Assistant Teacher - Therapeutic Preschool

We are looking for an Assistant Teacher for our therapeutic preschool providing services to children with disabilities. You will have a great team of teachers and administrative staff to work with and a wonderful group of children that will tug at your heart.

Ability KC brings together Children’s Therapeutic Learning Center and the Rehabilitation Institute of Kansas City, with long-standing reputations of successfully serving thousands of individuals with disabilities and their families through medical rehabilitation, a therapeutic preschool and employment services. Ability KC is founded upon 70 years of mission commitment by both agencies. As Ability KC, the journey ahead is changing the conversation from disabilities to abilities, celebrating the successes of those served and engaging all stakeholders (individuals, families, staff, referral providers and organizations, contributors, donors, partners and the community) through a strategic brand, development and engagement experience across multiple audiences.

Job Overview:

The assistant to the classroom teacher serves as supportive personnel, providing services as directed by the lead teacher/therapists. The position encompasses a range of work, from assisting with instruction to assisting with food service. The classroom assistant position is a critical one that allows for the efficient operation of the classroom and therapy sessions. The position encompasses a range of work, from assisting with instruction to assisting with food service and classroom/recess areas cleanliness and organization. Other duties as assigned.

Primary Tasks & Duties:

Classroom Activities

• Prepare the classroom for daily instruction.
• Provide a positive, pleasant learning environment for all children that are engaging and meets their individual needs. Work w/ children during meals/snacks, in learning and during circle time, implement behavior management plans as needed. Engage with children in activities while in the classroom. Assist with field trips, swimming, and other activities/programs. Provide assistance w/ loading/unloading of buses and bringing children to/from class and the waiting area.
• Responsible for ensuring the classroom and classroom equipment (toys, tables/chairs, etc) are clean, in good repair, and safe. At the end of the day: clean/sanitize and put away equipment/toys, wipe all tables chairs, pads, positioning equipment. etc: clean kitchen area and put equipment in proper place; tidy playground area. Generally, assist w/ maintaining the common areas as well as storage areas adjacent to classrooms.
• Uses C.A.S.E. / Name to Face Recognition
• Uses Conscious Discipline
• Attend to the toileting needs of all the children in the classroom where assigned. This includes, but is not limited to: supervise children using the toilet or sink; keep potty chairs empty and clean; assist in toilet training programs; take children to the bathroom on a schedule when necessary; keep changing area orderly; change diapers of those children who are not toilet trained.
• Ensure classroom activities and environment is consistent w/ childcare licensing regulations, accreditation standards and Head Start/Early Head Start standards.

Teamwork/Collaboration

• Willingly follows the direction of the lead teacher and therapists.
• Attend team meetings
• Assist with implementation of children’s individualized goals

Paperwork/Documentation/Reporting

• Assist with record keeping including attendance records, food record, and outcome data.
• Report observations regarding illness, injury, hygiene, clothing needs.
• Notify teachers/therapists of material shortages
• Report broken toys, equipment or any safety concerns.

General Activities

• Assist children with their lunch and with food service.
• Assist with supervision of children over staff lunch period.
• Assist with playground/recess supervision.
• Assist in loading and unloading the bus.
• Assume duties of absent staff as needed
• As assigned maintain a shared supply area, classroom dishes for meals, classroom laundry and other common functions as assigned.
• Attend staff meetings and serve on staff committees.
• Other duties as assigned.

Physical/Environmental/Other

• Ability to work in a variety of home and community settings including the ability to ascend/descent stairs
• Ability to work comfortably in a variety of positions including seated on the floor.
• Ability to lift at least 30 pounds with weight ranging up to 60 or more pounds based upon children enrolled in services.

Education:

• Child Development Associates (CDA) degree preferred.
• CDA certification must be obtained within 24 months of hire and maintain annual certification.
• High School Diploma or equivalent required.

Experience:

• Two years of working with young children required. Two years of working with young children with disabilities preferred.

Knowledge/Skills/Licensure/Certification:

Ability to communicate clearly and effectively through written and spoken language. Ability to work collaboratively with team members of other disciplines. Able to work in partnership with parents/caregivers and referring agencies. Able to apply new skills and information to existing practices. Able to manage time efficiently to encompass activities in and out of the office. Able to prioritize to meet deadlines. Able to complete required documentation within establish timeframes. Able to work with families from a variety of ethnic, cultural, linguistic social economics and religious backgrounds.

Ability KC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

Background and post offer drug screenings required.