PT Special Education Teacher Aide

**PT SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER AIDE ~ CENTRAL COVE PRESCHOOL**

(Up to 19.5 HOURS PER WEEK, VOUCHER POSITION, NO BENEFITS)

APPLICANTS MUST BE 18 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER

• Job Summary: What is the job of a preschool special education aide at Central Cove?**

At Central Cove, we value play as the work of children and believe that children **learn to interact** with the world and others most effectively through **purposeful play**. We provide a **positive, caring, safe, engaging, inclusive** environment in which all children can learn and grow while playing and interacting with others.

Working **under the supervision** of a Preschool Special Education teacher, preschool special education aides **carry out a variety of activities** designed to help children gain access to and function in the preschool educational activities and peer interactions. Preschool special education aides often work one-on-one to assist preschool children who have some of the most significant challenges and delays. They also play an instrumental role in **supervising** children on the playground and in other activities, getting them ready for **toileting/diapering**, and **serving** snacks. These are all important components of the preschool routine, which, if carried out appropriately, help **young children gain confidence** in themselves and in their environment.

Without preschool special education aides available to **carry out key tasks**, preschool teachers might struggle to develop or execute lesson plans. This position is also important in that it provides young kids with yet another **strong role model**, as well as a great source of **emotional support**.

A preschool teaching assistant must have tremendous **love** and **patience** for children. Qualifications needed to teach them effectively include **attention to task and detail**, ability to follow a lesson plan **consistently but flexibly**, understanding of and patience for **developmental expectations** of young children, as well as the **ability to engage** children and build trust with them and their families.

Our goal is to support the **whole child** and contribute to **healthy mental and emotional development** so all our students will be prepared for **productive, engaged learning** in kindergarten classrooms and **meaningful, healthy interaction** with their families and peers.

• Job Responsibilities: What does a preschool special education aide at Central Cove do?**
• Maintaining a safe and supportive environment for young children
• Helping children use the bathroom or, when necessary, changing diapers
• Handling basic needs such as handwashing, mobility, communication
• Preparing children for and supervising them during gym time, outside play, and other activities
• Assist with student behavior
• Preparing and serving healthy snacks
• Supporting preschool teachers with preferred classroom management and discipline strategies
• Encourage children to interact with each other and resolve occasional arguments
• Collaborate with other educators
• Maintain a clean and tidy classroom consistent with health and safety standards
• Maintains confidentiality when dealing with students, parents, and staff
• Other duties as assigned
• District Expectations: What skills are needed to be successful as a preschool special education aide at Central Cove?**
• Effective collaboration and interpersonal skills
• Self-motivation and initiative in completing assigned tasks
• Attention to detail, flexibility, and problem-solving
• Patience and compassion with students, families, and colleagues
• Optimism and positivity
• Commitment to learning
• Excellent understanding of the principles of child development and preschool educational methods
• Familiarity with safety and sanitation guidelines for classrooms
• Excellent communication (written and oral) and instructional skills
• Ability to act as mediator between children
• Cool-tempered, friendly and reliab e
• Balance between a creative and practical mind
• Requirements: What experience and qualifications will make me eligible to be a preschool special education aide at Central Cove?**
• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Ability to lift at least 45 pounds
• Ability to engage with small children both on and off the floor
• High School Diploma or equivalent required
• Associate Degree or 48 semester hours of college credit earned or must have passed the Para-Pro Test (or be willing to take and pass the Para-Pro Test immediately upon hire)
• Certification in child CPR preferred
• Successful experience working with children at risk