Special Instructional Assistant

Next Door; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A community-focused educational agency in Milwaukee seeks a Special Instructional Assistant to support students with developmental delays and social/emotional challenges. This role involves implementing individualized activities, collaborating with special education teachers, and engaging positively with children. Ideal candidates should have early childhood education qualifications and experience in a classroom setting, alongside effective communication skills. The position requires a valid Wisconsin Driver's License and adherence to safety protocols.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience working with preschool children in a group setting.
• Ability to work in a high-risk, low-income community.
• Must possess a valid WI Drivers License and liability insurance.

Responsibilities

• Assist special education teachers with instructional and behavioral needs of students.
• Implement individualized, developmentally appropriate activities.
• Communicate with educators and parents about students' progress.

Skills

Child-centered activities

Behavioral support

Team cooperation

Understanding of developmental challenges

Crisis prevention training

Education

Early Childhood Technical Diploma

Child Development Associate (CDA) credential

Associate's Degree in Early Childhood Education

Job description

Position Overview

Next Door is a trauma-informed agency and Pyramid Model implementation site that provides early childhood programming, including additional support for students with significant developmental delays in early literacy, early learning and social/emotional development. The Special Instructional Assistant will work directly with students with significant developmental delays as well as social/emotional deficits under supervision and in conjunction with Next Door’s Student Services team. The Assistant will address specific goals as outlined in the students IEP or Positive Behavior Support Plan and provide individualized attention required for students in and out of the classroom setting.

Responsibilities / Duties / Functions / Tasks

• Assist special education teacher(s) to provide for the instructional and behavioral needs of students with disabilities.
• Implement instructional activities that are child-centered, developmentally appropriate, and individualized under the direction of the Director of Student Support Services and/or special education teacher.
• Participate in meetings to develop and update IEPs, evaluation reports and behavior plans, as requested.
• Communicate regularly with special education teachers, regular education teachers, positive behavior intervention specialists and parents regarding students’ needs and progress.
• Assist students with positive behavior support plans and interventions to develop social/emotional competencies.
• Follow the behavior support plans as provided by the teacher or behavior support staff.
• Engage positively with the children and use appropriate discipline methods as outlined in DCF 251, Next Door Child Guidance Policies/Procedures, and Pyramid Model practices.
• Implement classroom activities that are child-centered, developmentally appropriate, open-ended and process-oriented under the direction of the classroom team.
• Maintain confidentiality under FERPA law.
• Attend training sessions, in-service workshops, and update skills as necessary.
• Remain current in knowledge of laws, regulations and public policies in the field of early childhood special education.
• Understand Head Start performance standards, Wisconsin Common Core standards, Wisconsin Model Early Learning standards.
• Perform other duties as assigned within the scope of the job description.

Curriculum

• Engage positively with the children and use appropriate discipline methods as outlined in Next Door’s Child Management policies and procedures and show evidence of utilizing Pyramid Model practices.
• Implement instructional activities that are child-centered, developmentally appropriate, and individualized under the direction of the Director of Student Support Services and/or special education teacher.
• Support the implementation of classroom learning experiences.

Assessment

• Understand assessment data to support implementation of learning experiences and how to meet children's individual needs.
• Monitor progress of interventions, including accurate record-keeping and collecting data in a variety of methods.

Home / School Connection

• Develop effective relationships with parents.

Classroom Management

• Support the implementation of a zoning plan for the classroom and outside learning environment. Ensure active supervision and child-tracking procedures are implemented throughout the daily routine.

Accountability and Performance Requirement

All staff members are accountable for knowing and performing the responsibilities associated with their individual position in an efficient and effective manner, understanding that each of us plays an integral role in the success of our mission. All staff will support the agency mission, vision, standards of conduct/code of ethics and strategic directions and support administrative decisions. This must be demonstrated by maintaining a positive work environment, and by behaving and communicating in an appropriate manner with children, families, coworkers, supervisors and the public while achieving performance expectations.

Qualifications

• Early Childhood Technical Diploma or Child Development Associate (CDA) credential is required.
• Two years of experience working with preschool children in a group setting.
• CPR/first aid and WI DPI Special Education Instructional Aide License can be obtained upon employment.
• Possess the temperament and patience to work with students with behavioral and developmental challenges.
• Basic understanding of early childhood curriculum and developmentally appropriate practice for the specific age group (3‑5 year olds).
• Knowledge and understanding of IDEA.
• Ability to work as a cooperative and supportive team member.
• Ability and willingness to work in a program located in a high‑risk, low‑income community.
• Must be reliable.
• Able to follow the lead of Disabilities and Mental Health team, take direction, as well as be self-directed.
• Possess understanding of special education, trauma‑informed care, PBIS, pyramid model, desired.
• Knowledge of Head Start Performance Standards preferred.
• Crisis Prevention Intervention training desirable.
• Must carry a valid WI Drivers License and liability insurance.

Preferences

• Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development preferred.

Safety and Health

• Following safety warnings and directions at all times.
• Using personal safety devices when required.
• Reporting any unsafe conditions to supervisor.
• Following process for reporting suspected child abuse and neglect.
• Reporting unsupervised children, after ensuring child's safety.
• Implement active supervision practices at all times, including transition times.
• Ensure knowledge of each assigned child's location at all times.

Physical Demands

• Primarily active work; occasionally lifting up, holding or moving up to 50 lbs.

Physical Activity

• Bending, stooping, kneeling, sitting on the floor, walking/transporting, handling, feeling, reaching, climbing, balancing, crouching, crawling, talking and speaking clearly, hearing conversation level, tasting, smelling and seeing; ability to interact daily with children outdoors in varied weather condition.

Work Environment

• Mainly classroom setting and travel to various sites for meetings.

Personal/Physiological

• Ability to make frequent, significant decisions to understand and react to the development process of children.
• Ability to respond quickly and competently to an emergency or crisis situation in order to keep children safe.