PRESCHOOL CLASSROOM TEACHER AIDE ~ CENTRAL COVE PRESCHOOL
: Job Details :

Preschool Special Education Classroom Teacher Aide

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 skill
• Ability to act as mediator between children
• Cool-tempered, friendly and reliable
• 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