What are the responsibilities and job description for the Special Education Teaching Assistant, The Caroline School position at EasterSeals Greater Houston?
Since 2002, The Caroline School has been providing unique educational services to meet the physical, social and cognitive needs of individuals ages 0-21 with multiple disabilities, including those who have additional medical needs. As part of Easter Seals Greater Houston, we are able to not only provide educational support for our families but also therapy services, camps, play groups, respite and technology support.
Position Type: Full-time (8:30AM-5PM M-TH, 8:30AM-3:30PM Fri)
Key responsibilities:
Under the guidance of a Special Education Teacher, a teaching assistant provides as-needed instruction or learning support to students with diverse cognitive, physical, and social needs. They also help create a positive learning environment by attending to the following:
- Maintains agreed upon schedule, classroom equipment, work area, student files/records (e.g. adapting instructional materials, cleaning work area, taking attendance);
- Reviews and completes weekly goal tracking sheets and charts progress for appropriate curriculum for each student as advised by their Lead Teacher;
- Adapts and modifies lessons, curriculum and materials necessary for each student as instructed by their Lead Teacher;
- Uses assistive technology appropriately for each individual student based on their needs;
- Monitors for safety and assists students with daily living skills and medically necessary accommodations (i.e. tube feeding, tube venting, suctioning, toileting/diaper needs and feeding);
- Reports on students' education plans as advised and requested by TCS Teaching team;
- Reviews changes and works collaboratively to ensure student progress with all relevant team members;
- Attends all meetings and actively participates in trainings as specified by TCS Director;
- Maintains required professional development hours as specified by Childcare Licensing;
- Prepares and presents materials and work samples for review and discussion as requested;
- Communicates with parents daily about student's physical, social, and cognitive needs (i.e. pictures, emails, reflection folders, in-person conversations) in a positive and professional manner;
- Refrains from sensitive or lengthy conversations with parents and refers all potential concerns to the supervising teacher and/or TCS Director;
- Attends meetings with parents/guardians as needed, and at a minimum of two times per school year;
- Refrains from engaging in discriminatory practices based on the student's disability, race, sex, cultural background or religion;
- Follows all confidentiality rules, forms and compliance standards;
- Abides by all TCS and Easter Seals policies as outlined in the Employee Handbook.
- Additional duties as assigned.
Essential Qualifications:
- High School Diploma or equivalent
- Experience supporting children of different ages and abilities, preferably 2 years;
- Ability to commit to a full-time schedule; hours may vary based on meetings, etc.;
- Comfort using or learning to use assistive devices (i.e. feeding tubes, communication devices, wheelchairs)
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in Special Education or a Child Development background
- Bilingual English/Spanish
