Job DetailsJob LocationYakima - Growing Hope - Yakima, WAPosition TypeFull TimeSalary Range$24.00 - $28.00 HourlyTravel PercentageNoneDescriptionAre you a dedicated early learning professional with a passion for supporting children with development disabilities? We are seeking a Classroom Behavior Specialist to join our compassionate team! If you have experience working with children facing challenges such as Autism, Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), ADHD, and other persistent behavioral issues, this is your chance to make a real difference. In this rewarding role, you will create a nurturing and inclusive classroom environment, develop personalized strategies, and empower children to thrive. Join us in shaping positive futures and helping every child reach their full potential!Wage - $24.00 - $28.00Schedule - Monday - Friday (40 hours)Benefits•Medical/Dental•FSA•403(b) Retirement•Additional Voluntary Benefits•Paid Holidays•Vacation/Sick Leave•Education Assistance Program•Employee Assistance Program•Longevity awardsPosition Summary:A Positive Behavior Framework is used to develop tailored services and treatment plans to meet individual children and families' needs. The Classroom Behavior Specialist will work collaboratively with teachers, parents, and other professionals to implement individualized behavior and safety plans that promote positive social-emotional development and academic success. Providing targeted interventions, personalized support, and developmentally appropriate positive guidance, the Specialist helps create inclusive learning environments where all children can thrive and reach their full potential. This position directly contributes to the overall quality of the early learning program and the well-being of children, families, and staff members. In addition to addressing challenging behaviors, the Specialist will also provide support in other areas of child development, such as social skills, communication, self-regulation, and sensory integration. This holistic approach to supporting the children in care ensures that each child receives comprehensive, individualized care and services that meet their unique needs and promote overall growth and development. This position will provide Applied Behavior Analysis trained services to children with persistent challenging behaviors, trauma, ADHD, Sensory Processing Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), in classroom settings serving children ages 0-5 and their families. The Classroom Behavior Specialist will work under the direction of Program Manager and in collaboration with allied service providers in implementing behavior plans, safety plans, and positive guidance technics such at time ins and related consequences.Responsibilities:Implement best practices using a Positive Behavior Support framework to address disruptive behavior and embed early, intensive behavioral intervention in developmentally appropriate context under the direction of the Program Manager
- Work one-on-one to implement behavior and safety plans in the classroom setting specific to each child's individualized plan.
- Assist Program Manager to establish and maintain an environment for children and families which is safe and nurturing; that promotes the physical, social, emotional and cognitive development of young children with developmental delay, ASD, SPD, ODD, ADHD, and persistent challenging behaviors.
- Assist in creating a positive environment in the classrooms including modeling appropriate behavioral interventions, reinforcing positive behaviors and facilitating social interactions between children.
- Work with children with ASD,ODD, ADHD, SPD, and persistent challenging behaviors in the classroom environment using ABA, and other developmentally appropriate techniques including Verbal Behavior therapy, behavior modification, individual skill acquisition, early intervention, and other designated treatment approaches.
- Participate in program implementation activities, including lesson plans, and preparing appropriate activities (art, snack, etc). Assist with cleanliness and safety of the classroom setting and outdoor play areas.
- Responsible for collecting and recording data on all current targets and goals of the child and their family members.
- Document progress in the behavior plan notes and enter into the child's file, TSGold observation tool, and/or ELMS database by policy following each session prior to the end of the day.
- Responsible for leading therapeutic activities under the supervision/direction of the Program Manager.
Follow all policies and procedures for the ECEAP, Early ECEAP and childcare program and assist Program Manager with the implementation of consistent procedures.
- Observe confidentiality and HIPAA standards in all activities related to the child and families.
- Report suspected incidents of child abuse or neglect to the Program Manager and follow mandated reporting protocols.
- Follow all protocols set up for the Early Learning program and child interventions.
Under the direction of the Program Manager, support the child in building self-regulation and appropriate social skills.
- Provide services in the classroom-based setting as requested to successfully transition child out of the classroom program or assist in generalization of skills.
Participate in team planning with the Program Manager as required to ensure implementation of the behavior/safety plans and best practice.
- Participate in team discussion regarding current clients' program implementation and transitions.
- Participate in staff meetings, behavior plan meetings training, parent meetings, in-service days, etc. as required.
- Attend team discussion regarding child's program implementation and transitions.
Contribute to a positive team environment by treating children, families, and team members with respect and providing feedback in a positive manner. Perform other duties as assigned QualificationsJob Requirements:The following requirements are those that are normally required for performance of this position. Any disabled applicant or incumbent who does not meet one or more of the requirements, but who can perform the essential function of the job (with or without reasonable accommodations) shall be deemed to meet these requirements.Physical Requirements:This position normally requires the physical demands of standing, walking, bending, or performing other work requiring low physical exertion, talking and hearing and adequate vision on a regular basis to perform job requirements. These physical demands are required up to 80% of the time. In addition, approximately 20% of the time may include physically assisting a child exhibiting behavior problems to ensure the safety of other children and staff. There may be times that sitting on the floor or in small chairs will be required. This position frequently experiences a noisy or loud environment including children laughing, shouting, and crying. Non-physical Requirements:Education
- AA/AS in Early Childhood Education, Special Education, Social Work, Psychology or a related field, preferred with appropriate work experience can substitute degree
- BA in Early Childhood Education, Special Education, Social Work, Psychology, or related field preferred.
Experience
- 2 years' experience working with preschool children with behavioral and developmental concerns, required
- Preferred experience working with preschool children and/or children with developmental disabilities including but not limited to Autism Spectrum Disorder, SPD, ODD, ADHD, and persistent challenging behaviors.
Special Skills
- Bilingual/Bicultural (Spanish / English) preferred
- Possess strong classroom and behavioral management skills with children with ASD, SPD, ODD, ADHD, and persistent challenging behaviors
- Experience working with children with disabilities and trauma
- Ability to work successfully in a multi-disciplinary team
- Computer and word processing competence
- Required 40 hour training in working with children with ASD
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
Licensure, Registration, Certification
- Valid Washington driver's license and minimum required liability insurance
Employment is conditional upon:
- Clearance if criminal background check and finger printing check when required
- Completion of Child Abuse & Neglect and Marty Smith trainings
- Completion of training in Blood borne pathogens
- First Aid/CPR certification
- Completion of a TB test with negative test results