Preschool 2024-2025 Special Education Teaching Assistant (SY 24-25)

Needham Public Schools is an inclusive, dynamic, and multicultural community seeking an energetic and skilled Special Education Teaching Assistant to join our team for the 2024-2025 school year. To enhance our goals of supporting every child, Needham Public Schools seeks candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Job Description:
Under the direct supervision of the Special Education Teacher, Classroom Teacher, and Special Education Coordinator/Director, the Teaching Assistant will work closely with students in the classroom to meet instructional and social-emotional goals and objectives as well as to maintain appropriate student behavior. Depending on grade level and need of students, Teaching Assistants may be responsible for the following:
Assist students with special education needs in all aspects of the classroom instruction to maximize inclusion, learning, and achievement of IEP objectives
Works with students individually and in small groups to reinforce basic academic skills and implement assigned lessons and programs, which may include the use of augmentative technology
Support students using strategies such as positive reinforcement, visual supports, cuing, de-escalation strategies, motor breaks, as well as data collection.
Assist with preparation of instructional materials and the learning environment
Assist with classroom behavior management to minimize disruptions, ensure a safe and orderly classroom, and ensure students are on task
Assist students in non-instructional areas, such as supervising lunch, recess, arrival or dismissal duty
Assist with student self-care, which may include hand-washing, toileting, mealtime and dressing routines
Any additional tasks assigned by the Special Education Coordinator/Director, Principal, or Assistant Principal
The duties listed above are intended as an illustration of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
Ability to carry out verbal and written instructions
Knowledge of academic and social skills unique to the developmental age of the students
Ability to make decisions in the moment to ensure the safety of all students
Ability to establish a supportive and compassionate relationship with students with special needs
Ability to work collaboratively with multiple team members
Ability to maintain confidential information regarding students and families
Effective written and verbal communication skills
Qualifications:
Pursuit of a Bachelor's degree in a related field or at least 2 years experience in a similar role
Passion for working with children/students with disabilities
Working Hours:
This is a 0.8 FTE position with the following working hours:
8am-330pm, Monday-Thursday

Job Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Duties are normally performed in a school/classroom environment. Duties may be occasionally performed on field trips away from school. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Physical Requirements:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Regularly required to sit (including sitting on the floor or other hard surface), stand, walk, kneel, talk, hear, operate a computer, handheld learning devices and other office equipment, reach with hands and arms, work indoors or outdoors, and must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Occasionally may need to assist students with standing, sitting, organizational functions or other related general physical tasks.

Compensation and Benefits:
Please review the Unit C Contract https://www.needham.k12.ma.us/departments/human_resources/contracts