Instructional Assistant Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• Associate degree or equivalent coursework.
• Two years of collective experience as an instructional assistant/paraprofessional in a special education or early intervention program; as a classroom teacher in an Early Childhood Program; or as an ABA behavior technician or support worker in an in-home or school-based setting.
• Experience working with children and families of diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to communicate proficiently in English.
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced, high-stress environment and manage time efficiently.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of child information and documents.
• Pre-employment physical examination, immunizations, and TB clearance.
• Current Pediatric First Aid and CPR certificates, including 16 hours of preventative health and safety training, or completion of this training within 90 work days of hire.
• LiveScan fingerprinting and criminal record clearance.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook, and other computer programs.
• Valid California Driver's License, proof of auto insurance, and annual DMV check.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Bilingual or multi-lingual ability.
• Early Childhood Program classroom experience, preferably in a state-subsidized or Early/Head Start setting.

Responsibilities

• Support neuro-diverse students in equitable access to curriculum goals and activities aligned with the Creative Curriculum, the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework, and California Department of Education Foundations and Frameworks.
• Assist with implementing Positive Behavior Support Plans for children on the caseload, individually or in small groups.
• Build rapport and trust with children on the caseload.
• Foster a safe and nurturing learning environment.
• Assess children’s needs and use intervention strategies in Positive Behavior Support Plans to prevent or redirect challenging and unsafe behaviors; model and facilitate social interactions and provide direction, guidance, and visual supervision.
• Instruct and guide children in the proper and safe use of facilities, materials, and equipment.
• Instruct and monitor children in health and hygiene skills and assist with routine activities, including toileting, hand washing, and tooth-brushing.
• Follow Positive Behavior Guidance, the YMCA Code of Conduct, and YMCA Child Supervision policy, and visually supervise children at all times.
• Carry out health and safety requirements under Community Care Licensing, Head Start Performance Standards, and California Department of Education regulations.
• Develop and maintain cooperative working relationships with Teachers, Center Directors, Family Advocates, Inclusion and Mental Health staff, and other YMCA staff.
• Write daily intervention notes, collect ABC data, submit the data to the Behavior Coordinator at the end of each work week, and maintain and organize the associated binder.
• Participate in meetings, classes, and trainings for professional growth and to meet job expectations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Heavily subsidized medical, dental, and vision coverage with several plan options for full-time employees.
• Basic Life and AD&D Insurance, with options for Voluntary Life and AD&D coverage.
• Flexible Spending Accounts for health and dependent care expenses.
• Long-Term Disability Insurance.
• Employee Assistance and Wellness Programs.
• Commuter Benefits for eligible employees.
• 12 designated holidays, including New Year’s Day.
• Paid time off for vacation and sick leave.
• Professional development opportunities and ongoing training.
• YMCA membership benefits and discounts on programs for employees and their families.