Program Assistant - ECSE Centralized Location

Special Services; Lawrence (MI); On-site; USD 24,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Special Services within Van Buren ISD seeks a Program Assistant to reinforce instruction and support identified students in preschool settings. The role involves assisting teachers and staff, managing daily classroom tasks, and helping with student progress.

Qualifications include a high school diploma and willingness to travel to different sites; an associate degree is preferred. CPR/First Aid and CPI training are requested, with HighScope/COR Advantage experience a plus.

Qualifications

• High School diploma is required.
• Associates degree or completion of two years of college (60 sem hours) is preferred.
• Training in HighScope Preschool Curriculum is preferred.
• Training in COR Advantage is preferred.
• CPR and First Aid training is required.
• CPI training is required.

Responsibilities

• Assist teachers and service staff in preschool classrooms.
• Support identified students with demonstrated needs.
• Help with day-to-day classroom operations to foster skill development and independence.
• Coordinate with supervisors to implement student programming.
• Carry out assigned tasks within established timelines.
• Travel to other classroom sites as needed.

Skills

Student support

Communication

Curriculum adaptation

Team collaboration

Travel flexibility

Education

High School diploma

Associates degree preferred

Job description

Program Assistant - ECSE Centralized Location

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: 5914458

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

Posted: Sep 03, 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]