Description

Abilities 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. 

Full Time, Teacher Assistant position available in our Pre-School Program located in Wappingers Falls, NY. This is an opportunity to work with an interdisciplinary team focusing on the educational programming for all children at every level of ability. Teacher Assistants will attend to the daily needs of the children, assist the teacher in carrying out classroom activities, and cover the classroom in the absence of the teacher. Experience within early childhood & special education, and NYS Teacher Assistant Certification required for Teacher Assistant level position.

Positions are 48 weeks per year, School Calendar. Hours are Monday-Friday, 8:00 am to 3:00 pm; 32.5 hours per week.

Salary Range: $17.18 - $18.18

 Position Standards 

• Assumes responsibility of the classroom in the absence of the Classroom Teacher.
• Follows classroom schedule ensuring that individual student therapies and IEP goals are implemented and appropriate data is collected to ensure those goals.
• Assists students using classroom educational computer programs.
• Assists the Classroom Teacher and Teacher Aides in the preparation and development of teacher made materials.
• Assists in the organization and arrangement of the classroom in order to provide a conducive learning environment to meet each student’s individual needs.
• Assists in general housekeeping skills.
• Escorts and assists students to and from school buses providing opportunities for increased independence in orientation and mobility.
• Provides 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.
• Assists 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.
• Attends professional/general staff meetings and in-service training in agency, district, and community, and shares knowledge with other teaching staff. (Minimum of 30 hours every 2 years). 
• Attends trainings and participate in webinars for the designated curriculum for UPK and implement into all aspects of the classroom.
• Ensures 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.
• Incorporates core concepts of CQL philosophy into day-to-day operation and support methods.
• Supports agency vision and mission.
• Follows all agency policy and procedures and demonstrates continuous regard to personal safety and safety to others. 
• Performs other appropriate job-related activities as required by immediate supervisor, program director, or as circumstances warrant.

This is a full time, benefits eligible position. Benefits include On-demand payment: - access your earnings as you earn them, as early as the next day without waiting for your next paycheck! Paid holidays, paid sick time, paid snow days and delays, medical, dental, vision, 401-k.

Earn more with the College of Direct Support - online classes paid for by the agency; available 3 semesters per year with a salary increase upon each completed semester. 

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• NYS Teacher Assistant Certification.
• Experience working with children and/or people with disabilities a plus!