Teaching Assistant/Paraprofessional

Easter Seals Arkansas - Stuttgart, AR

Full-time - Entry Level

Stuttgart, AR

Nursing and Residential Care Facilities

About the position

The Teaching Assistant/Paraprofessional role at Easterseals Arkansas is designed to support a safe and engaging learning environment for students. This position involves working closely with the Supervising Teacher and Lead Paraprofessional to provide instruction and personal care to children, focusing on their developmental growth across various domains. The role requires collaboration, effective communication, and the ability to implement specialized instructional strategies to enhance student learning and independence.

Responsibilities

• Supervise students during play and transitions, ensuring their safety.
• Provide instruction as directed by the Supervising Teacher and Lead Paraprofessional.
• Incorporate the five developmental domains into all instruction.
• Collaborate with the Supervising Teacher and Lead Paraprofessional on lesson plans.
• Organize materials for lessons with small groups or individual students.
• Provide individual and small group instruction, using positive behavioral supports.
• Model appropriate behavior and maintain a professional rapport with students and staff.
• Participate in training for specialized instructional strategies and behavioral support techniques.
• Collect data to measure individual student progress toward skill attainment.
• Use prompts appropriately to maximize student independence and progress.
• Report concerns about individual children's skill development to the teacher or lead paraprofessional.
• Provide personal care to students as directed by the nurse, teacher, and therapists.
• Assist children with self-help skills such as toileting and feeding.
• Engage with children in various activities including group play and routines.
• Prepare lunches for children as needed.
• Assist with the use of adaptive equipment as instructed by therapists.
• Maintain organization and cleanliness in the classroom and training areas.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required; Bachelor's degree in education or related field preferred.
• Three to five years of relevant field experience required.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to lift and transfer students as needed.
• Valid Arkansas Driver's License.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in special education or working with children with disabilities.
• Knowledge of developmental domains and behavioral support interventions.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage.
• Paid time off.
• Professional development opportunities.