Special Needs Assistant

General Description

The Special Needs Assistant provides individualized classroom support for assigned children with special needs and/or challenging behaviors.

Major Responsibilities

• Provide individualized support to assigned children to help them participate in classroom activities.
• Use teaching strategies that illustrate the CLASS philosophy in Emotional Support, Classroom Organization, and Instructional Support.
• Avoid distractions during large group activities.
• Purposefully interact with children and extend play and learning.
• Absorb and document assessments for assigned children.
• Develop nurturing relationships with each child that encourage his or her social and emotional development.
• Maintain all federal, state, local and accreditation standards (these may include those set forth by NAEYC, APPLE, ECS, DCF and Head Start).
• Follow policies and procedures regarding medical and dental emergencies, short- term exclusion of children, and the administration, handling, and storing of medication.
• Ensure that safe practices are followed to prevent injuries to children or self.
• Maintain sanitation and hygiene procedures and participate in the maintenance of the center.
• Provide and encourage effective communication and relationships with families so that parents feel comfortable talking to staff about their children.
• Inform parents concerning their children’s progress formally and informally, which may include parent notes, portfolios, or parent conferences.
• Eat with children, encouraging proper eating habits and conversation.
• Communicate regularly with other staff to better serve children and families, including attending staff meetings, trainings, and sharing information.
• Follow directions and assignments as given by supervisor.
• Work collaboratively and attentively with the in-class Coach and Program Support Specialists to meet the needs of assigned children.
• Maintain appropriate records and maintain confidentiality.

Organizational Relationship

This position reports to the assigned Center Manager with oversight from the Social Emotional Services Manager and Director of Developmental & Behavioral Services.

Education and Experience

• A High School Diploma or GED, DCF 45-hour training, and one of the following:
• A Child Development Associate (CDA) credential or Florida Child Care Professional Credential (FCCPC) required*
• An associate degree in child development, special education, early childhood education or related field and experience working with children with special needs highly preferred.
• Two (2) years relevant training and ECE classroom experience can be substituted for minimum qualifications.

*For non FCCPC holders, apply for FCCPC credential (Birth-5) within 90 days of hire.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

• Knowledge of child growth and development as well as developmentally appropriate practices for children
• Knowledge of the effects of trauma on children’s development
• Ability to provide a supportive and caring environment for children
• Ability to exercise control, emotional maturity and maintain appropriate classroom discipline
• Ability to build and establish collaborative relationships and work effectively with diverse staff and families
• Demonstrates proper use of grammar and communication skills
• Knowledge of applicable safety and abuse-reporting procedures
• Ability to maintain confidential information
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Ability to plan and organize work as well as maintain records
• A willingness to learn and continue personal education

Certifications

• Complete TB screening & physical before having direct contact with children. Renew every 2 years.
• Complete on-line Food Handlers Course Serving Safe Food in Childcare within 90 days of employment.
• Must have current First Aid and Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training.
• Complete a minimum of 15 hours of in-service training annually, July 1- June 30.
• *For non FCCPC holders, apply for FCCPC credential (Birth-5) within 90 days of hire.

Environmental Conditions

• Work involves constant visual supervision of children and tolerance of loud noise
• Environment includes indoor classroom and outdoor playground
• Ability to travel to multiple centers within assigned geographic area. Center assignment may change depending on enrolled children and needs

Essential Physical Skills

• Acceptable eyesight (with or without correction)
• Acceptable hearing (with or without correction)
• Requires heavy physical work; heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling objects up to 50 pounds. Physical work is a primary part (more than 70%) of job.

Background Requirements

A Level II Background Screening which consists of a local, state, and federal criminal check will be completed on all employees and any contracted employee position, intern position or volunteer position in which individuals have contact with children, have access to confidential information and / or are in a position of special trust. To learn more about the system used to conduct these checks, you can use this link - https://info.flclearinghouse.com/