Special Needs Teacher Assistant
About The Position
This is a full-time opportunity (typically 35-37 hours/week) focused on providing an educational and nurturing environment for children. The role involves working alongside a team of teachers and clinicians to create a safe, healthy, structured, and welcoming space for children, including those with special needs and challenging behaviors. The Special Needs Teacher Assistant will engage children in learning activities, partner with families, utilize an electronic daily tracking app, assist with accreditation and quality initiatives, and support the EnhancEd Support Services special needs inclusion program. The goal is to help children succeed in meeting their individual goals and behavior plans while integrated with typically developing peers.
Requirements
- Experience working with special needs children or children with challenging behaviors.
- A personal demeanor that is warm and friendly.
- Verbal and written communication skills.
- Reliable attendance and punctuality.
- Organized and able to prioritize and multi-task.
- Team-oriented and willing to work with others.
- Minimum of High school diploma (or equivalent) with college credits in Early Childhood Education or related field required.
- At least 2 years working in an early learning/child care center.
- Experience with special needs students, particularly with de-escalating behavior challenges.
- 19 years of age or older.
- Able to read, write, speak and understand English.
- Must pass national criminal background/fingerprints check.
- Must pass Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) Clearance Request (CPS).
Nice To Haves
- College credits, Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, Associate’s degree, or higher in Early Childhood Education or related field preferred.
- Rhode Island Early Learning and Development Standards (RIELDS) certification preferred.
- Knowledge of Teaching Strategies and/or Conscious Discipline preferred.
- CPR/First Aid certification preferred.
- Bilingual encouraged to apply.
Responsibilities
- Working alongside a team of teachers to provide a safe, healthy, structured, and welcoming space to grow and learn.
- Engaging with children in learning - reading, playing, and having fun!
- Inspiring children to be lifelong learners.
- Partnering with families to nurture and care for their children.
- Showcasing tech savvy skills by using an electronic daily tracking app.
- Assisting with the accreditation process as well as other quality initiatives.
- Supporting our EnhancEd Support Services special needs inclusion program.
- Working alongside Clinicians to provide an appropriate learning environment and activities for children with special needs, particularly behaviorally challenging children.
- Assisting children to become successful in meeting their individual goals outlined in their behavior plans, while integrated with typically developing peers.
- Attending occasional trainings after hours (typically at 6:30pm).
- Having meetings with the EnhancEd Clinician to give all children the opportunity to succeed.
Benefits
- Paid Time Off
- 401k with company match
- 13 Paid Holidays
- Child Care Discounts
- College Tuition Reimbursement
- Medical (Healthcare Benefits), Dental, Vision
- Flexible Spending Account
- Training/Professional Development opportunities
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
