Preschool Individual Aide

Description

The Preschool Individual Aide is assigned to work with one preschool student, as approved on the child’s IEP, under the direction of the classroom teacher. The individual aide facilitates the student’s participation in all classroom activities and therapies throughout the school day to develop and support the student’s independence and age-appropriate functioning, to the maximum extent possible, following the plan of support for the student.

Monday-Friday, 8:30 am-3:00 pm (following the school calendar)

6 hours per day, 30-minute lunch

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

• Provide dedicated instructional, behavioral, communication, and personal care support to an assigned child, under the direction of the classroom teacher, and in alignment with the child’s individualized plan.
• Support the child’s participation in daily routines and activities (e.g., transitions, outdoor play, field trips, meals, and toileting).
• Facilitate the child’s engagement with classroom materials, peers, and adults to promote social interaction and learning.
• Assist the child in 1:1, small group, and whole-class instructional activities as directed by the teacher.
• Implement instructional strategies and interventions designed by the teacher to reinforce learning and developmental goals.
• Carry out behavior support plans and use positive behavior strategies under teacher guidance.
• Assist with communication needs, including use of visual supports, assistive technology, or communication systems appropriate for a deaf/hard of hearing and autistic learner.
• Collect and record data on student progress toward behavioral, communication, and academic goals.
• Prepare and adapt materials and the learning environment to support the child’s access and participation.
• Assist with classroom preparation tasks, including materials, activities, snacks, and general organization.
• Support hygiene and personal care needs, including toileting, diapering, feeding, and development of self-help skills.
• Communicate professionally with staff and families, as directed by the teacher, regarding student needs and progress.

Other Duties:

• Assist in maintaining a safe, clean, and organized learning environment, including sanitizing materials and surfaces.
• Participate in meetings, including Clarke wide, staff, and team.
• In the student’s absence, other classroom and program responsibilities will be assigned for the workday.
• Perform any other tasks as assigned by the director to support the function of the school.

Requirements

Education, licenses, certifications, skills, and experience:

• Experience working with young children within preschool settings and familiarity with child development.
• Minimum of associate's degree in one of the following fields: Education, Special Education, Occupational therapy, Physical therapy, Communication Disorders, Education of the Deaf or related field.
• Completion of all Clarke and Department of Daycare required trainings.
• NYS Teachers Assistant Certification or willingness to obtain soon after hire.

Physical demands:

• Occasional lifting or assisting a 25–50-pound child
• Lifting or carrying objects weighing up to 20 pounds
• Walking, standing, and squatting
• Climbing and holding doors
• Working with hands to hold, grasp, and manipulate small objects