Teacher Assistant - LaGrange School in Poughkeepsie, NY

Teacher Assistant – LaGrange School – Poughkeepsie, NY

Join Abilities First, Inc. to support inclusive education for children with developmental disabilities.

For over 60 years Abilities First empowers individuals with developmental disabilities to live vibrant, independent lives. From early education to adulthood, our wide range of services—including preschool and school programs, day and residential habilitation, community connections, and employment services—uplift every individual’s unique strengths and dreams.

We are looking for a patient, energetic, and passionate Teacher Assistant for our LaGrange School Program, located in Poughkeepsie, NY. Teacher Assistants will attend to the daily needs of the children, assist the teacher in carrying out classroom activities, and cover the classroom in the absence of the teacher.

Monday – Friday 8:00am – 3:00pm (32.5 hours per week, 48 weeks per year, including a 6-week summer program)

Pay Range: $17.82 – $19.82 per hour

• Assume responsibility of the classroom in the absence of the Classroom Teacher.
• Follow classroom schedule ensuring that individual student therapies and IEP goals are implemented, and appropriate data is collected.
• Assist students using classroom educational computer programs.
• Assist the Classroom Teacher and Teacher Aides in the preparation and development of teacher-made materials.
• Assist in the organization and arrangement of the classroom to provide a conducive learning environment to meet each student’s individual needs.
• Assist in general housekeeping skills.
• Escort and assist students to and from school buses providing opportunities for increased independence in orientation and mobility.
• Provide an adequate and safe level of supervision to students and where a question rises to the level of adequacy seeks guidance from immediate supervisor and/or Program Director.
• Assist in classroom according to staffing patterns and children’s needs (e.g., all stages of toileting, conducting small group and individual activities, giving snack and lunch, providing playground supervision, etc.).
• Attend professional/general staff meetings and in-service training in agency, district, and community, and share knowledge with other teaching staff (Minimum of 30 hours every 2 years).
• Attend trainings and participate in webinars for the designated curriculum for UPK and implement into all aspects of the classroom.
• Ensure that employees follow the Code of Ethical and Legal Behavior and conform to the strictest standards of Corporate Compliance and HIPAA, as well as all federal, state, local and municipal laws and regulations.
• Incorporate core concepts of CQL philosophy into day-to-day operation and support methods.
• Support agency vision and mission.
• Follow all agency policy and procedures and demonstrate continuous regard to personal safety and safety to others.
• Perform other appropriate job-related activities as required by immediate supervisor, program director, or as circumstances warrant.

• Time to Recharge – Personal, sick, and holidays built around the school calendar
• Health & Wellness – Medical, dental, and vision plans to keep you covered
• Plan for The Future – 401(k) with employer match and employer-paid life insurance
• Level Up Your Skills – Tuition reimbursement and online training through the College of Direct Support (and to boost your earning potential)
• Get Paid When You Need It – On Demand Pay gives you access to earnings as early as the next day
• Exclusive Extras – Employee discounts with Verizon, AT&T, Royal Carting, and more

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• NYS Teacher Assistant Certification.
• Experience working with children and/or people with disabilities a plus.
• Have the ability to push and pull students in wheelchairs, lift, bend, squat, turn in the knees, pivot and grasp with both hands (in order to properly and safely perform the techniques taught in CPR/First Aid, behavior intervention techniques, and lifting and carrying techniques), with or without a reasonable accommodation.

At Abilities First, we recognize that talent and potential come in many forms. If this position inspires you but your experience does not align with every preferred qualification, we still encourage you to apply. You may be the right candidate for this role—or another opportunity within our organization.