Teaching Assistant- Behavioral Support Specialist

The Teaching Assistant – Behavioral Support Specialist provides critical support to teachers and students in a Head Start program, focusing on addressing and managing behavioral issues in the classroom. This role involves working closely with children who may exhibit challenging behaviors, implementing behavior intervention strategies, and collaborating with teachers, families, and specialists to create a positive and inclusive learning environment. The goal is to support the social, emotional, and behavioral development of young children to ensure their success in the classroom.

• Assist teachers in managing and addressing challenging behaviors in the classroom.
• Implement individualized behavior intervention plans (BIPs) developed by teachers, specialists, or behavioral consultants.
• Use positive behavior support strategies to encourage appropriate behavior and social interactions among children.
• Monitor and document children’s behavior to track progress and identify areas for improvement.
• Support teachers in creating a structured, nurturing, and inclusive classroom environment.
• Assist with classroom activities, transitions, and routines to minimize disruptions and promote positive behavior.
• Provide oneonone or smallgroup support to children who need additional guidance to stay engaged and follow classroom rules.
• Work closely with teachers, special education staff, and behavioral specialists to develop and implement strategies for supporting children with behavioral challenges.
• Communicate regularly with families to share updates on children’s progress and provide strategies for reinforcing positive behavior at home.
• Participate in team meetings, case conferences, and Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) meetings as needed.
• Help children develop socialemotional skills, such as selfregulation, conflict resolution, and empathy, through modeling and guided practice.
• Use ageappropriate techniques to teach children how to express their emotions in healthy ways.
• Foster a sense of belonging and selfconfidence in children by providing encouragement and positive reinforcement.
• Respond to behavioral crises in the classroom by deescalating situations and ensuring the safety of all children.
• Follow established protocols for managing severe behavioral incidents and seek additional support when necessary.
• Participate in training and professional development opportunities related to behavior management, traumainformed care, and early childhood education.
• Stay informed about best practices and strategies for supporting children with behavioral challenges in early childhood settings.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

• High school diploma or equivalent required. Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Psychology, or a related field preferred.
• Experience working with young children, particularly those with behavioral challenges, in a classroom or childcare setting. Experience in a Head Start program is a plus.
• Strong understanding of child development and behavior management techniques.
• Ability to remain calm and patient in challenging situations.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for working with children, families, and colleagues.
• Basic knowledge of positive behavior support strategies and traumainformed practices.
• CPR and First Aid certification may be required. Additional training in behavior management or early childhood special education is a plus.

About FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES RISING INC

Our mission is to educate and empower children, families, communities and organizations by delivering unique educational and supportive services. Our vision is to create environments where children, families, educators and communities achieve full potential and commit to lifelong learning. Service: We serve children, families, organizations and communities with mutual respect. Diversity: We respect, embrace and celebrate the uniqueness of every child and family and appreciate that differences can come in experience, culture, abilities and languages. Innovation: We constantly strive to redefine the standards of excellence in everything we do. Integrity: We do the right thing and we do what we say.