Substitute Teacher Aide - Abilities First Hyde Park Education Center

For over 60 years, Abilities First, Inc. has been empowering individuals with developmental disabilities to live their most vibrant, independent lives. From early education to adulthood, our wide range of services—including preschool and school programs, day programs and residential services, community connections, and employment services—are designed to uplift every individual’s unique strengths and dreams. We believe in the power of people—of every background, identity, and ability—to create change and build a more inclusive world. At Abilities First, you’ll join a mission-driven team that values collaboration, celebrates individuality, and is dedicated to meaningful work.

About the role

We are looking for patient, energetic and passionate Substitute Teacher Aides for our Hyde Park Education Center, located in Hyde Park, NY. This is an opportunity to work with an interdisciplinary team, focusing on the educational programming for all school-age children at every level of ability. This position will attend to the daily needs of the students and assist the teacher in carrying out classroom activities.

Schedule

Monday - Friday 8:00 am-3:00 pm, 32.5 hours per week, 48 weeks per year (includes a 6-week summer program). This is an as‑needed Substitute position.

Pay

Pay Range: $17.08 – $19.08 per hour

NOTE: The salary range represents the expected range of compensation for this position exclusive of fringe benefits or other job specific stipends where applicable. The actual starting salary for the successful candidate will be based on qualifications, experience, skills, education, internal equity, and other job-related factors. Not all candidates will qualify for the maximum range.

Responsibilities

• Follows the classroom schedule ensuring that individual student’s goals are achieved.
• Assists in the classroom to conduct individual and group activities.
• Keep student’s workstations/areas organized.
• Assist in the construction of teacher‑developed materials.
• Attend and participate in staff meetings and job skill training.
• Attend therapy sessions with students to allow for appropriate carryover in the classroom.
• Assists in the organization and arrangement of the classroom in order to provide a conducive learning environment.
• Escorts and assists students (via wheelchair, walker, etc.) to and from school buses while providing opportunities for students’ increased independence in mobility and orientation.
• Attends all specials with students (PE, art, music, etc.).
• Takes off and puts on outdoor clothing as necessary and provide opportunities for students’ increased independence in self‑dressing and undressing.
• Perform wheelchair/equipment transporting, transferring and lifting.
• Toilet children and use appropriate adaptive equipment if necessary. This should be done at least 3 times daily (more often when necessary.)
• Change clothing when wet or soiled.
• Change diapers and/or sanitary napkins as necessary.
• Set out lunches and adaptive feeding equipment and provide opportunities for students’ increased independence in meal preparation.
• Cut up or