Purpose of Position/Summary:

It's a Sensory World! is looking for a creative and passionate special education teaching assistant/paraprofessional for ISW Academy, our integrative and therapeutic educational program for neurodiverse individuals. If you have a heart to serve neurodiverse individuals and are looking for something DIFFERENT, come join our team!

General Responsibilities:

Teaching assistants/Paraprofessionals at ISW Academy are responsible for assisting classroom teachers or other professionals to achieve instructional objectives and help students achieve established goals and personal care and mobility.

Essential Tasks:

· Assist classroom teacher in performing specific duties as assigned or take on specialized tasks to achieve and enhance instructional objectives

· Work with individuals, small groups, or large groups as assigned

· Assist with sensory and emotional regulation and provide both daily living and social coaching

· Utilize assistive technology and adaptive equipment (if necessary)

· Assist students with personal care tasks, including but not limited to toileting, clothing, hygiene, diapering, and wash-up routines

· Monitor students during assigned periods within a variety of school settings (library, sensory gym, kitchen, playground)

· Provide programmed practice activities and repetitions as developed by the lead teacher or therapist

· Report student concerns directly to the lead teacher

· Assist with snack, lunch, quiet time, and break, including clean-up

· Assist with the maintenance of various records

· Perform other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

· Applicants must possess a general knowledge of the practices, methods, and techniques used in special education

· Utilize classroom equipment and instructional materials

· Knowledge and usage of Microsoft Word, Office, and PowerPoint

· Knowledge and usage of Google Drive, Docs, and Sheets

· Ability to establish meaningful relationships with students and their parents

· Ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with teachers and administrators

· Must have experience working with children with special needs and learning differences

· Must have a desire to work with children of all abilities

· Pass a criminal background check

Educational Requirements

· Must hold a minimum of a High School Diploma/GED

· Preferably working toward a bachelor’s degree in a related field (i.e., Education, Communication Disorders, Child Development)

· Experience with special populations, including those with Autism, Down Syndrome, and other developmental delays

· Complete all required training, including those related to the center’s childcare license and DIR/Floortime Accreditation, within the designated timeframe

Physical Requirements

Significant standing, walking, moving, climbing, carrying, bending, kneeling, crawling, reaching, handling, pushing, and pulling. Must be able to lift 60 lbs. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential tasks.