Therapeutic Integrated Specialist/Teacher Assistant

C H I L D INC•Warwick, RI

About The Position

The Therapeutic Integrated Specialist/Teacher Assistant supports children with special developmental and behavioral needs so they can participate successfully in typical early childhood environments under Kids Connect. The role provides general support and targeted interventions for assigned children, assists teachers with instruction and classroom management, and helps maintain a safe, inclusive learning environment. The position also involves supporting children’s daily care needs, following agency and Head Start policies, participating in professional development, and working collaboratively with children, families, teachers, and other staff.

Requirements

Minimum Infant Toddler/Preschool Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential.
Demonstrated experience in an early care and education setting.
Two years of supervised experience working with children with special healthcare needs.
Appropriate Rhode Island Early Learning and Development Standards (RIELDS) certificate, or ability to obtain it within one year of hire.
Valid Rhode Island driver’s license and an insured vehicle; proof of insurance is required.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s degree in Early Childhood or a closely related field with approved or equivalent coursework; transcripts will be required.
Basic keyboarding and basic computer skills.
Knowledge of The Creative Curriculum.
Knowledge of developmentally appropriate assessment practices.

Responsibilities

Provide general support and specific interventions for assigned children.
Assist the Teacher in arranging the learning environment and preparing activities.
Model expectations to help children understand rules and routines.
Engage children through conversation, reading, play, and other interactions.
Assist the Teacher with implementing lesson plans.
Work with individual children or small groups as directed by the Teacher.
Use knowledge of child development to provide responsive, supportive, and engaging interactions.
Assist the Teacher with sight and sound supervision during classroom activities, emergency drills, restroom use, transitions, and outdoor play.
Assist children with clothing, handwashing, feeding, toileting, and diapering when necessary.
Assist with meal setup and cleanup and other assigned cleanup duties.
Participate in classroom meals and snacks with children, following CHILD, Inc. procedures and philosophy.
Support children’s health and safety by following established practices and procedures.
Maintain a safe, orderly, and clean environment.
Guide children’s behavior using positive strategies consistent with teacher expectations.
Follow CHILD, Inc. policies and procedures and Head Start Performance Standards.
Comply with Rhode Island and agency child abuse and neglect reporting procedures.
Demonstrate punctuality, flexibility, and dependable attendance.
Participate in professional development and in-service training.
Complete 15 CHILD, Inc.-approved college credits at CCRI.
Demonstrate professional responsibility and ethical behavior.
Support an inclusive learning environment and respect that children develop and learn at different paces.
Assure the health and safety of all children.
Respect diverse family practices, languages, cultures, and traditions.
Work in alternate classrooms as assigned.
Use sound judgment and initiative to act independently.
Maintain effective and appropriate interpersonal relationships with children, families, and staff.
Protect student confidentiality and use discretion when dealing with parents and staff.
Occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.
Maintain a valid Rhode Island driver’s license and an insured vehicle; provide proof of insurance.