Special Needs Assistant

ECS4KIDS•Jacksonville, FL

5d•$18 - $24•Onsite

About The Position

The Special Needs Assistant provides individualized classroom support to assigned children with special needs and/or challenging behaviors. The role helps children participate in classroom activities, supports their social, emotional, and learning development, and works collaboratively with teachers, coaches, program support specialists, families, and other staff. The assistant maintains a safe, nurturing classroom environment and follows applicable policies, procedures, and standards. The position includes constant visual supervision of children in indoor classroom and outdoor playground settings, tolerance of loud noise, and the ability to travel among centers within an assigned geographic area. Center assignments may change based on enrolled children and program needs. The role reports to the assigned Center Manager, with oversight from the Social Emotional Services Manager and Director of Developmental & Behavioral Services.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED and a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or Florida Child Care Professional Credential (FCCPC).
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 and emotional maturity and maintain appropriate classroom discipline.
Ability to build collaborative relationships and work effectively with diverse staff and families.
Demonstrated proper grammar and communication skills.
Knowledge of applicable safety and abuse-reporting procedures.
Ability to maintain confidential information.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Ability to plan and organize work and maintain records.
Willingness to learn and continue personal education.
Complete TB screening and physical before having direct contact with children, and renew every two years.
Complete the online Food Handlers Course Serving Safe Food in Childcare within 90 days of employment.
Hold current First Aid and Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training.
Complete a minimum of 15 hours of in-service training annually, from 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 FCCPC credential (Birth-5) within 90 days of hire.
Complete 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.
Two years of relevant training and early childhood education classroom experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications.

Responsibilities

Provide individualized support to assigned children to help them participate in classroom activities.
Use teaching strategies that illustrate the CLASS philosophy in Emotional Support, Classroom Organization, and Instructional Support.
Assist the classroom Teacher by actively keeping children engaged during large-group activities.
Purposefully interact with children and extend play and learning.
Assist with assessments and collection of documentation for assigned children.
Provide a warm, nurturing, loving, and positive environment using Conscious Discipline positive guidance techniques and upholding the ECS Discipline policy.
Develop nurturing relationships with each child that encourage social and emotional development.
Maintain applicable federal, state, local, and accreditation standards, including those set by NAEYC, APPLE, ECS, DCF, and Head Start.
Follow policies and procedures regarding medical and dental emergencies, short-term exclusion of children, and administration, handling, and storage of medication.
Follow safe practices to prevent injuries to children or self.
Maintain sanitation and hygiene procedures and participate in center maintenance.
Encourage effective communication and relationships with families so parents feel comfortable discussing their children with staff.
Inform parents about children's progress formally and informally, including through parent notes, portfolios, or conferences.
Eat with children while encouraging proper eating habits and conversation.
Communicate regularly with staff to better serve children and families, including attending staff meetings and trainings and sharing information.
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.
Perform other related duties as required.