Preschool Instructional Assistant

Valley Achievement Center; Bakersfield (CA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Valley Achievement Center is seeking dedicated staff to provide ABA-based instruction in classrooms for students with Autism and other developmental disabilities, ages 3–22. You will support academic, functional, self-help, social, and communication goals while following IPP/IEP guidelines.

The role requires adherence to VAC policies, data collection, and teamwork with teachers, parents, and VAC vendors. Training in behavior modification is provided as needed.

Qualifications

• Excellent oral and written communication with students and staff.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team.
• Experience with crisis management techniques preferred.
• Ability to stay calm and exercise good judgment in challenging situations.
• Experience with individuals with Developmental Disabilities preferred.
• Flexible and adaptable to changes in student programs.
• Positive and motivating demeanor.

Responsibilities

• Provide instruction and support to students with Autism or other developmental disabilities.
• Maintain student safety and close proximity to assigned students.
• Lead lessons and activities per IPP/IEP objectives.
• Collect and record data related to IPP/IEP goals.
• Adhere to VAC policies and maintain professional relationships.
• Participate in required staff meetings and school events.

Skills

Effective communication

Team collaboration

Crisis management

ABA intervention techniques

Developmental Disabilities experience

Positive demeanor

Education

High School Diploma or GED

2-year degree or equivalent preferred

6 Child Development units (Preschool)

Job description

Job Summary

To provide an effective learning environment with instruction based on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) in a classroom setting (including, but not limited to 1:1, 3:1, 6:1) for students with Autism, or other Developmental Disabilities, ages 3 – 22. Provide the support required to effectively teach academic, functional, self‑help, social, and communication skills and all responsibilities thereof. Must have the ability to manage and adapt to challenging behavior(s) from student(s) in accordance with VAC policies and protocol.

Job Requirements

• Ensure student and employee safety at all times.
• Maintain close proximity to assigned student(s) at all times.
• Maintain student and/or classroom program binders and notify Program Manager/Teacher of any concerns regarding student programs.
• Implement VAC techniques and approved methods of intervention for student behavior(s).
• Maintain a professional and objective relationship with students, parents, VAC vendors, supervisors and other employees.
• Lead lessons, instruction, games, and activities as stated in Individual Program Plans (IPP) or Individual Education Plans (IEP).
• Protect and uphold student confidentiality at all times.
• Collect, record, and maintain accurate data pertaining to student’s IPP/IEP goals.
• Work with a variety of students within the Autism Spectrum or with other Developmental Disabilities.
• Maintain organization of student work/classroom area.
• Complete daily assigned job responsibilities at the beginning or end of shift.
• Ability to exercise appropriate behavior modification techniques when necessary.
• Follow appropriate chain of command when faced with concerns related to students, parents, VAC vendors, supervisors and other employees.
• Attends, and actively participates in, all required employee meetings.
• Demonstrates accuracy, thoroughness, and personal accountability; looks for ways to improve or promote quality.
• Adheres to all VAC policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Handbook.
• Actively participate in community‑based instruction throughout the year, and actively participate in water activities (changing into appropriate swim attire is required, as outlined the VAC Dress Code).
• Exemplifies VAC’s Mission, Vision and Core Values.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Job Qualifications

• Ability to communicate effectively (oral and written) with students, parents, VAC vendors, supervisors and other employees.
• Ability to work as a team, actively participate and collaborate with other team members.
• Knowledge of crisis management techniques preferred.
• Ability to maintain composure, remain objective, demonstrate sound judgment and react effectively in challenging situations.
• Prior experience working with individuals with Developmental Disabilities preferred.
• Flexible and adaptable to student, program, and organizational changes.
• Exhibits a positive, solution oriented and motivating demeanor at all times.

Educational Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED required (all programs).
• Minimum of 6 units Child Development (Preschool only).
• 2‑year degree or equivalent from a regional accredited university preferred (all programs).

Physical Requirements

• Lifting and carrying up to 60 lbs. without assistance.
• Frequent squatting, sitting, walking, standing, bending and twisting, kneeling, crawling, climbing.
• Simple grasping with both hands and fine manipulation with both hands.
• Occasional running, pushing and pulling, reaching above and below shoulder level.
• Regular exposure to excessive noise levels.
• Walking and running on uneven surfaces.
• Regular exposure to outside elements, including excessive heat, direct sunlight, cold, wind or rain.

Certificates

• CPR/First Aid certification preferred.
• Completion of behavior modification training within first 30 days of employment.

About Valley Achievement Center

Valley Achievement Center (VAC) was founded by Jolene Billinger and Bonny Hulsy. These two passionate mothers of children with autism had a vision to help many families like them in our community. VAC’s Basic Education Program was established to provide a progressive, positive and well‑staffed school that would use proven research based techniques to help children with autism attain their educational goals and improve functional skills. VAC quickly developed a reputation for making substantial progress with its students. As a result, increasing numbers of children were referred to VAC. When parents expressed a need for afterschool adaptive skills and social skills programs for their children with autism, VAC established its Intermediate Afterschool (ages 6 through 9) and Afterschool (ages 10 through 22) programs, as well as its Social Skills Program (ages 6 through 18) to meet the need. As those children who attended VAC became adults, it became clear that they and other adults in the community with autism and other developmental disabilities would continue to require ongoing support and services. In response, VAC opened its Adult Services programs, which include supported living, supported employment, and its adult behavioral day program, to continue to meet the needs of its clients and to ensure that, regardless of age, individuals in our community with autism and other developmental disabilities will have the support they need to achieve their goals and thrive. VAC currently has 12 programs for children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities. Our more than 300 employees operate out of our four sites in Bakersfield, providing exceptional service to our wonderful clients and their families.