Instructional Aide - Early Learning Services

Organization: Ohio Deaf & Blind Education Services Agency | Contact: Kimberly Basil, human.resources@osdb.oh.gov | Location: 500 Morse Road, Columbus, OH 43214 | Compensation: $21.83/hour | Schedule: Permanent Full‑Time, Mon–Fri, 1st Shift | Classified | Union: OCSEA | Primary Skill: Education

About the role

At the Alice Cogswell Center (ACC) and Early Learning Center (ELC) we follow a child‑centered approach. The ELC serves children ages 3–5 with hearing loss and students with visual impairments. Each child has a unique personality and strengths; we respect and encourage each child on their path to learn and grow socially, emotionally, physically, and educationally. We believe children develop best through hands‑on activities where they can explore and try new things with support and encouragement. Daily learning experiences include fine and gross motor, art, language and literacy, math, and large and small group activities that practice communication skills. In all areas we strive to build strong values, self‑esteem, and respect and caring for others.

Responsibilities

• Assist teachers of students (pre‑school through post‑secondary) who are blind, visually impaired, deaf, hard of hearing, deafblind, and/or have multiple disabilities with academic instruction (math, science, reading, history, expanded core curriculum), vocational and/or daily living skills.
• Tutor and conduct group or individual lessons in conjunction with the teacher; ensure safety and well‑being of students.
• Counsel students to address educational, emotional, physical, or personal needs.
• Monitor students to maintain discipline, ensure assignments are carried out, and monitor behavior for compliance with school code of conduct and IEPs.
• Support students in proper use of adaptive technology; provide language enrichment/mediation for language deprivation (e.g., gesturing, manipulating, presenting English version).
• Accompany and assist students during meals; facilitate transportation needs (before/after‑school coordination, field trips, escorting to/from bus or personal transportation).
• May operate motor vehicle for escorting and/or transporting students (field trips, educational/occupational activities, residence).
• Carry out teacher‑provided lesson plans in teacher absence to continue regularly scheduled instruction.
• Assist in preparation and/or creation of lesson plans (determine areas of need, assemble instructional materials, set up classroom, take attendance, perform grading, set up accessible equipment); support technology integration.
• Prepare and create instructional media; operate equipment (smart devices, braille note, TV, A/V equipment), software (Duxbury, Tactile View); edit audio/video materials; assist in development of visual lessons; assist in maintenance and repair of equipment.
• Under teacher guidance, assist in preparation for IEP meetings (compile data and feedback, complete detailed documentation, logs, and assessments related to academic, behavioral development, and progress); participate in conferences and student evaluation sessions; participate in interdisciplinary meetings.
• Perform clerical tasks associated with educational duties (translate, type, duplicate lesson plans; maintain student records; collate and distribute classroom materials; perform attendance records; maintain classroom supplies).
• In the Alice Cogswell Center: prepare and carry out programming for children birth to transition to pre‑school; ensure safe and supportive learning environment.
• Attend in‑service training sessions (staff meetings, trainings, home visits for pre‑school age students).

Requirements

• Current Educational Aide Permit as issued by the State Board of Education.
• 12 months experience in teaching assistance.
• Intermediate level on the Sign Language Proficiency Interview (SLPI) required upon hire for positions at the Ohio School for the Deaf.
• Job skills: Education, Educational Support, Establishing Relationships, Developing Others.

Additional information

• Training and development required to remain in classification after employment:
  • Renewal of Educational Aide Permit per State Board of Education rules and regulations.
  • Certification in CPR and first aid to be obtained within 1 year from date of hire.
  • If transporting students, appropriate van certification required.
  • For positions assigned to Ohio School for the Deaf: demonstrate Advanced level on SLPI within 1 year from date of hire.
• Unusual working conditions: may work evenings and/or weekends; may work outside exposed to weather; may be exposed to aggressive and/or unpredictable behavior, human waste, and infectious diseases.

Benefits

• Medical coverage
• Free dental, vision, and basic life insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period
• Paid time off including vacation, personal, sick leave, and 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth, adoption, and foster care leave
• Education and development opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)
• Public retirement systems (OPERS, STRS, SERS, HPRS) and optional deferred compensation (Ohio Deferred Compensation)

Pay

$21.83 per hour

Schedule

Permanent full‑time, Monday–Friday, 1st shift