Inclusion Assistant - Kids and Company

SUMMARY:
Similar to a Kids & Company Activity Assistant, the Kids & Company Inclusion Assistant assists with the implementing Kids & Company program and supports out of school time programming at the site level while specifically prioritizing students with special needs with varying disabilities or diagnoses, according to the child’s inclusion plan.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
This class specification lists the major duties and requirements of the job and is not all-inclusive. Incumbent(s) may be expected to perform job-related duties other than those contained in this document and may be required to have specific job-related knowledge and skills.

• Understand and Implement the Kids & Company mission to provide a fun, safe, enriching experience in a respectful and nurturing environment and promote life-long learning skills in all students and youth during out-of-school time and uphold the five core values.
• Assist in planning culturally sensitive, developmentally appropriate activities using Hopkins Public Schools Academic and Self-Development Skills along with other quality assessment tools.
• Assist in maintaining a safe, healthy environment for the school community by following district and quality assessment tool guidelines for health and safety.
• Demonstrate and teach appropriate social skills to youth through planned curriculum, role modeling and positive reinforcement.
• Implement a student’s health, behavior, and/ or safety plan which may include the use of communication devices, use of visuals, behavior contracts, adaptive equipment, toileting, feeding and self-care procedures
• Assume a leadership role in managing situations where students are escalated, need additional support, and/ or crisis management
• Actively participate in adapting activities to provide a safe and inclusive environment where all students have belonging, opportunity, and resources.
• Provide opportunities for students to learn by making choices that contribute to both their growth in life-long learning skills and their development into becoming respectful and responsible adults.
• Assist with the Kids & Company intake process of students with special needs, including intake conferences with parents, gathering data such as IEPs, and observing students.
• Assist in the observation and evaluation of students who need additional assistance with adjusting to the Kids & Company program structure and setting, including the implementation of Kids & Company individualized behavior plans.
• Maintain professionalism and confidentiality regarding staff, students, and their families.
• Promotes a positive image of the program by maintaining open and positive communication between out-of-school-time staff, school personnel, families and the community.
• Promotes and supports the overall mission of the District by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with public and staff; acts in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace environment.
• Assist in the maintenance of records, files, and data for all students receiving special needs services.
• Implement and follow DHS Standards as a CCAP-certified center.
• Maintain First Aid, CPR, and CPI certification.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma/equivalent
• One (1) year of paid experience working with school age children
• Three (3) months of experience working with children with special needs
• Additional training in a child related area or 12 college credits or proof of passing the ParaPro/Paraeducator exam
• Individual personal care assistance (PCA) training, or completion at time of hire
• CPI and/or Restrictive Hold procedure training, or completion at time of hire

Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge of the developmental needs of children.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Strong technology and computer skills.
• Knowledge of ADA laws, IEPs, and 504 plans.

Required Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations:
Continued employment is contingent upon all required licenses and certificates being maintained in active status without suspension or revocation.

• Driver’s license required

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

• Work is performed in a program setting at various elementary schools, and may include other locations in the community, including outdoors, field trip sites and other community buildings.

Compensation and Schedule:
1.0 FTE
Community Education Handbook
Range: $21.99 – 28.66 DOE
Position specific Benefits information is available HERE
Union Contracts, Position Handbook/Agreements are located HERE