Paraprofessional (Educational Aide/Student Monitor)

About the role

The Toledo Museum of Art’s Education department is dedicated to providing enriching and inclusive educational experiences through art. We believe in the power of art to inspire and connect individuals from all walks of life. Our art classes are designed to be accessible to everyone, including students with special needs. We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated art education paraprofessional (educational aide/student monitor) to support special needs students during our youth and teen art classes.

Responsibilities

• Provides one-on-one or small group support to special needs students during art classes, as assigned.
• Assists students with physical, emotional, and cognitive challenges to engage in classroom art activities.
• Affords students with self-care support, sensory support, communication support, hearing and vision support, and art education support.
• Adapts art lessons to meet the neurodiverse needs of students.
• Collaborates with art instructors to modify and differentiate instruction.
• Safely and effectively assists students in using art materials and tools.
• Fosters a positive, encouraging, and inclusive classroom atmosphere.
• Communicates with parents, caregivers, and special education staff about students' progress and needs.
• Maintains accurate records of student progress and reports all/any incidents.
• Attends training sessions and professional development workshops as required.
• Understands and applies Museum policies and procedures, classroom management routine(s) and structure for student's and art instructor’s needs.
• Develops resources to support students' needs when taking classes at the museum (sensory bins, visuals, auditory needs, etc.).
• Maintains objectivity, professionalism, and confidentiality with students and parents.
• Responds to all students in a kind, fair and interested manner.
• Promotes good social relationships, communication, and interactions between students.
• Serves as a role model for students by conducting themselves in a professional manner in dress, action, and language.
• Performs other duties as assigned or required.

Requirements

• Associates degree or higher in special education, art education, or related field preferred.
• Appropriate State of Ohio Certification (Aide Permit) required. Behavioral Technician Certification (Ohio) preferred.
• Experience working with children or adults with special needs required, preferably in an educational or recreational setting.
• Strong understanding of various disabilities and the ability to implement appropriate accommodations and modifications.
• CPR and First Aid certification preferred.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Valid driver’s license preferred.

Qualifications

• Ability to pass a background check.
• Demonstrates a sincere desire to support all students.
• Demonstrates excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Patience, creativity, and a passion for working with diverse populations.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Recognizes and respects individual differences between culture, religion, gender, and sexual orientation of students with disabilities and their families.
• Aligns communication methods to individual’s language proficiency under the guidance of the instructional team.
• General knowledge of principles of inclusive practices for students with disabilities.
• Uses universal precautions to assist in maintaining a safe, healthy environment in all settings.

Skills

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Patience and creativity.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Recognizes and respects individual differences between culture, religion, gender, and sexual orientation of students with disabilities and their families.
• General knowledge of principles of inclusive practices for students with disabilities.
• Uses universal precautions to assist in maintaining a safe, healthy environment in all settings.

Benefits

• Flexible schedule with options for increased hours during Summer session art camps.
• Opportunities for professional development and training sessions.
• Supportive and inclusive environment fostering personal and professional growth.

Pay

• Fall semester compensation rate: $18.00/hour with a State of Ohio Aide Permit. $22.00/hour with an additional Behavioral Technician Certification.

Schedule

• Minimum of 1 day per week on Saturdays from 8:30am-3:30pm during Fall, Winter, and Spring sessions.
• May increase to more hours during Summer session art camps, scheduled Monday-Friday from 8:30am – 4:30pm.