Special Needs Teacher Assistant

NurturEd Early Learning Center•Cumberland, RI

just now•Onsite

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 to create a safe, healthy, structured, and welcoming space. Key aspects include engaging children in learning through reading and play, inspiring them to be lifelong learners, partnering with families, using an electronic daily tracking app, assisting with accreditation and quality initiatives, and supporting the EnhancEd Support Services (ESS) special needs inclusion program. A significant part of the role is working with Clinicians to provide an appropriate learning environment and activities for children with special needs, especially those with behavioral challenges, and assisting these children in meeting their individual goals outlined in 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 preferred.

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 (ESS) 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 ESS Clinician to give all children the opportunity to succeed.