Program Assistant ECSE Centralized

Young World Physical Education; Lawrence (MI); On-site; USD 29,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

Van Buren Intermediate School District is seeking a Program Assistant ECSE Centralized to support preschool students with special needs. The role involves reinforcing teacher instruction, assisting identified students, and helping run the classroom daily to promote skill development and independence.

Location varies by student need as off-site work, with travel to different sites as requested. Candidates should have a high school diploma; associate degree preferred and relevant trainings like

Qualifications

• High School diploma required; associates degree preferred.
• Training in HighScope Preschool Curriculum is advantageous.
• Experience with COR Advantage is desired.
• CPR and First Aid certification preferred; CPI training valued.
• Prior program assistant experience and knowledge of special education programs are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Reinforce instruction provided by teachers and related staff in preschool settings.
• Provide supportive assistance to identified students with demonstrated need.
• Assist with day-to-day classroom operations to foster skill development and independence.
• Collaborate with the classroom team to adjust curriculum to student needs.
• Travel to support other classroom sites as requested by supervisor.

Skills

Student support

Communication skills

Flexible scheduling

Team collaboration

Education

High School diploma

Associates degree preferred

Tools

First Aid/CPR

CPI

Job description

Program Assistant ECSE Centralized

Van Buren Intermediate School District SPECIAL SERVICES - Lawrence, Michigan Open in Google Maps

This job is also posted in Van Buren Intermediate School District

Job Details

Job ID: 5875714

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

Posted: Aug 07, 2026 4:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

Job Goal(s):

The job goals of the Early Childhood Special Education Program Assistant are to reinforce - instruction provided by teachers and related service staff in the preschool setting, to provide supportive assistance to identified students with demonstrated need and to assist with the day-to-day operations of the classroom which foster all student’s skill development and independence.

Location of Work :

Special Services / Off Site- Will vary based on student need

701 South Paw Paw Street

Lawrence, MI 49064

Qualifications:

Education :

High School diploma required

Associates degree or completion of two years’ college equal to 60 semester hours is preferred

Additional Training :

• Training and experience in HighScope Preschool Curriculum
• Training and experience in COR Advantage
• CPR and First Aid
• CPI

Work Experience :

Previous experience as a program assistant is preferred. Preference to candidates with knowledge of the Great Start Readiness Program and/or working with individuals with special needs services.

Skills/Requirements :

• Ability to work with students with a variety of needs that may include students with the following needs: language, comprehension, daily living skills, social emotional and early learning skills and learner behaviors.
• Ability to implement consistent child management skills
• Possess excellent communication skills
• Ability to adjust/modify curriculum and materials to fit the specific needs of the students in collaboration with the classroom team.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with staff and school personnel at local school districts and special education programs
• Ability to travel to support other classroom sites as requested by supervisor

Essential Job Functions:

• Valid Driver's License required
• Work cooperatively and coordinate with supervising teachers and related service providers to implement student programming.
• Assist in the planning, preparing and implementing daily instructional plans that address student needs under the guidance of the classroom team.
• Demonstrate effective instructional behaviors.
• Monitor and effectively respond to student behavior.
• Assist in evaluating and monitoring student progress.
• Assist students with personal needs (i.e., toileting, dressing, etc).
• Attend all meetings and recommended training programs and professional development.
• Promote acceptance of individuals with disabilities in the local schools and community.
• Demonstrate ethical handling of confidential student and parent information.
• Follow the school policies and procedures of all local school districts when working the building.
• Adhere to Van Buren ISD policies and procedures.
• Complete assigned responsibilities within agreed upon or established timelines.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the program supervisor.

Terms of Employment: As per master agreement and provisions established by the Van Buren Board of Education.

Position is open until filled.

Position Type: Regular

Job Requirements

• Citizenship, residency or work visa required

Contact Information

• Van Buren HR
• 490 South Paw Paw St.
• Lawrence, Michigan 49064
• Phone: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]