EARLY CHILDHOOD AIDE INSTRUCTOR - BILINGUAL
About Brightway Living & Learning
Brightway Living & Learning is a premier non‑profit provider of human services on Long Island, offering educational, residential, day habilitation, and vocational programs. Building on a 65‑year legacy as the Developmental Disabilities Institute (DDI), Brightway supports over 1,600 children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities through a full continuum of care. By employing persistence, adaptability, and the power of behavioral science, Brightway’s dedicated professionals enable individuals to grow, learn, and meet milestones at their own pace.
About the Role
As an Early Childhood Aide Instructor (Teacher Assistant), you will work closely alongside Special Education Teachers as part of an interdisciplinary team, providing support to children with developmental disabilities on a variety of age‑appropriate educational goals. You will receive ongoing training and support from experts in the field, work in classrooms equipped with state‑of‑the‑art materials and outdoor learning areas, and operate within a 12‑month calendar that includes nine weeks of vacation. The position utilizes Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) principles in a self‑contained setting for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Responsibilities
- Set up and maintain classroom materials and supplies.
- Assist with bussing at arrival and dismissal.
- Follow the lead of the classroom teacher.
- Implement outlined behavior treatment plans.
- Supervise children during classroom activities.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the curriculum and IFSP/IEP goals.
- Assist children in all daily living activities.
- Work collaboratively with classroom staff and team members.
- Provide verbal translation as needed for staff, families, and other stakeholders.
- Translate written documents as needed for families and staff.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Requirements
- High School Diploma (required).
- Minimum of 6 college credits.
- Must obtain NYS Level I Teaching Assistant certification within the first six months of hire.
- Thorough knowledge of English (grammar, spelling, punctuation) and fluency (both verbal and written) in a second language.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to modify the area to secure the safety of children.
- Capability to move/transport a child weighing up to 30 lb to a height of 3 ft (e.g., onto a changing table).
- Ability to move quickly after a child up to 200 ft to prevent elopement.
- Capacity to position self or maneuver the classroom to facilitate student instruction in both classroom and playground environments.
- Ability to follow oral and written directions and respond to fire alarms.
- Ability to ascend and descend stairs with a railing.
Benefits
- Comprehensive paid training.
- Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, Flexible Spending Account (FSA), and Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
- 403(b) retirement plan.
- Tuition reimbursement opportunities.
- Career growth and advancement opportunities within Brightway Living & Learning.
- Paid time off for school breaks.
- Supportive team environment with ongoing professional development.
Pay
Salary Range: $17.45 – $20.94 per hour.
Schedule
Monday‑Friday, 8:00 am – 3:30 pm. Full‑time and part‑time positions available.