Preschool Special Needs Assistant 2024-25 - Newport Heights Elementary

About the position

The Preschool Special Needs Assistant plays a crucial role in supporting students, particularly those with disabilities, in a preschool setting. This position involves assisting teachers and Educational Support Assistants (ESAs) in implementing Individual Education Programs (IEPs) and ensuring a safe, nurturing environment for all students. The assistant will provide physical, emotional, and educational support, fostering independence and helping students with daily living skills.

Responsibilities

• Provides for the physical, health and safety needs of students.
• Works as a team member to guide and interact with children during age/developmentally appropriate projects and activities.
• Provides social-emotional, behavioral and educational support for students with disabilities.
• Provides specially designed instruction (SDI).
• Serves as advocate and support of students with disabilities in their least restrictive environment.
• Ensures that children are auditorily and visually supervised at all times.
• Assists in maintaining a clean, organized and safe environment for children.
• Participates in and assists in center family conferences.
• Establishes rapport with family members.
• Supports students with emotional regulation challenges.
• Encourages and fosters student independence in all settings.
• Assists preschool students with daily living skills such as toileting, changing, tube feeding, and medical assistance.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school graduation or equivalent.
• Current Child Development Associate certificate (CDA) or equivalent credential.
• 12 or more college credits in early childhood education or child development, or Associate's (AA) Degree or higher.
• CPR certification required for position.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience working individually with students with diverse aptitudes and levels of achievement.
• Experience with behaviorally disabled students preferred.

Benefits

• Disability insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance