Preschool Teacher Assistant

The Arc Erie County New York has been supporting children and adults with disabilities, and their families in achieving their desired quality of life by creating opportunities through comprehensive services for over 65 years.

The Arc Erie County is currently seeking Teacher Assistant’s for its Preschool Education program located in Tonawanda, NY. Why Achieve with The Arc Erie County? Becoming a Teacher Assistant for us means:

• Working with students with developmental disabilities individually and in small groups to carry out activities that fulfill stated objectives as outlined on Individualized Education Plans (IEPs)
• Attending meetings, including multi-disciplinary staff meetings and in-service training meetings
• Maintaining regular communication with classroom teacher regarding progress and needs of each student
• Assisting in documenting students’ progress toward goals and objectives

We currently have Full Time positions (Monday-Friday 7:45am or 8:15am – 2:45pm) available. No weekends, no nights, and no holidays! Teacher Assistant positions begin at $17.00 per hour!
Along with a great Benefits (medical, dental & vision insurance) package, we offer generous PTO, on-demand pay!, 10 paid holidays as well as a positive and diverse work environment with on-the-job training and room for advancement!
Teacher Assistant experience & high school diploma or GED equivalent preferred.

Full Job Description is listed below:
Job Title: Teacher Assistant
Department: Education Program
Job Grade: 1
Job Code: 121

Position Summary:
Assists classroom teacher in implementing an individualized educational program for each student during the school day; does related work as required.

Reporting Relationship:
Directly responsible to the Assistant Principal and classroom teacher(s). Reports directly to the respective therapist when implementing classroom therapy goals.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Work with students individually and in small groups in order to carry out activities that fulfill stated objectives as outlined on Individualized Education Plans (IEPs).
2. Assistant classroom teacher in large group activities by working with the teacher and providing special help to students most in need of individual attention.
3. Maintain regular communication with classroom teacher regarding progress and needs of each student.
4. Attend meetings, including multi-disciplinary staff meetings and in-service training meetings.
5. Assist in the supervision of students.
6. Contribute to the evaluation of individual students in terms of behavioral objectives, cognitive and social/ emotional level of pupils employing a variety of assigned data collection methods.
7. Assist school age students during swim programs both in and out of the water.
8. Demonstrate continued growth in skill and knowledge acquisition as evidenced by interaction(s) with students and staff.
9. Per teacher’s instruction, assists in documenting students’ progress toward goals and objectives.
10. Perform other related duties as required by supervisor.

Qualifications and Education Requirements:
High School Diploma or GED required. Previous experience working with children with disabilities preferred.

Agency Principles:

• All staff members will assure and demonstrate the promotion of fundamental rights and protections for the people that we support. These include practices that treat people with dignity and respect at all times, ensure safety, best possible health/well-being and provide the person with continuity and personal security through the use of natural supports, positive relationships and opportunities for integration in the community. Staff members should also advocate and work toward assisting the people we support through person-centered planning to achieve the personal outcome goals that they have chosen by facilitating the plans and positive supports necessary to assist the person in progressing toward each outcome.
• Demonstrates the agency values of integrity, respect, responsibility, trust, teamwork, positive attitude, learning and honesty in working with students (persons), families, colleagues and members of our community.
• Good attendance is vital for the efficient and effective operation of quality programming and is an essential job function of this position.

Essential Job Functions:

• Physical demands and Exposure Risk outlined on attached form (A)

The ability to bend, stoop, squat, kneel, sit, reach, stand, walk, push, pull, climb flights of stairs, and lift/transfer up to 30 lbs. as needed. Ability to carry up to 30 lbs.; See, hear, listen, speak clear, have flexibility with upper and lower body, motor coordination; grip strength, eye-hand coordination, dexterity and color discrimination; physical agility/ability to react to life threatening emergency or to intervene in a crisis situation including using your body as in intervention (SCIP-R or other techniques) as prescribed, to assure safety of our students.

• Mental Requirements:

The ability to read, write, analyze, memorize, be perceptive/comprehensive, show good judgment, have good math skills, spatial aptitude, sequencing & decision-making skills, independent skills, planning & prioritizing and follow directions and understand and follow detailed written and oral instructions. The ability to maintain auditory and visual supervision of students.

• Human Relations Skills:

The ability to communicate with individuals in a positive manner, demonstrate the ability to be a leader/supervisor and serve as an appropriate role model to staff members. Work independently as well as cooperatively with others. Be approachable, enthusiastic, personable, work under pressure and meet job related deadlines accordingly. Receive supervision instruction in a positive manner. Adhere to and administer Agency’s policies, procedures, rules and regulations. Maintain a professional attitude and appearance at all times. Ability to handle information discretely understanding strict rules of confidentiality.

• Equipment Operation:

The ability to operate normal household appliances; ability to operate office equipment, such as, computer, copier, fax machine, etc.
Regular attendance is vital for the efficient and effective operation of quality programming and is an essential job function of this position.
This position is NON-EXEMPT from the overtime requirements of the Fair Labor Standard Act. It is a bona fide paraprofessional position.
The Arc Erie County New York retains the right to change this job description at any time.

The Arc Erie County New York is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and strong advocate of workforce diversity. Minority/Female/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Disability/Veteran.

Salary : $17