Classroom Assistant (K-8th grade Fairmount Campus)

Kennedy Krieger Institute, Inc.; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 21,463 - 29,521; Full time

Job summary

Kennedy Krieger Institute, Inc. is seeking a Classroom Assistant in Baltimore, Maryland to provide supervision and instruction for students with disabilities. This role involves implementing Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and supporting skill acquisition in academic and daily living tasks.

The ideal candidate will have a high school diploma or GED, experience working with children with developmental disabilities, and be familiar with behavior management strategies. The position offers competitive pay in a supportive educational environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Previous experience with children with developmental disabilities preferred.
• Must maintain certification for PCM at Practitioner level.

Responsibilities

• Assist teachers with instruction and assessment according to IEP.
• Use behavior management strategies as trained.
• Support skill acquisition in academic and social-emotional areas.
• Collect and record all relevant data timely.

Skills

Behavior management strategies

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

Collaboration with teachers

Daily living skills assistance

Data collection and recording

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate’s degree in education or special education

Job description

Overview

The Classroom Assistant serves a varied population of students with disabilities and provides safe and engaging supervision and instruction in the classroom and during off‑campus activities.

The Classroom Assistant will support students with the development of pro‑social behaviors by adhering to Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) and implementing appropriate behavior management strategies/supports.

This position assists with the adaptation of instruction to meet the individual, academic, medical, developmental, and technological needs of the assigned student(s).

This staff member will support the implementation of Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and other various state curriculum. Responsible for group work; teaching Lifeskills and independence; recording data; providing basic medical support; organizing and preparing materials; and participating in meetings and professional development. The incumbent may also drive Institute vans and may engage in water‑based activities.

At the Fairmount Campus, we are committed to providing special education program in which the uniqueness of each student is valued and understood. We want to enable students to reach their potential in all aspects of life – academically, socially and behaviorally – and help lead them toward the ultimate goal of nurturing their independence now and in the future.

Our curriculum focuses on building essential skills based on standards and curricula identified by the Maryland State Department of Education. Students receive ongoing instruction in reading/English language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, physical education, health, music, fine arts and career development.

We are a nonpublic special education day program approved by the Maryland State Department of Education. We operate on an 11‑month program schedule.

Responsibilities

1. Assist the Teacher and Assistant Teacher with instruction and assessment for students with developmental disabilities and/or emotional and behavioral challenges in accordance with student IEP and the Common Core State Curriculum.
2. Adhere to behavioral plans/protocols as written. Utilize the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) as indicated.
3. Effectively use behavior management strategies and implement approved physical intervention procedures (i.e., transportation/escort and immobilization/restraint) as trained.
4. Work directly with assigned student to support skill acquisition (i.e., academic and social‑emotional); assist with daily living skills and medical needs (i.e., toileting, hygiene, meals, lifting/carrying students with physical disabilities); and support behavior management in one‑to‑one (1:1), group, school, and community settings.
5. Promote and support peer interactions, generalization of student skills across settings, and work to foster student independence.
6. Modify academic, socioemotional, and behavioral tasks and materials to meet student needs/abilities as outlined by the teacher and Behavior Resource team.
7. Accurately collect and record all data in a timely and prescribed manner.
8. Follow classroom routines as outlined by the teacher and enact proactive classroom management strategies.
9. Follow student fitness routines (to include pool and water‑based activities) as outlined by the school program.
10. Organize, prepare, and use school materials to support student learning and assist with the implementation of technology in instructional design and delivery.
11. Actively engage in classroom and team meetings, supervision meetings, in‑service trainings, and school‑wide events as assigned.
12. May be required to safely drive and operate Institute vans to transport students and staff members, as assigned.

Qualifications

EDUCATION:

High school diploma or GED required

Associate’s degree in education, special education, or related area preferred.

EXPERIENCE:

Previous experience working with children with developmental disabilities is preferred.

RELATED TRAINING:

PCM or CPI training will be provided by the department, according to the individual program requirements. Employee must achieve and maintain certification (at the “Practitioner” level or higher for PCM) according to the timeline established within the departmental policy.

Minimum pay range

USD $15.58/Hr.

Maximum pay range

USD $21.43/Hr.

Equal Opportunity Provider & Employer M/F/Disability/ProtectedVet