Lower School Special Education Teaching Partner

Paul Cuffee School, a K-12 public charter school of choice, educates a diverse community of students from the City of Providence, Rhode Island. We respect each individual and the world we share. This quality of our community is central to our mission. In the spirit of Paul Cuffees life, we teach students to value and practice personal initiative, perseverance, and social responsibility. Our School accomplishes these goals through a rigorous academic program which, enriched with maritime experiences, fosters discovery and critical thinking. We prepare students for higher education, lifelong learning, and active citizenship. To learn more about our school, please visitus atwww.paulcuffee.org

Reports to: Lower School Principal & Director of Special Education

Hours: 1.0 FTE (37.5 hrs/week), Non-Exempt

Position Overview: Under the supervision and direction of certified staff, the Special Education Teaching Partner provides individualized support in alignment with the students Individualized Education Program (IEP), 504 Plan, behavior plan, or other documented needs. The role includes academic, behavioral, social-emotional, and/or physical support to help the student(s) access curriculum, participate in school routines, and meet identified goals. This position works collaboratively with teachers, related service providers, and families to promote student growth and independence.

Responsibilities/duties include, but are not limited to:

• Support and supervise the arrival, dismissal, lunch, and recess of the student(s) as assigned by the building principal.
• Organizes materials for each /student; set up learning stations and activity centers. Supervises student(s) while working; assists student(s) having difficulty.
• Support the student(s) in gaining academic and functional skills under the supervision of the classroom/program teacher(s).
• Works directly with the student(s) individually or in small groups to reinforce subjects initially introduced by the teacher.
• Support in collecting data to monitor student growth and skill development.
• Support in de-escalation of student(s) during a crisis situation.
• Participate in district-offered professional development opportunities.
• Follow and implement Behavior Intervention Plans and Health Care Plans when applicable.
• Reinforces rules of the school and learning environment; acknowledges and encourages appropriate behavior, and distinguishes inappropriate behavior for the student's understanding.
• Assists teachers in supervising learning activities, circulating within the classroom, and providing student assistance and learning support (as needed).
• Maintains Safety Cares certification.
• Completes Medicaid logs as directed for individual student(s).
• Perform other duties as assigned by the principal or designee.

Ability to:

• Maintain confidentiality.
• Work with children in a sensitive and effective manner.
• Analyze, communicate, and use interpersonal skills.
• Readily learn assigned duties and adhere to classroom/student procedures.
• Maintain accurate and complete records and files required by law, district policy, and procedures.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ensure student health and safety by following established health and safety practices and procedures.
• Operate office/school equipment.
• Work as a collegial partner with other professionals.
• Consistently follow established procedures and protocols.
• Implement Safety Care techniques after appropriate training, when required.
• Implement behavior management techniques after appropriate training, when required.
• Take initiative and be proactive.
• Understand specific disabilities of the student(s) with whom the employee will be working.
• Exhibits interpersonal skills with students and adults to help create and maintain a positive learning environment.

Qualifications:

• Associates or Bachelors degree in an education-related field OR Completion of a Teacher Assistant Pre-Employment Program approved by the RI Department of Education and a passing score on the ParaPro Assessment
• Ability to work as part of an educational team while supporting the individual needs of the student as identified in the students Individual Education Plan (IEP)
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Willingness to attend training for CPR/First Aid and crisis intervention
• Experience working with students with disabilities preferred