Special Needs Teacher Assistant

This position follows a school calendar with opportunities to work during school vacations and summer break. Full-time hours are typically 35 to 37 hours per week, Monday through Friday from 7:45 AM to 2:45 PM. All employees are eligible for benefits at 30 hours per week. Part-time availability may be considered for the right candidate.

About the Role

As a Special Needs Teacher Assistant (Therapeutic Integration Specialist or TIS), you will work alongside a team of teachers and clinicians to provide a safe, healthy, structured, and welcoming environment for children, particularly those with special needs and behaviorally challenging children. You will support children in meeting their individual goals as outlined in their behavior plans while integrated with typically developing peers.

Responsibilities

• Work alongside teachers to create a nurturing and educational space for children.
• Engage with children in learning activities such as reading, playing, and fostering a love for lifelong learning.
• Partner with families to care for and nurture their children.
• Use an electronic daily tracking app to showcase tech-savvy skills.
• Assist with the accreditation process and other quality initiatives.
• Support the EnhancEd Support Services special needs inclusion program.
• Collaborate with clinicians to create appropriate learning environments and activities for children with special needs.
• Help children achieve success in meeting their individual behavioral goals.
• Attend occasional after-hours trainings (typically at 6:30 PM) and meetings with the EnhancEd Clinician.

Requirements

• Experience working with special needs children or children with challenging behaviors (willing to train the right person).
• Warm, friendly demeanor with strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality.
• Organized, able to prioritize, and multi-task.
• Team-oriented and collaborative.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a high school diploma (or equivalent) with college credits in Early Childhood Education or a related field; college credits, Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, Associate’s degree, or higher in Early Childhood Education or a related field preferred.
• At least 2 years of experience working in an early learning or child care center.
• Experience with special needs students, particularly in de-escalating behavior challenges.
• Rhode Island Early Learning and Development Standards (RIELDS) certification preferred.
• Knowledge of Teaching Strategies and/or Conscious Discipline preferred.
• CPR/First Aid certification preferred.
• 19 years of age or older.
• Able to read, write, speak, and understand English; bilingual candidates encouraged to apply.
• Must pass national criminal background check and fingerprinting.
• Must pass Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) Clearance Request (CPS).

Physical Requirements

• Able to engage in physical exercise with children (walking, running, crawling, bending, twisting).
• Visual and hearing acuity.
• Able to lift up to 40 pounds.

Benefits

• Paid Time Off
• 401k with company match
• 13 Paid Holidays
• Child Care Discounts
• College Tuition Reimbursement
• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
• Flexible Spending Account
• Training and Professional Development opportunities

Benefits vary for full-time and part-time positions. For more details, visit www.nurturedelc.com/careers.

Pay

$17 an hour

Schedule

• Full-time: Monday–Friday, 7:45 AM–2:45 PM (35–37 hours per week)
• Part-time opportunities with flexible schedules may be available.