Instructional Assistant, Special Ed

We are seeking reliable, nurturing, career-minded staff for our Early Learning Centers. Serving children from birth to 5 years old, our infant and preschool programs provide high quality child care and holistic support for low income families, and work to ensure that all our kids are prepared for a lifetime of learning with the tools and support they need to thrive.

POSITION SUMMARY:

These general functions will be carried out in keeping with the Goals, Mission and Policies of the YMCA of the East Bay. Instructional assistants are responsible for assisting the Inclusion Specialist/Teacher in providing high quality care and education that meets the needs of children with Individualized Education Plans and implementing services that are aligned with Head Start Performance Standards, rules and regulations determined by the California Department of Education Early Learning and Support and Special Education Divisions, the Child and Adult Care Food Program, and Community Care Licensing. Instructional Assistants facilitate developmentally appropriate classroom/outdoor activities and environments with appropriate adaptations for children with special needs.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1.      Assist in creation and maintenance of stimulating, organized, and inviting learning environments in the classroom and outdoor play areas that are reflective of children’s individual needs.

2.      Develop relationships with families that foster effective partnerships and promote each child’s optimum growth and development.

3.      Assist in development and implementation of written curriculum goals in accordance with the Creative Curriculum, Project-Based Curriculum, The Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework, and California Department of Education Foundations and Frameworks.

4.      Assist in the planning and facilitation activities that meet curriculum and/or IEP goals for individuals and groups of children, while providing direction, guidance, and visual supervision.

5.      Interact with children using intentional and responsive verbal and non-verbal strategies.

6.      Assist with observation, data collection, and reporting of child progress into online systems.

7.      Have knowledge of and carry out all Health and Safety requirements according to Community Care Licensing, Head Start Performance Standards, and California Department of Education regulations.

8.      Adhere to treatment/intervention plans and medication administration for children with special health needs.

9.      Monitor classroom materials and equipment daily to ensure safety, performing and/or requesting maintenance as required.

10.   Instruct and guide children in the proper and safe use of facilities, materials, and equipment.

11.   Instruct and monitor children in proper health and hygiene skills, including toileting, hand washing, and tooth-brushing.  Diaper children, as needed.

12.   Visually supervise and monitor children at all times.

13.   Participate in meetings, classes, and trainings for professional growth.

14.   Maintain updated and organized files on all children and ensure that all required documentation is completed within set deadlines.

15.   Perform other duties as assigned.

MEASURE OF EFFECTIVENESS

This position has a primary impact on the operations of the ECI Program. Therefore, the effectiveness of the fulfillment of this position should be measured by:

1.             The knowledge and implementation of relevant/required program procedures.

2.             The sound administration of systems and records that are up-to-date and accurate.

3.             A healthy and safe workplace and school environment.

4.             Positive outcomes for children and families that are aligned with program goals.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

·         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 sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and talk or hear. The employee is often required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

·         The employee must lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.

·         Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

·         The employee is required to work outdoors daily.

·         Mobility to quickly respond to emergencies

QUALIFICATIONS:

· AA degree or equivalent coursework, Bachelor’s degree preferred

· Child Development permit at the Associate Teacher level or above

· Successful completion of 12 or more semester units in Early Childhood Education

· Must be able to communicate in English with proficiency, bilingual or multi-lingual preferred 

· 2 years of experience as a classroom teacher in Early Childhood Programs or instructional assistant in special education/early intervention programs, prefer experience in state subsidized or Early/Head Start setting

· Experience working with children and families of diverse cultural backgrounds

· Ability to work under pressure in a high stress environment

· Pre-employment physical examination, immunizations and TB clearance

· Current certificates for Pediatric First Aid and CPR, including a total of 16 hours of preventative health and safety training, or completion of this training within 90 work days of hire

· LiveScan fingerprint and criminal record clearance

· Good verbal and written communication skills

· Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook and other computer programs