Preschool 2024-2025 Special Education Instructional Assistant (SY 24-25)

Needham Public Schools is an inclusive, dynamic, and multicultural community seeking an energetic and skilled Special Education Teaching Assistant to join our team for the 2024-2025 school year. To enhance our goals of supporting every child, Needham Public Schools seeks candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences. 

Job Description: 

Under the direct supervision of the Special Education Teacher, Classroom Teacher, and Special Education Coordinator/Director, the Teaching Assistant will work closely with students in the classroom to meet instructional and social-emotional goals and objectives as well as to maintain appropriate student behavior. Depending on grade level and need of students, Teaching Assistants may be responsible for the following:

• Assist students with special education needs in all aspects of the classroom instruction to maximize inclusion, learning, and achievement of IEP objectives
• Works with students individually and in small groups to reinforce basic academic skills and implement assigned lessons and programs, which may include the use of augmentative technology
• Support students using strategies such as positive reinforcement, visual supports, cuing, de-escalation strategies, motor breaks, as well as data collection. 
• Assist with preparation of instructional materials and the learning environment
• Assist with classroom behavior management to minimize disruptions, ensure a safe and orderly classroom, and ensure students are on task
• Assist students in non-instructional areas, such as supervising lunch, recess, arrival or dismissal duty
• Assist with student self-care, which may include hand-washing, toileting, mealtime and dressing routines 
• Any additional tasks assigned by the Special Education Coordinator/Director, Principal, or Assistant Principal 

The duties listed above are intended as an illustration of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: 

• Ability to carry out verbal and written instructions
• Knowledge of academic and social skills unique to the developmental age of the students
• Ability to make decisions in the moment to ensure the safety of all students
• Ability to establish a supportive and compassionate relationship with students with special needs
• Ability to work collaboratively with multiple team members
• Ability to maintain confidential information regarding students and families
• Effective written and verbal communication skills 

Qualifications:

• Pursuit of a Bachelor’s degree in a related field or at least 2 years experience in a similar role
• Passion for working with children/students with disabilities

Working Hours:

This is a 0.8 FTE position with the following working hours:

8am-330pm, Monday-Thursday

Job Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Duties are normally performed in a school/classroom environment. Duties may be occasionally performed on field trips away from school. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Regularly required to sit (including sitting on the floor or other hard surface), stand, walk, kneel, talk, hear, operate a computer, handheld learning devices and other office equipment, reach with hands and arms, work indoors or outdoors, and must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Occasionally may need to assist students with standing, sitting, organizational functions or other related general physical tasks.

Compensation and Benefits: 

Please review the Unit C Contract (Grade: ASA) and this page to learn more about employee compensation and benefits. 

The Needham Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, active military/veteran status, ancestry, genetic information, or national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, employment policies, and other administered programs and activities. In addition, students who are homeless or of limited English-speaking ability are protected from discrimination in accessing the course of study and other opportunities available through the schools.

Needham Public Schools has a strong commitment to equity. Candidates who also have a strong commitment to this work are encouraged to apply. For more information on our equity work please visit our equity website.