Preschool Special Education Teaching Assistant

VIPS-Kids Town Preschool is looking for caring and creative classroom assistants to assist certified KY teachers in planning and implementing appropriate strategies for young children who are blind or visually impaired. As part of the VIPS (Vision Interventions & Parental Supports) organization, the classroom assistant works collaboratively with fellow team members to provide quality early intervention services to the young children in our community.

With flexible schedules and summers off, this is the PERFECT place for aspiring professionals. If you value the importance of early childhood education, and want to be a part of the rewarding world of special education, Kids Town Preschool is for you.

Essential Duties: Include, but are not limited to the following: Become knowledgeable of visual impairments and their impact on a child’s development and growth; Help promote the developmental milestones for children who are blind/low vision; Help adapt materials and environments for students who are blind/low vision; Help complete assessments as needed; Assist with the documentation of student progress; Assist teachers in working with families; Be a VIPS representative to parents, guests, teachers, therapists, student teachers, and volunteers; Assist in the daily preparation of materials and activities; Assist students in getting on/off school buses and walking to/from their classroom; Provide individual and small group instruction under the supervision of the Lead Teacher; Supervise students in play activities, under the supervision of the Lead Teacher; Assist with supervision of students during emergency drills, assemblies, play times, field trips, meal and snack times; Assist in encouraging development and independence in the students’ daily routines and activities; Assist children in personal hygiene routines (ie: toileting, diapering, feeding, wiping noses, etc.) while encouraging independence; Assist in maintaining a clean and safe classroom environment as per licensing and other regulated program procedures; Attend VIPS functions such as annual meetings, Family Retreat Weekend, Fund Raising events, etc. to gain knowledge and/or volunteer with the services offered; Attend professional development trainings, program-specific certifications, and any program training as specified by VIPS and licensing; Report to your Lead Teacher, Preschool Director or the Kentucky Education Lead, any suspicion of child abuse; Demonstrate a willingness to perform other duties as assigned Be a self-starter; Provide meaningful and age-appropriate interactions with students; Operate and care for equipment used at VIPS for instructional purposes.

• High School Diploma/Education equivalent
• Must be able to provide active supervision of young children ("within scope of vision, range of voice"). Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
• Must be able to perform care routines such as diapering, potty training, feeding assistance etc.

Knowledge of child development and experience working with young children with special needs preferred.