EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANT I - 1.0 FLEXIBLE BASE SUPPORT (EXTERNAL)

Durham District School Board; Whitby; Hybrid; CAD 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

The Durham District School Board seeks a Classroom Assistant to support teachers and assist students with exceptionalities. This permanent, full-time position involves helping with teaching, classroom supervision, and providing physical and emotional support to students. Ideal candidates will possess a Secondary School Diploma and relevant experience, contributing to an inclusive education environment while making a meaningful impact on students' lives.

Benefits

Equity and Inclusion commitment

Professional development opportunities

Inclusive workplace

Qualifications

• Must have a Secondary School Diploma.
• Experience working with early years students.
• Knowledge of strategies supporting students with disabilities.

Responsibilities

• Assist teachers in supporting students with exceptionalities.
• Prepare classroom materials and maintain student records.
• Provide physical assistance to students with disabilities.

Skills

Experience supporting students with technology

Experience working with students with Autism

Knowledge of ABA strategies

Education

Secondary School Diploma (Grade 12)

Tools

Assistive technologies

Job description

1.0 FLEXIBLE BASE SUPPORT (EXTERNAL)

To assist the classroom teacher in the education of students with exceptionalities. The deployment and assignment of duties within the school of a classroom assistant who is to work in a classroom setting are the responsibility of the teacher involved, in consultation with the principal.

Major Duties

• Assist Teacher in the Teaching and Learning Process
• by using teacher planned drill devices, help students individually or in small groups to consolidate previously taught skills in reading (listening to oral reading), in spelling (drills), in math (drills), in writing (acting as a student scribe/recording on computer), in phonics and language exercises;
• develop student's self-esteem and positive self-concept throughout;
• mark students' completed work
• observe and record student progress;
• communicate to the teacher, student progress, and problems.
• Prepare Classroom Material and Equipment as Directed
• including teaching aids, display material, photocopied material, laminated material, arts and craft material, the setup and operation of the computer, the V.C.R., the projector and the cassette recorder, the language master, etc.
• Maintain Class and Student Records, Charts and files as Directed
• including general filing, updating and recording such matters as student attendance, achievement, marks, behavior and other general administrative work in class (ordering consumable supplies, obtaining trip consents, collecting monies, etc.)
• Assist with General Pupil Supervision as Directed
• when the teacher is engaged in teacher preparation and evaluation in class, when the class is working in small groups and when the teacher is unavailable;
• assist in the supervision of students who have physical disabilities in a shop environment (industrial arts)
• on field trips, at school assemblies, loading and unloading buses, recess, noon hour, lunch. Note: The E.A.'s role re bussing is to accompany/assist the student onto the bus and to buckle the student's seatbelt, if the help is needed, or monitor the student buckling his/her own seatbelt where the student is able to do so. The bus driver is to check that all seatbelts are buckled before putting the bus in motion to leave the school.
• supervision and/or instruction of individual or small groups of children during trips (such as swimming, grocery shopping, community outings, Variety Village)
• Supervise, Observe and Correct Students' Behaviour as Directed
• including instructing and encouraging proper student behaviour and coping with extreme behaviour disorders
• implementing behaviour management/modification programs
• Instruct and Assist Students with Limited Capacity in Basic Life Skills as Directed
• personal hygiene (such as toileting assistance including cleaning up accidents, lifting to and from wheelchairs, changing diapers, eating assistance, grooming assistance);
• domestic skills (such as meal planning and preparation, shopping, cooking skills and use of cooking equipment such as stove, microwave);
• community skills (such as recognizing common signs, banking)
• Provide Physical Assistance to Students who are Physically Disabled or have Multiple Exceptionalities as Directed
• in dressing and undressing, scribe, in getting on and off the bus/taxi, with toilet functions, with exercise program;
• escort and provide physical assistance for an individual student outside class;
• monitor medical procedures performed by the student and/or the nurse;
• Assist in the Integration of Students into a Regular Program as Directed
• work in cooperation with the homeroom teacher, the subject teacher, and the academic resource personnel to assess and plan the integration;
• monitor student comprehension and student recording of instructions from their teacher, their work skills, their completed work and their progress;
• assist students not coping with integration with their class notes, study guides, drills, quizzes, etc.;
• assist children in age-appropriate classes for art, music and physical education.
• Assist in the Physical Development of Students as Directed
• fine motor skills (threading), gross motor skills (climbing, catching, running)
• physical exercise programs for individual students prescribed by the Occupational Therapist and under the direction of the teacher to strengthen, stimulate and develop muscle tone (child over a ball or wedge)
• Accompany and Assist Students in their Job Placements
• assist in job training, monitor progress, help in the acquisition of job skills ( punctuality, etc.)
• Provide Physical and Other Assistance to Students with Developmental Disability
• position students who are very rigid or spastic;
• push and pull students' wheelchairs or carry students in a floor sitter;
• lift students from wheelchairs to change mat on the floor or up to change table for toileting purposes;
• hold students on the toilet;
• utilize equipment in various exercise programs (tricycles, large balls, wedges, etc.);
• administer and chart oral medication.
• Assist with the Education of a Student who is Blind
• prepare learning resources in braille, in audio form and/or in a tactile format and use these materials to assist the student's learning
• Assist with the Education of Students who are Deaf and/or Non-Verbal
• using sign language, interpret oral classroom instructions and other oral communications for the student.
• Perform such other Duties as may be Assigned by the Principal or the Teacher
  
  

Qualifications

• Secondary School Diploma (Grade 12)
• Students that are physically handicapped or have orthopedic needs - swimming instructor's qualifications
• Students who are blind - knowledge of braille
• Students who are deaf and/or non-verbal - fluency in sign language
  
  

Required

Additional Skills and Qualifications Required for this Particular Placement:

• BMS Training
• Experience supporting students with technology (including assistive technologies) for communication of learning.
• Experience working with early years students (elementary).
• Knowledge of strategies and experience supporting students with Autism.
• Experience supporting students with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities.
• Experience supporting students with mental health needs.
• Experience supporting students who may demonstrate risk of injury behaviours.
• Supporting students on bus, before and after school as needed.
  
  

Asset

• Experience and knowledge of ABA principle based strategies such as work systems and visuals schedules.
• Ability to support students who present flight risk behaviours.
• Experience supporting students who are non-verbal.
• Experience with use of augmentative communication tools.
• Experience with toileting, feeding and lifting.
• First Aid and/or CPR training.
  
  

Please note: This is a 35 hour per week, 10 month, permanent position.

Equity and Inclusion

The Durham District School Board recognizes Indigenous rights are distinct. In the exercise of those rights, Indigenous staff and students shall not be subjected to actions with the aim or effect of depriving these distinct rights.

The DDSB is dedicated to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all. We are committed to reflecting the diverse communities we serve and encourage applications from candidates who bring a variety of experiences and backgrounds. We adhere to fair, transparent hiring practices and are committed to equity and accessibility throughout the recruitment process. If you need accommodation during the application process, please let us know, and we will work with you to meet your needs.

Ignite Your Career

At the Durham District School Board (DDSB), we inspire the lives of over 80,000 students. Our diverse communities are places where your impact will be felt every day.

Picture yourself in a workplace where your ideas are celebrated, and your growth is a top priority. Here, collaboration and innovation thrive. Whether you're directly inspiring young minds or providing essential support behind the scenes, your contributions will have a meaningful impact on students and the community.

We welcome you to bring your experiences, your passions, and your talents to our inclusive community. Join us and be part of a team that values your well-being as much as your contributions. Ignite your potential at DDSB and help us make a difference, one student at a time.