Student Support Assistant: Lahaina, Maui, HI

About the role

You will partner directly with the classroom teaching team to help support various children with diverse learning, behavioral, and developmental needs at a Bezos Academy school within our network of high quality, tuition-free, Montessori-inspired preschools in under-resourced communities.

Responsibilities

• Support classroom teachers with the individualized learning, behavioral, and developmental needs of various students at the school
• Help implement strategies in alignment with formal student support and/or behavior plans with Lead Teachers and Assistant Teachers maintaining primary implementation responsibilities
• Aid teachers in preparing instructional materials, maintaining an orderly classroom environment, and reinforcing consistent routines
• Provide support for children with diverse learning needs, including short-term or occasional support in small group settings when helpful for classroom participation, emotional regulation, or routines
• Actively supervise students in and out of the classroom and attend to students' academic and emotional needs consistent with Bezos Academy policies and licensing requirements
• Assist in supporting children’s toileting routines and in the transition of children from one area of the school to another in accordance with organizational policy and licensing standards
• Support positive social-emotional skill development by modeling and reinforcing communication, self-regulation, and problem-solving skills
• Maintain documentation and ensure compliance with local and federal legislation, regulations, and guidelines and with Bezos Academy policies within the scope of this role
• Support facilitation of child study and multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) meetings
• Participate in team meetings, staff development, and other activities as directed by the Head of School
• Assume postures at low levels (e.g., kneeling, stooping, bending, and sitting on the floor) as needed to communicate effectively with children

Qualifications

• Age 18 with high school diploma or GED
• Four or more years of professional experience as an aide, assistant, paraprofessional, or lead teacher of children ages 3-5
• Experience implementing strategies from student individualized education plans (IEPs) or other student support and behavior plans
• Ability to pass background checks, tuberculosis screenings, and trainings required by the state of Hawaii to supervise children independently
• Skill in collaborating with families, the community, school staff, school leadership, and others to build trusting relationships and partnerships
• Ability to independently supervise, communicate effectively with, and care for young children safely, including ability to lift a minimum of 40 lbs
• Ability to consistently attend work as scheduled to ensure proper staff-to-child classroom ratios
• Familiarity with Hawaii and Hawaiian culture

Preferred Qualifications

• Two or more years of special education experience from infancy through third grade
• Associate’s degree in early childhood education or two years of post-secondary coursework in early childhood education
• Two or more years prior work experience with children and families in low-income communities in the US OR significant personal experience in low-income communities in the US (grew up and/or attended school in)
• Proficiency or fluency in Spanish
• Knowledge of Montessori pedagogy, principles and overall approach
• Knowledge of the local community
• Experience in culturally responsive & trauma-informed teaching practices
• Proficiency in Hawaiian language

Benefits

• 32 paid days of scheduled breaks
• 3 paid days of personal time off
• 9 paid days of sick (care) time
• 10 paid holidays
• Additional time off if required by applicable law
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Disability insurance
• A 401(k) plan with a 4% employer contribution match
• Paid parental leave
• An employer-matched flexible spending account for dependent care