliability, ability to follow the lead of the Disabilities and Mental Health team and take direction, and ability to work independently when needed.
Valid Wisconsin driver’s license and liability insurance.
Ability to make frequent, significant decisions in response to children’s development.
Ability to respond quickly and competently to emergencies or crisis situations to keep children safe.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development.
Understanding of special education, trauma-informed care, PBIS, and the Pyramid Model.
Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards.
Crisis Prevention Intervention training.

Responsibilities

Assist special education teachers in meeting the instructional and behavioral needs of students with disabilities.
Implement child-centered, developmentally appropriate, individualized instructional activities under the direction of the Disabilities Supervisor, Mental Health Services Supervisor, and/or special education teacher.
Participate in meetings to develop and update IEPs, Evaluation Reports, and behavior plans as requested.
Communicate regularly with special education teachers, regular education teachers, positive behavior intervention specialists, and parents about students’ needs and progress.
Support students’ Positive Behavior Support Plans and interventions to develop social/emotional competencies, and follow behavior support plans provided by teachers or behavior support staff.
Engage positively with children and use appropriate discipline methods in accordance with DCF 251, Next Door policies and procedures, and Pyramid Model practices.
Support classroom learning experiences and implement classroom activities under the direction of the classroom team.
Understand assessment data, support learning experiences based on individual needs, monitor intervention progress, maintain accurate records, and collect data using a variety of methods.
Develop effective relationships with parents.
Support classroom and outdoor learning-environment zoning plans, active supervision, and child-tracking procedures throughout daily routines.
Maintain confidentiality in accordance with FERPA.
Attend training and in-service workshops, update skills as needed, and remain current on laws, regulations, and public policies in early childhood special education.
Follow safety rules and directions, use required personal safety devices, report unsafe conditions, follow procedures for reporting suspected child abuse and neglect, and report unsupervised children after ensuring their safety.
Maintain awareness of each assigned child’s location and implement active supervision, including during transitions.
Support the agency’s mission, vision, standards of conduct, code of ethics, and strategic directions; maintain a positive work environment and communicate appropriately with children, families, coworkers, supervisors, and the public.
Perform other duties within the scope of the job description as assigned.