Teaching Assistant ESM/Park Hill Preschool

ELMCREST CHILDRENS CENTER INC • East Syracuse, NY

22d • $17 - $18 • Onsite

About The Position

The Teaching Assistant is a member of a multidisciplinary team that provides special education services to preschoolers with disabilities. This person works under the direction of the Special Education Teacher and is responsible for sharing in the planning and daily programming for children in an inclusive preschool classroom. The Teaching Assistant implements curriculum activities and provides educational interventions and behavioral support to children as needed. The Teaching Assistant is accountable for providing educational support in accordance with student individualized education programs (IEPs).

Full-Time Teaching Assistant position information:
Full Time Special Education Teaching Assistant at the Park Hill location
35 hours per week; 8:15am to 3:15pm Monday through Friday
Year Round position including the school year and 6 week summer program
11 days of Paid Time Off (PTO) yearly is incrementally accrued each pay period
School Time Off (STO) according to the school calendar (these are paid school closures/holidays)
Some trainings and meetings are required outside of normal scheduled hours. Additional time for trainings & meetings is paid.

Requirements

• Honesty: Act with integrity and behave in a manner consistent with our policies, Code of Conduct and any regulatory and ethical guidelines. Utilize practices and techniques professionals train to interact with children, families and co-workers appropriately.
• Willingness to Learn: Open to new experiences and learning new skills and information that can improve professional development, progressive work environments and support the mission of Elmcrest.
• Dedication to Purpose: Display the necessary passion and empathetic abilities to serve the Elmcrest mission. Committed to improve the lives of children and families.
• Social Concern: Value human dignity and have respect for others. Actively seek out diverse approaches and points of view.
• Self-Examination: Systemically observe, analyze and utilize self-reflection to improve actions or results. Listen to constructive feedback and concerns and maintain positive relationships in the workplace.
• Experience with young children.
• Ability to present with warmth, nurturing and kindness.
• Willingness to be a team player and work in a collaborative teaming environment.
• Knowledge of child development.
• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds without assistance.
• Ability to sit, squat, crouch and stand for elongated periods of time.
• Ability to lift arms over head in upward reaching motion.
• Ability to walk up and downstairs up to several times per day.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of Autism Spectrum Disorder, sensory integration, developmental delays, and behavioral interventions preferred.
• Associate’s degree or Bachelor’s degree preferred, in early education, psychology, human services, or related field.
• New York State Teaching Assistant certification preferred, but not required for employment.

Responsibilities

• Support a welcoming, clean and orderly classroom environment that is culturally responsive and fosters high expectations for children.
• Express a supportive and caring demeanor to relate sensitively to children, families, classroom staff, and multidisciplinary providers.
• Work with the Special Education Teacher and other team members to develop lesson plans and implement learning activities in the daily program.
• Assist in all daily functions of the classroom, including setting up of activities, meals, toileting, and cleaning.
• Review IEPs for all children in the classroom, to understand the developmental needs of the children and to assist children in progressing toward IEP goals.
• Provide educational support to children on a one-to-one basis, in small groups, and in large groups as appropriate.
• Actively engage with children through conversation and play at all times of the day, in a way that is developmentally appropriate and on their level (e.g., on the floor).
• Implement positive classroom management strategies for effective functioning of the classroom and to promote positive student-teacher interactions.
• Assist in the design and modification of the classroom environment to meet the needs of the group and individual children.
• Assist the Special Education Teacher with monitoring children’s development and learning with ongoing assessment strategies and data collection strategies.
• Participate in the development of behavioral/therapeutic interventions, and maintain consistency with implementation of interventions.
• Ensure implementation of lesson plans and consistency in programming in the absence of the Special Education Teacher, including taking on lead teacher responsibilities when appropriate.
• Attend weekly classroom/team meetings and other program meetings as directed by the Special Education Teacher and/or Program Administrator.
• Maintain professional, positive, and productive relationships with children, families, agency staff, visitors, outside agencies, and the general public.
• Maintain up-to-date child and classroom records, including health monitoring and attendance.
• Cooperate with other staff members to maintain standards of professionalism throughout the center.
• Attend workshops, conferences, and in-service training programs as required.
• Follow all State Education regulations and Elmcrest program policies and procedures, as well as ESM School District policies and procedures.

Benefits

• 11 days of Paid Time Off (PTO) yearly is incrementally accrued each pay period
• School Time Off (STO) according to the school calendar (these are paid school closures/holidays)
• Additional time for trainings & meetings is paid.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees