Substitute Classroom Aide/ One to One Aide

About the role

The Vanguard School, founded in 1959 and located on a beautiful 28-acre campus in Malvern, PA, is dedicated to the growth and development of children and young adults with a variety of special needs. Through a collaborative and holistic approach, VSS commits to helping all students develop a strong sense of self-worth in an environment driven by respect, appreciation, learning, and growth.

This per diem, as-needed position supports certified special education teachers by providing one-to-one academic, social, and behavioral assistance to students requiring specialized support to meet IEP and/or FBA goals. The role focuses on positive behavior support and student safety.

Responsibilities

• Actively assist in implementing lesson plans, reinforcing instruction/tutoring, and documenting student progress throughout the school day.
• Observe, monitor, and redirect student behavior during classroom time, special classes, transitions, and field trips according to school and program procedures.
• Maintain accurate records on student progress and behavior for school programs and outside agencies as required.
• Accompany assigned student to art, music, physical education, computer classes, special events, and individual/group therapy sessions, providing assistance to specialty teachers as needed.
• Assist the teacher with testing, recordkeeping, and progress monitoring for the assigned student.
• Under the teacher’s direction, communicate with parents and staff regarding student progress.
• Participate in interdisciplinary and inter-agency meetings as required.
• Provide a nurturing environment for all students and enforce school policies and procedures fairly and consistently.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized learning environment.
• Serve as a mentor for new staff and a resource for substitute teachers.
• Demonstrate competency in VSS core values: Communication and Listening, Critical Thinking and Problem Solving, Ethics, Professionalism, and Teamwork.
• Comply with all organizational policies and procedures, including those in the VSS Policies & Procedures manual.
• Maintain professional, confidential, and ethical relationships with administrators, colleagues, parents, students, and others.
• Attend and actively participate in staff meetings, in-service activities, and other required meetings.
• Complete at least 20 hours of staff development activities related to the job assignment each school year.
• Maintain proper credentials and stay informed on PDE regulations and state/national standards through continued professional study.
• Perform related duties, special assignments, and projects as assigned.

Requirements

• Two years of college or a high school graduate with two years of experience working with children with special needs in an organized setting.
• Experience working as a PCA (Personal Care Assistant) or TSS (Therapeutic Staff Support) and training in behavior support techniques is strongly preferred.
• Ability to engage intellectually and physically in all components of the educational process.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with administrators, colleagues, students, parents, and others.
• Knowledge of correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary.
• Proficiency in using computers and performing clerical tasks.

Schedule

Monday to Friday, 7:45 AM to 3:30 PM, per diem as needed.