Special Needs Assistant — Nurturing EC Classroom Support

Episcopal Children's Services, Inc.; Leesburg (FL); On-site; USD 26,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision insurance

403(b) plan with 5% employer match

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Long-term & short-term disability

Employer-paid life insurance

Paid holidays

Generous paid time off

Career development

Qualifying employer for Public Service

Job summary

ECS4Kids (formerly Episcopal Children’s Services) seeks a Special Needs Assistant to provide individualized classroom support for children with special needs and challenging behaviors. You will help students participate and use Conscious Discipline strategies while assisting the teacher to keep children engaged.

The role requires a High School Diploma or GED with a CDA or FCCPC, or an associate degree in child development or related field; two years of relevant training and ECE experience can

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED with CDA or FCCPC credential required.
• Associate degree in child development, special education, early childhood education or related field preferred.
• Two years relevant training and ECE classroom experience can substitute for minimum qualifications.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Child development

Trauma-informed care

Classroom management

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Documentation & records

Safety procedures

Confidentiality

Education

High School Diploma or GED with CDA or FCCPC credential

Associate degree in child development or related field

Job description

ECS4Kids (formerly Episcopal Children’s Services) seeks a Special Needs Assistant to provide individualized classroom support for children with special needs and challenging behaviors. You will help students participate and use Conscious Discipline strategies while assisting the teacher to keep children engaged.

The role requires a High School Diploma or GED with a CDA or FCCPC, or an associate degree in child development or related field; two years of relevant training and ECE experience can