Job Type Full-timeDescriptionAbilities First, Inc., has been making a difference in the lives of people with developmental disabilities for almost sixty years. We offer a wide variety of services including school and preschool programs, day habilitation, residential habilitation, community habilitation, and employment services. Abilities First recognizes the value of diverse experiences, identities, and backgrounds to and does not discriminate in hiring. We are inclusive, welcoming and supportive of people of varying abilities, races, ethnicities, religions, socio-economic status, gender and gender identities. Abilities First is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Abilities First is seeking Teacher Aides in our Pre-School Program located in Wappingers Falls, NY. This position attends to the educational, physical, social and emotional needs of the students while assisting the Classroom Teacher and Teacher Assistant in the implementation of students' IEP goals. Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 3:00pm; 32.5 hours per week, 48 weeks per year. This position follows the school calendar (September - June), with a 6-week summer program. Salary Range: $16.58 - $17.85Responsibilities include:
- Attend to the educational, physical, social, emotional needs of the students, while assisting the Teacher in carrying out classroom activities.
- Follow classroom schedule ensuring that individual student goals are implemented and appropriate data is collected to ensure those goals.
- Instruct individual students as defined by Special Education/Supervisor on Individual Education Program goals.
- Assist students using classroom education computer programs.
- Record and report individual student progress, assisting the teacher in maintaining children's portfolios.
- Assist in the development of teacher made materials.
- Assist in the organization and arrangement of the classroom in order to provide a conducive learning environment.
- Perform general housekeeping skills.
- Escort and assist students to and from school buses providing opportunities for increased independence in orientation and mobility.
- Provide an adequate and safe level of supervision to students and where a question rises to the level of adequacy seeks guidance from immediate supervisor and/or Program Director.
- Assist in classroom according to staffing patterns and children's needs i.e.: all stages of toileting, conducting small group and individual activities, giving snack and lunch, providing playground supervision, etc.
- Attend professional/general staff meetings and in-service training in agency, district, and community, and share knowledge with other teaching staff. (Minimum of 30 hours every 2 years).
- Attend trainings and participate in webinars for the designated curriculum for UPK and implement into all aspects of the classroom.
- Ensure that employees follow the Code of Ethical and Legal Behavior and conform to the strictest standards of Corporate Compliance and HIPAA, as well as all federal, state, local and municipal laws and regulations.
- Will incorporate core concepts of CQL philosophy into day-to-day operation and support methods.
- Supports agency vision and mission.
- Follow all agency policy and procedures and demonstrates continuous regard to personal safety and safety to others.
- Perform other appropriate job-related activities as required by immediate supervisor, program director, or as circumstances warrant.
This is a full-time position eligible for these benefits:
- Vacation, sick, personal, and holiday time off (or paid time off on the school calendar)
- Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance options
- 401(k) plan with employer match
- Employer paid life insurance
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Increased earning potential with online training through College of Direct Support
- On Demand Payment - access your earnings as early as the next day
- Discounts with Verizon, AT&T, Royal Carting, etc.
- And More!
Requirements
- High School Diploma or equivalent.
- Experience within early childhood and special education preferred.
- Have the ability to push and pull students in wheelchairs, lift, bend, squat, turn in the knees, pivot and grasp with both hands (in order to properly and safely perform the techniques taught in CPR/First Aid, behavior intervention techniques, and lifting and carrying techniques), with or without a reasonable accommodation.