Preschool Special Education 1:1 Aide in Classroom

Rochester Childfirst Network (RCN) is looking for an engaging, playful, and nurturing individual to work individually with a preschool student with developmental needs. This person would be responsible for providing 1:1 assistance to a preschool student enrolled in an integrated classroom by supporting their learning and assisting them in achieving their goals as outlined in their Individualized Education Plan (IEP).

Principle Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Establish a relationship with the preschool student by engaging and interacting directly with the child during play, therapy, and daily classroom activities.

2. Assist the preschool student in following the daily schedule in the classroom and establish routines that support the student to access the general education curriculum and to integrate and interact with their peers while working on their Individualized Education Plan (EIP) goals and objecties.

3. Communicate with the child's team, including the child's parents/caregivers, regarding the preschool student's strengths, preferences, and needs and, when applicable, implement a behavioral support plan for assigned students.

4. Collaborate with the classroom special education teacher and therapists in evaluating the performance of the preschool student in all areas of development. Assist the classroom special education teacher in maintaining any other records as appropriate including behavior data collection.

5. Advocate for the preschool student assigned to you by sharing observations and insights with the teaching team regarding educational and behavioral strategies.

6. Utilize Pyramid Model practices to promote positive behavior and address challenging behavior. If applicable, follow and implement the steps of the preschool student's Behavior Plan as outlined in their IEP to address more challenging management or behavioral needs of the student.

7. Build positive, collaborative relationships with family members by supporting regular communication.

8. Meet on a regular basis early childhood teaching team to discuss programming and individual student needs.

9. Demonstrate willingness to expand knowledge of teaching skills, learning styles, and other information that will enhance level the of support and care to children and parents enrolled in the program.

10. Regularly attend and engage in classroom team meetings; Preschool Special Education Program meetings; RCN staff meetings; and participate in professional development training.

11. Maintain an OCFS Training Tracker and ensure completion of all required trainings.

12. Support and participate in RCN early learning and quality assurance initiatives, such as QUALITYstarsNY and NAEYC accreditation.

13. Other duties as assigned by Preschool Special Education Program Coordinator.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty described above satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Language and Writing Ability:

Ability to read, understand and apply agency policies and procedures and governmental regulations. Ability to take notes and document observations of a child's play. Ability to effectively verbally present information to colleagues regarding a child’s progress towards goal achievement.

Math Ability:

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.

Reasoning Ability:

Ability to define problems and collect data.

Computer Skills:

To perform this job successfully, an individual should be proficient in word processing software; able to use the internet; access email as well as send and receive emails; and utilize the payroll system by clocking in and out.

Education/Experience:

High School Diploma or GED equivalent required. Child Development Associate (CDA) Certificate preferred.

Minimum of one year experience working with young children required.

Certificates and Licenses:

· CPR certification, preferred.

· First aid certification, preferred.

· MAT certification, preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Other Abilities:

· General knowledge of child development.

· Ability to maintain a calm and composed demeanor during various challenging behaviors.

· Effective oral and written communication skills.

· Collaborative and cooperative approach.

· Direct approach when addressing conflict and resolving problems.

Physical Demands:

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.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, use hands, reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to run, climb or balance. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Work 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.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to outdoor weather conditions. The employee is frequently exposed to bloodborne pathogens. The employee is occasionally exposed to injuries consistent with working with children.

The noise level in the work environment is usually loud and the environment is fast-paced.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $15.50 - $16.50 per hour

Work Location: In person

Salary : $16 - $17