Teaching Assistant/Aftercare Lead

Summary: The Teaching Assistant (TA)/Paraprofessional is responsible for a variety of duties related to providing instruction and support to individuals who have physical, developmental and/or intellectual disabilities under the supervision of a teacher. This position will implement the individual treatment and behavior plans of the individuals utilizing selected curriculum, will model appropriate behavior and interactions with individuals and staff, and will assist individuals by providing for special health care and personal care needs. This position is also responsible for the general daily oversight of the aftercare component of the program.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Classroom (EIDT)

• Ensures that the staff to individual ratio is maintained and the location of individuals served is always known.
• Assists Teacher with the assessment of the individual’s progress and/or implementing treatment plan objectives.
• Adapts classroom activities, assignments and/or materials under the direction of the teacher for the purpose of supporting and reinforcing both classroom and each individual’s goals and objectives.
• Implements under the supervision of the teacher, a curriculum or curricula that includes instructional programs, lesson plans, and activities for the purpose of addressing each individual’s goals and objectives as identified in their individual treatment plans.
• Assists the Teacher with implementing individual behavior plans using a variety of methodologies and best practices based on the needs of the individual.
• Provides instruction in the most appropriate learning environment whether individually, or in small groups or large groups.
• Ensures that all individuals remain actively engaged in meaningful activities according to their functional level.
• Records accurate and detailed documentation within required timeframes regarding each individual’s progress in meeting goals and objectives, personal care, behavior reports, and health and safety as required by the program. Additional documentation may be required when necessary.
• Provides and assists individuals by providing special health care and personal care needs.
• Maintains an organized and clean classroom that supports a safe and accessible learning environment and meets all mandated requirements.
• Monitors individual’s daily schedule and behavior plan (e.g. classroom schedule, toileting, medication, appetite, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining a safe and positive learning environment.
• Follow incident reporting procedures including documentation and submitting report to the Teacher or a Director.
• Ensures that each individuals’ rights are protected.
• Uses person first language and treat individuals with dignity and respect.
  
  

Aftercare Duties And Responsibilities

• Help schedule staff coverage/monitor staffing board for the hours of 3:30 - 5:30 pm
• Maintain appropriate staffing/ratio in each classroom and combine classes appropriately and according to licensure standards.
• Ensure staff maintain in designated zones while on the indoor/outdoor playgrounds.
• Check classroom counts on a rotation.
• Monitor staff engagement with children.
• Ensure children’s personal belongings are in their aftercare cubbies.
• Ensure children have adequate diapers/items in their designated aftercare bathroom/changing area.
• Distributes aftercare snacks; ensures extra snacks are put back in the kitchen.
• Plans and implements activities for each classroom in the aftercare program.
• Ensures adherence to rules and policies of aftercare.
• Ensures aftercare classroom schedules are appropriate and being followed. Modifies schedules as needed.
• Disseminates information and acts as a liaison between day and aftercare programs.
• Conducts training for staff as needed.
• Communicates with families.
• Maintain up-to-date aftercare binder.
• Reports information to the director about staff performance during aftercare hours.
• Ensure all rooms are orderly, neat and clean at the end of day and all toys are picked up and put away. Ensure equipment is orderly and on one side of the hallway.
• Make sure the playground is picked up and everything is in the appropriate place.
• Check to make sure that PM snack buckets and trays are returned to the kitchen.
• Unlock preschool side entrance door at 4:30pm.
• Lock preschool doors at 5:30/closing time.
• Ensure children are checked out at the appropriate time.
• Report late pick-ups to the director via email.
• Additional duties as assigned by the Director
  
  

Supervisory Responsibilities

None.

Compliance/HIPAA

While performing the duties of this job, employee will comply with all federal, state and local laws and regulations pertaining to Easterseals Arkansas.

Employee has access to all individual protected health information of the individuals directly served by this person, except psychotherapy notes. Employee will not attempt to access any other protected health information unless otherwise approved by Supervisor or Privacy Officer.