Special Needs Assistant

Episcopal Children's Services, Inc.; Gainesville (FL); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

ECS4Kids is seeking a Special Needs Assistant to provide individualized support for children with special needs in a classroom setting. The role involves developing nurturing relationships and implementing teaching strategies aligned with emotional support and developmental standards. Ideal candidates will have a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or Florida Child Care Professional Credential, and should demonstrate patience, emotional maturity, and effective communication skills. Join ECS4Kids in empowering children to achieve their full potential.

Benefits

Medical, dental and vision insurance

403(b) plan with 5% employer match

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Long-term & short-term disability insurance

Employer-paid life insurance

Paid holidays

Generous paid time off

Career development

Qualifications

• CDA credential or Florida Child Care Professional Credential required.
• Two years of relevant training can substitute qualifications.
• Experience working with children with special needs preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide individualized support to children with special needs.
• Assist classroom Teacher by keeping children engaged.
• Communicate with parents about their children's progress.

Skills

Knowledge of child growth and development

Ability to provide a supportive and caring environment

Ability to build collaborative relationships

Knowledge of applicable safety and abuse-reporting procedures

Ability to communicate effectively

Education

High School Diploma or GED and CDA credential or FCCPC

Associate degree in child development or related field

Job description

Description

*25/26 SY - July Start*

JOIN THE ECS4KIDS FAMILY:

At ECS4Kids, we help underserved children in Northeast and Central Florida build a solid foundation for educational success. Give a child a better start, and you dramatically increase the child’s odds of being a better person – of having a better life. Partner with us to we create opportunity so that the children we serve can achieve their full potential. ECS4Kids has career opportunities available in several counties throughout Northeast and Central Florida. Thank you for your interest in a career with ECS4Kids. We offer a competitive benefit package which includes:

• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• 403(b) plan with 5% employer match
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Long-term & short-term disability insurance
• Employer-paid life insurance
• Paid holidays
• Generous paid time off
• Career development

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Special Needs Assistant provides individualized classroom support for assigned children with special needs and/or challenging behaviors.

MAJOR RESPONSIBITIES:

1. Provide individualized support to assigned children to help them participate in classroom activities.
2. Use teaching strategies that illustrate the CLASS philosophy in Emotional Support, Classroom Organization, and Instructional Support.
3. Assist classroom Teacher by actively keeping children engaged during large group activities.
4. Purposefully interact with children and extend play and learning.
5. Assist in the assessments and collection of documentation for assigned children.
6. Provide a warm, nurturing, loving and positive environment, using Conscious Discipline positive guidance techniques and upholding the ECS Discipline policy.
7. Develop nurturing relationships with each child that encourage his or her social and emotional development.
8. Maintain all federal, state, local and accreditation standards (these may include those set forth by NAEYC, APPLE, ECS, DCF and Head Start).
9. Follow policies and procedures regarding medical and dental emergencies, short- term exclusion of children, and the administration, handling, and storing of medication.
10. Ensure that safe practices are followed to prevent injuries to children or self.
11. Maintain sanitation and hygiene procedures and participate in the maintenance of the center.
12. Provide and encourage effective communication and relationships with families so that parents feel comfortable talking to staff about their children.
13. Inform parents concerning their children’s progress formally and informally, which may include parent notes, portfolios, or parent conferences.
14. Eat with children, encouraging proper eating habits and conversation.
15. Communicate regularly with other staff to better serve children and families, including attending staff meetings, trainings, and sharing information.
16. Follow directions and assignments as given by supervisor.
17. Work collaboratively and attentively with the in-class Coach and Program Support Specialists to meet the needs of assigned children.
18. Maintain appropriate records and maintain confidentiality.

(These essential job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of duties performed. Employees will be required to perform other related marginal duties as required.)

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIP:

This position reports to the assigned Center Manager with oversight from the Social Emotional Services Manager and Director of Developmental & Behavioral Services.

Requirements

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• High School Diploma or GED and a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or Florida Child Care Professional Credential (FCCPC) required*
• An associate degree in child development, special education, early childhood education or related field and experience working with children with special needs highly preferred.

**Two (2) years relevant training and ECE classroom experience can be substituted for minimum qualifications.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILIITES:

• Knowledge of child growth and development as well as developmentally appropriate practices for children
• Knowledge of the effects of trauma on children’s development
• Ability to provide a supportive and caring environment for children
• Ability to exercise control, emotional maturity and maintain appropriate classroom discipline
• Ability to build and establish collaborative relationships and work effectively with diverse staff and families
• Demonstrates proper use of grammar and communication skills
• Knowledge of applicable safety and abuse-reporting procedures
• Ability to maintain confidential information
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Ability to plan and organize work as well as maintain records
• A willingness to learn and continue personal education

CERTIFICATIONS:

• Complete TB screening & physical before having direct contact with children. Renew every 2 years.
• Complete on-line Food Handlers Course Serving Safe Food in Childcare within 90 days of employment.
• Must have current First Aid and Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training.
• Complete a minimum of 15 hours of in-service training annually, July 1- June 30.
• Commence within ninety (90) days and complete within 1 year of employment the DCF required 45-hour training.
• *For non FCCPC holders, apply for FCCPC credential (Birth-5) within 90 days of hire.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

• Work involves constant visual supervision of children and tolerance of loud noise
• Environment includes indoor classroom and outdoor playground
• Ability to travel to multiple centers within assigned geographic area. Center assignment may change depending on enrolled children and needs

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL SKILLS:

• Acceptable eyesight (with or without correction)
• Acceptable hearing (with or without correction)
• Requires heavy physical work; heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling objects up to 50 pounds. Physical work is a primary part (more than 70%) of job.

(Reasonable accommodations will be made for otherwise qualified individuals with a disability)