Special Needs Teacher Assistant

NurturEd Early Learning Center; East Greenwich (RI); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off

401k match

13 paid holidays

Child care discounts

Tuition reimbursement

Medical benefits

Dental & Vision

Flexible Spending Account

Training/PD opportunities

Job summary

NurturEd Early Learning Center seeks a Special Needs Teacher Assistant to join our team in Rhode Island. This full-time position supports children with special needs, works with clinicians, and engages families to foster growth.

The role involves teamwork, documentation via an electronic daily tracking app, and participation in trainings after hours. We offer comprehensive benefits for eligible staff and a collaborative learning environment.

Qualifications

• Experience working with special needs children or challenging behaviors preferred.
• Ability to follow behavior plans and support individualized goals.
• Willingness to participate in trainings after hours.
• Knowledge of basic child safety and classroom management practices.

Responsibilities

• Assist with day-to-day activities to create a safe, healthy, structured learning space.
• Engage with children during reading, play, and learning activities.
• Partner with families to nurture and care for children.
• Document daily progress using an electronic app.
• Support accreditation and quality initiatives.

Skills

Warm demeanor

Verbal communication

Written communication

Punctuality

Team collaboration

Education

High school diploma with college credits

Associate’s degree

CDA credential

Early childhood education degree preferred

Job description

Description

Learn. Teach. Repeat. Be the Team. Deliver Excellence. We strive to be leaders in providing an educational and nurturing environment.

This is a full time opportunity. Full time hours are typically 35 to 37 hours/week. All employees are eligible for benefits at 30 hours/week.

We will consider part time availability for the right person.

A typical day for a Special Needs Teacher Assistant will include:

• Working alongside a team of teachers to provide a safe, healthy, structured, and welcoming space to grow and learn.
• Engaging with children in learning - reading, playing, and having fun!
• Inspiring children to be lifelong learners.
• Partnering with families to nurture and care for their children.
• Showcasing your tech savvy skills by using an electronic daily tracking app.
• Assisting with the accreditation process as well as other quality initiatives.
• Supporting our EnhancEd Support Services special needs inclusion program.
• Working alongside Clinicians to provide an appropriate learning environment and activities for children with special needs, particularly behaviorally challenging children.
• Assisting children to become successful in meeting their individual goals outlined in their behavior plans, while integrated with typically developing peers.

Why you'll love us:

We invite you to join our growing community of teachers and hope you'll find a rewarding and fulfilling career with us.

We offer the following perks and benefits:

• Paid Time Off
• 401k with company match
• 13 Paid Holidays
• Child Care Discounts
• College Tuition Reimbursement
• Medical (Healthcare Benefits), Dental, Vision
• Flexible Spending Account
• Training/Professional Development opportunities

Learn more about our benefits at www.nurturedelc.com/careers

Our learning centers are open between the hours of 7:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Monday - Friday. We have locations across Rhode Island. We have full time positions or part time positions (with flexible schedules available). Benefits vary for full time / part time positions.

Requirements

We are willing to train the right person! Our ideal candidate will have experience working with special needs children or children with challenging behaviors.

We are looking for someone who has the following skills:

• A personal demeanor that is warm and friendly.
• Verbal and written communication skills.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality.
• Organized and able to prioritize and multi-task.
• Team-oriented and willing to work with others.

The Special Needs Teacher Assistant (referred to as a Therapeutic Integration Specialist or TIS) will be asked to attend occasional trainings after hours (typically at 6:30pm). The TIS will also have meetings with the EnhancEd Clinician to give all children the opportunity to succeed.

Education Requirements

• College credits, Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, Associate’s degree, or higher in Early Childhood Education or related field preferred.
• Minimum of High school diploma (or equivalent) with college credits in Early Childhood Education or related field required.
• We will train the right person and offer opportunities to gain a degree or college credits!

Certifications/Experience

• At least 2 years working in an early learning/child care center.
• Must have experience with special needs students, particularly with de-escalating behavior challenges.
• Rhode Island Early Learning and Development Standards (RIELDS) certification preferred.
• Knowledge of Teaching Strategies and/or Conscious Discipline preferred.
• CPR/First Aid certification preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Able to engage in physical exercise with children (walking, running, crawling, bending, twisting).
• Visual and hearing acuity.
• Able to lift up to 40 pounds.

Other Qualifications

• 19 years of age or older
• Able to read, write, speak and understand English, bilingual encouraged to apply.
• Must pass national criminal background/fingerprints check.
• Must pass Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) Clearance Request (CPS).

We hope you will join our team!

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At EdCentral, we work as a team with EnhancEd, EnrichEd, and NurturEd - the new names for Therapeutic Child Care Services, Kids Klub, and Dr. Day Care.