Special Needs Assistant

Ecs4Kids•Jacksonville, FL

About The Position

The Special Needs Assistant provides individualized classroom support for assigned children with special needs and/or challenging behaviors. The role supports children’s participation in classroom activities, learning, and social-emotional development while helping maintain a warm, safe, and positive classroom environment. The assistant works collaboratively with classroom teachers, the in-class Coach, Program Support Specialists, families, and other staff, and follows applicable policies, procedures, and standards. The position reports to the assigned Center Manager, with oversight from the Social Emotional Services Manager and Director of Developmental & Behavioral Services. The role is based in an indoor classroom and outdoor playground, requires constant visual supervision of children and tolerance of loud noise, and may require travel among centers within an assigned geographic area. Center assignments may change based on enrolled children and program needs. The position involves heavy physical work, which is a primary part of the job, including lifting, pushing, or pulling objects up to 50 pounds. Reasonable accommodations will be made for otherwise qualified individuals with a disability.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED and a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or Florida Child Care Professional Credential (FCCPC) are required.
Two years of relevant training and early childhood education classroom experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications.
Knowledge of child growth and development and developmentally appropriate practices for children.
Knowledge of the effects of trauma on children’s development.
Ability to provide a supportive and caring environment for children.
Ability to exercise control, demonstrate emotional maturity, and maintain appropriate classroom discipline.
Ability to build collaborative relationships and work effectively with diverse staff and families.
Proper grammar and communication skills; ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Knowledge of applicable safety and abuse-reporting procedures.
Ability to maintain confidential information.
Ability to plan and organize work and maintain records.
Willingness to learn and continue personal education.
Complete a TB screening and physical before having direct contact with children; renew every two years.
Complete the online Food Handlers Course Serving Safe Food in Childcare within 90 days of employment.
Maintain current First Aid and Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training.
Complete a minimum of 15 hours of in-service training annually, July 1 through June 30.
Commence the DCF-required 45-hour training within 90 days and complete it within one year of employment.
For employees who do not hold an FCCPC, apply for the Birth-5 FCCPC credential within 90 days of hire.
Pass a Level II background screening, including local, state, and federal criminal checks.

Nice To Haves

An associate degree in child development, special education, early childhood education, or a related field.
Experience working with children with special needs.
Candidates with expired CDA credentials may be eligible for the CDA Renewal Amnesty Program; guidance and support may be available. Eligibility is determined by the Council for Professional Recognition and individual requirements may apply.

Responsibilities

Provide individualized support to assigned children so they can participate in classroom activities.
Use teaching strategies that reflect the CLASS philosophy in Emotional Support, Classroom Organization, and Instructional Support.
Help the classroom Teacher keep children engaged during large-group activities.
Interact purposefully with children and extend play and learning.
Assist with assessments and documentation for assigned children.
Provide a warm, nurturing, loving, and positive environment using Conscious Discipline positive guidance techniques and the ECS Discipline policy.
Develop nurturing relationships that encourage children’s social and emotional development.
Maintain applicable federal, state, local, and accreditation standards, including those that may be set by NAEYC, APPLE, ECS, DCF, and Head Start.
Follow procedures for medical and dental emergencies, short-term exclusion of children, and administering, handling, and storing medication.
Follow safe practices to prevent injuries to children and self.
Maintain sanitation and hygiene procedures and participate in center maintenance.
Build effective communication and relationships with families; inform parents about children’s progress formally and informally, including through notes, portfolios, or conferences.
Eat with children and encourage proper eating habits and conversation.
Communicate regularly with other staff, attend staff meetings and trainings, and share information to better serve children and families.
Follow directions and assignments from the supervisor.
Work collaboratively and attentively with the in-class Coach and Program Support Specialists to meet assigned children’s needs.
Maintain appropriate records and confidentiality.
Complete required screenings, courses, certifications, and training within the stated timeframes.
Perform other related duties as required.