Educational Assistant for Autism Specific Classroom - Elementary

Southbridge Public Schools serve approximately 2,200 students in six schools. The district is undergoing extensive turnaround at all levels with support from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, creating unique opportunities for teachers and students. Initiatives include a long-term partnership with the University of Connecticut to develop the district as a national demonstration site for PBIS strategies, as well as significant grants for secondary school redesign, curriculum enhancements, improved culture and climate, and expanded afterschool opportunities.

About the Role

This position supports teachers in supervising classroom and school-wide learning activities, providing instructional and behavioral assistance to students. Educational Assistants work under the direction of supervising teachers to reinforce skills, manage student behavior, and adapt classroom activities to meet individual student needs, including those outlined in IEPs.

Responsibilities

• Assist teachers in supervising classroom and school-wide learning activities, providing learning support to students.
• Provide instruction to students as prescribed by the supervising teacher, reinforcing skills to help students master concepts.
• Assist in checking and evaluating students’ work; teach students individually and in small groups based on instructional guidelines.
• Use positive behavior strategies to manage student behavior and maintain classroom order.
• Assist in developing communication and progressive learning skills; document learning activities and report deficiencies to teachers.
• Support preschool and kindergarten students with developmentally appropriate self-care skills.
• Assist in developing, preparing, and maintaining learning materials, instructional resources, and classroom environments.
• Prepare instructional reports and complete required forms, schedules, and records.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of current technology and practices relevant to the role.
• Attend meetings and in-service training as required.
• Reinforce school rules and respond to emergency situations.
• Maintain certification in district-offered physical management and verbal de-escalation training.
• Perform monitoring duties as assigned, using universal health precautions and proper body mechanics.
• Maintain confidentiality of student records and foster cooperative working relationships.
• Carry out TEAM decisions and provide services required by IEPs as assigned.
• Adapt classroom activities, assignments, and materials under the direction of the supervising teacher to support IEP goals and ensure participation for all students.
• Prepare and use adaptive equipment and assistive technology as prescribed by professionals.
• Assist physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and nurses in maintaining adaptive equipment.
• Support students with transfers to and from wheelchairs and other supportive surfaces.
• Assist students with fine and gross motor activities, Activities of Daily Living (toileting, dressing, feeding, care of service animals), and health care procedures as appropriate.
• Provide instructional, vocational, and developmental assistance to students with mental, physical, emotional, or other special needs under teacher supervision.
• Assist professionals in conducting functional behavior analysis and implementing advanced behavioral strategies.
• Support community-based vocational and transitional programs as outlined in professional plans.
• Monitor, observe, and document student behavior, including behavioral changes and outbursts.
• Independently supervise students in the absence of certified professional staff or Tier 4 educational assistants.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the building Principal to ensure efficient functioning of the work environment.

Requirements

• Associate’s degree required.
• Experience in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) or Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) training preferred.