Special Needs Assistant

JOIN THE ECS4

KIDS FAMILY

At ECS4

Kids, we help underserved children in Northeast and Central Florida build a solid foundation for educational success. Give a child a better start, and you dramatically increase the child’s odds of being a better person – of having a better life. Partner with us to we create opportunity so that the children we serve can achieve their full potential. ECS4

Kids has career opportunities available in several counties throughout Northeast and Central Florida. Thank you for your interest in a career with ECS4

Kids.

• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• 403(b) plan with 5% employer match
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Long-term & short-term disability insurance
• Employer-paid life insurance
• Paid holidays
• Generous paid time off
• Career development
• Qualifying employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

The Special Needs Assistant provides individualized classroom support for assigned children with special needs and/or challenging behaviors.

• 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.

This position reports to the assigned Center Manager with oversight from the Social Emotional Services Manager and Director of Developmental & Behavioral Services.

High School Diploma or GED, DCF 45-hour training, and one of the following:

• Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or Florida Child Care Professional Credential (FCCPC) required*
• An associate degree in child development, special education, early childhood education or related field and experience working with children with special needs highly preferred.
• Two (2) years relevant training and ECE classroom experience can be substituted for minimum qualifications.

• Knowledge of child growth and development as well as developmentally appropriate practices for children
• Knowledge of the effects of trauma on children’s development
• Ability to provide a supportive and caring environment for children
• Ability to exercise control, emotional maturity and maintain appropriate classroom discipline
• Ability to build and establish collaborative relationships and work effectively with diverse staff and families
• Demonstrates…