Special Needs Assistant - 26/27 SY

ECS4KIDS•Gainesville, FL

1d•$18 - $24•Hybrid

About The Position

JOIN THE ECS4KIDS FAMILY: July 2026 Start Date ECS4Kids (formerly Episcopal Children’s Services) is a 2026 Top Workplace that honors young children’s immense potential by helping them enter school ready to learn. We cultivate lifelong learners by immersing children in enriching guided experiences and discovery-oriented approaches. Through programs like Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK), Head Start, School Readiness, Child Care Resource & Referral (CCRR), and more, our dedicated professionals work with families and caregivers throughout Florida to promote children’s well-being. These enable us to strengthen key areas including motor development, cognitive development, social and emotional development, language and communication skills, and problem-solving skills. Partner with us to we create opportunity so that the children we serve can achieve their full potential. ECS4Kids has career opportunities available in several counties throughout Northeast and Central Florida. Thank you for your interest in a career with ECS4Kids. We offer a competitive benefit package which includes: Medical, dental and vision insurance 403(b) plan with 5% employer match Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Long-term & short-term disability insurance Employer-paid life insurance Paid holidays Generous paid time off Career development Qualifying employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The Special Needs Assistant provides individualized classroom support for assigned children with special needs and/or challenging behaviours.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED, DCF 45-hour training, and one of the following: Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or Florida Child Care Professional Credential (FCCPC) required
An associate degree in child development, special education, early childhood education or related field and experience working with children with special needs highly preferred.
Two (2) years relevant training and ECE classroom experience can be substituted for minimum qualifications.
Knowledge of child growth and development as well as 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, emotional maturity and maintain appropriate classroom discipline
Ability to build and establish collaborative relationships and work effectively with diverse staff and families
Demonstrates proper use of grammar and communication skills
Knowledge of applicable safety and abuse-reporting procedures
Ability to maintain confidential information
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
Ability to plan and organize work as well as maintain records
A willingness to learn and continue personal education
Complete TB screening & physical before having direct contact with children. Renew every 2 years.
Complete on-line Food Handlers Course Serving Safe Food in Childcare within 90 days of employment.
Must have current First Aid and Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training.
Complete a minimum of 15 hours of in-service training annually, July 1- June 30.
For non FCCPC holders, apply for FCCPC credential (Birth-5) within 90 days of hire.
A Level II Background Screening which consists of a local, state, and federal criminal check will be completed on all employees and any contracted employee position, intern position or volunteer position in which individuals have contact with children, have access to confidential information and / or are in a position of special trust.

Nice To Haves

An associate degree in child development, special education, early childhood education or related field and experience working with children with special needs highly preferred.

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 classroom Teacher by actively keeping children engaged during large group activities.
Purposefully interact with children and extend play and learning.
Assist in the 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 his or her social and emotional development.
Maintain all federal, state, local and accreditation standards (these may include those set forth by NAEYC, APPLE, ECS, DCF and Head Start).
Follow policies and procedures regarding medical and dental emergencies, short-term exclusion of children, and the administration, handling, and storing of medication.
Ensure that safe practices are followed to prevent injuries to children or self.
Maintain sanitation and hygiene procedures and participate in the maintenance of the center.
Provide and encourage effective communication and relationships with families so that parents feel comfortable talking to staff about their children.
Inform parents concerning their children’s progress formally and informally, which may include parent notes, portfolios, or parent conferences.
Eat with children, encouraging proper eating habits and conversation.
Communicate regularly with other staff to better serve children and families, including attending staff meetings, trainings, and sharing information.
Follow directions and assignments as given by supervisor.
Work collaboratively and attentively with the in-class Coach and Program Support Specialists to meet the needs of assigned children.
Maintain appropriate records and maintain confidentiality.