Inclusion Assistant - Kids and Company

Kids & Company Inclusion Assistant

At Hopkins Public Schools, we believe that our strength lies in the diversity of our students, staff, and community. We are a proudly inclusive E-12 district serving approximately 7,200 students across the City of Hopkins and surrounding communities. Our district represents a rich mosaic of cultures, backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences; we value and celebrate that diversity in everything we do.

As an academically rigorous and human-centered district, we are committed to fostering a welcoming environment where every student and staff member feels seen, heard, and valued. There is no "typical" Hopkins student, and we embrace this truth as a catalyst for innovation, growth, and equity in learning. We seek educators and staff who are equity-minded, culturally responsive, and deeply committed to creating inclusive spaces where all learners can thrive.

We welcome candidates who are passionate about dismantling systemic barriers, advancing justice, and preparing students to become bold, collaborative, and compassionate global citizens. When you join Hopkins Public Schools, you are not just joining a district, you are becoming part of a community that honors difference, nurtures potential, and inspires remarkable achievement in every learner, from birth through graduation. You are welcome  belong at Hopkins.

The Kids & Company Inclusion Assistant assists with the implementation of the Kids & Company program and supports out-of-school-time programming at the site level while specifically prioritizing students with special needs with varying disabilities or diagnoses, according to the child's inclusion plan.

Essential Functions:

• Understand and implement the Kids & Company mission to provide a fun, safe, enriching experience in a respectful and nurturing environment and promote life-long learning skills in all students and youth during out-of-school time, and uphold the five core values.
• Assist in planning culturally sensitive, developmentally appropriate activities using Hopkins Public Schools' Academic and Self-Development Skills, along with other quality assessment tools.
• Assist in maintaining a safe, healthy environment for the school community by following district and quality assessment tool guidelines for health and safety.
• Demonstrate and teach appropriate social skills to youth through planned curriculum, role modeling and positive reinforcement.
• Implement a student's health, behavior, and/ or safety plan which may include the use of communication devices, use of visuals, behavior contracts, adaptive equipment, toileting, feeding and self-care procedures.
• Assume a leadership role in managing situations where students are escalated, need additional support, and/ or crisis management.
• Actively participate in adapting activities to provide a safe and inclusive environment where all students have belonging, opportunity, and resources.
• Provide opportunities for students to learn by making choices that contribute to both their growth in life-long learning skills and their development into becoming respectful and responsible adults.
• Assist with the Kids & Company intake process of students with special needs, including intake conferences with parents, gathering data such as IEPs, and observing students.
• Assist in the observation and evaluation of students who need additional assistance with adjusting to the Kids & Company program structure and setting, including the implementation of Kids & Company individualized behavior plans.
• Maintain professionalism and confidentiality regarding staff, students, and their families.
• Promotes a positive image of the program by maintaining open and positive communication between out-of-school-time staff, school personnel, families and the community.
• Promotes and supports the overall mission of the District by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with public and staff; acts in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace environment.
• Assist in the maintenance of records, files, and data for all students receiving special needs services.
• Implement and follow DHS Standards as a CCAP-certified center.
• Maintain First Aid, CPR, and CPI certification.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma/equivalent
• One (1) year of paid experience working with school age children
• Three (3) months of experience working with children with special needs
• Additional training in a child related area or 12 college credits or proof of passing the Para Pro/Para educator exam
• Individual personal care assistance (PCA) training, or completion at time of hire
• CPI and/or Restrictive Hold procedure training, or completion at time of hire
• Knowledge of the developmental needs of children
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Strong technology and computer skills
• Knowledge of ADA laws, IEPs, and 504 plans
• Driver's license required

Working Environment:

Work is performed in a program setting at various elementary schools, and may include other locations in the…