Early Childhood Special Education Assistant

Responsibilities

• Aid in daily classroom preparations including planning, set-up, and clean-up of children's learning environment.
• Foster a positive environment to support the academic, social, and emotional development of all students.
• Engage and maintain positive relationships and interact with all children in the classroom.
• Support the classroom teacher and special education staff with keeping accurate records, collecting data, and maintaining other classroom systems.
• Ensure the health and safety of children by following program expectations and standards.
• Assist the teacher with guidance and supervision of children based on program expectations.
• Work as a team member with all classroom staff.
• Honor all families with regard toward culture and diversity.
• Attend required staff development and staff meetings.
• Work with individuals and/or small groups when assigned by the classroom teacher and/or special education staff.
• Provide support for students in crisis and individualized interventions based on student need as directed by the general education teacher and/or the special education staff.
• Engage in classroom discussions, communicate respectfully, and be open to feedback and opportunities to learn.
• Willingness to lift, carry, and physically manage as necessary.
• Other duties as assigned by the teacher or administration.

Qualifications

• At least two years of college credits (60 credits in MN), an associate's or higher degree, or a passing score on the ParaPro or Paraeducator Assessment.
• Experience working with students who have cognitive disabilities, physical disabilities, and behavior problems preferred.
• Exhibit a positive attitude, openness to new ideas, and a growth mindset.
• Cultural awareness, gender fairness, and disability awareness.
• Physical stamina to complete tasks and work with small children (infants, toddlers, and preschoolers).
• The ability to: lift up to 30 lbs; lift and carry infants, toddlers, and preschoolers; get up and down from the floor to work with small children; and move quickly across a room to respond to the needs of small children.
• Bilingual preferred.
• Patient, calm, and understanding manner when working with students.
• Sensitivity to confidentiality.
• Able to attend work regularly, work as part of a team, and report to work in a timely manner.
• Demonstrate strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize and perform multiple tasks.

Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary of $24.03 per hour based on Class 3C of the current Collective Bargaining Agreement for Education Assistants.

Schedule

Seven hours per day, which includes 6.5 hours of paid work time and 30 minutes of unpaid lunch time.

Pay

$24.03 per hour based on Class 3C of the current Collective Bargaining Agreement for Education Assistants.

Equal Opportunity Employer

District 281 is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We strive to provide equal opportunities for all candidates regardless of their background, experiences, or characteristics. Our commitment to equity ensures that we are able to attract and retain a diverse workforce, which is essential for fostering innovation and ensuring that we can effectively serve our diverse student population.