Teacher Assistant

About the role

Helen Keller Services for the Blind is expanding its Children's Learning Center to two new locations in Nassau and Suffolk County, NY. We are seeking a Teacher Assistant to join our team.

Responsibilities

• Provides instruction to students as directed by the teacher and guided by goals and objectives on the IEP.
• Maintains a safe and healthy environment for the children in the classroom, during gym time, community trips and during bussing.
• Supports individual students during group instruction as needed and directed to do.
• Reinforces techniques from Therapy as directed by teacher and therapists.
• Affords assistance with self-care activities (eating, dressing, toileting) and gives level of support appropriate to the student’s level of functioning.
• Encourages communication, play, and social interaction between children.
• Accompanies class on field trips and trips in the neighborhood.
• Affords assistance to the teacher, as requested, with any documentation concerning students and classroom activities.
• Collects student ABC data and IEP goal data.
• Maintains cordial and open communication with families at the school, on Class DoJo, and any school functions.
• Keeps track of classroom supplies and gets supplies for class as needed, submits receipts and forms for any approved petty cash.
• Organizes teaching materials, toys, and other classroom items.
• Prepares and organizes materials and set up for individual and group lessons.
• Cleans and disinfects toys and equipment as needed.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalency required.
• Associates degree preferred.
• Experience in a preschool setting preferred.
• Experience with children with disabilities especially those with vision impairments a plus.

Qualifications

• New York State certified as a Level I Assistant Teacher.

Skills

• Ability to work with children who are blind or have low vision, as well as multiple disabilities, autism, Down syndrome, or pervasive developmental delays.
• Physical ability to lift and move children up to 50 pounds safely.
• Specific vision abilities including close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefit package including:

• Paid Time Off (in accordance with the school calendar)
• Paid Personal Time and Paid Sick Time
• Health Benefits Package including Medical, Dental and Vision coverage
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Accounts
• Life Insurance and Disability benefits
• Voluntary Ancillary Benefits
• 403 (b) Savings Plan with company match
• Employee Assistance Program