Teaching Assistant - Preschool & Academy; Pool​/Substitute

Teaching Assistant – Preschool & Academy /p

This position is a shared position that will assist at both our Little Rock Developmental Preschool and Academy K-12. Both located within walking distance on the same lot.

Summary: The Teaching Assistant (TA)/Paraprofessional is responsible for a variety of duties related to providing instruction and support to individuals who have physical, developmental and/or intellectual disabilities under the supervision of a teacher. This position will implement the individual treatment and behavior plans of the individuals utilizing selected curriculum, will model appropriate behavior and interactions with individuals and staff, and will assist individuals by providing for special health care and personal care needs.

• Ensures that the staff to individual ratio is maintained and the location of individuals served is known at all times.
• Assists Teacher with the assessment of the individual’s progress and/or implementing treatment plan objectives.
• Adapts classroom activities, assignments and/or materials under the direction of the teacher for the purpose of supporting and reinforcing both classroom and each individual’s goals and objectives.
• Implements under the supervision of the teacher, a curriculum or curricula that includes instructional programs, lesson plans, and activities for the purpose of addressing each individual’s goals and objectives as identified in their individual treatment plans.
• Assists the Teacher with implementing individual behavior plans using a variety of methodologies and best practices based on the needs of the individual.
• Provides instruction in the most appropriate learning environment whether individually, or in small groups or large groups.
• Ensures that all individuals remain actively engaged in meaningful activities according to their functional level.
• Records accurate and detailed documentation within required time frames regarding each individual’s progress in meeting goals and objectives, personal care, behavior reports, and health and safety as required by the program. Additional documentation may be required when necessary.
• Provides and assists individuals by providing special health care and personal care needs.
• Maintains an organized and clean classroom that supports a safe and accessible learning environment and meets all mandated requirements.
• Monitors individual’s daily schedule and behavior plan (e.g. classroom schedule, toileting, medication, appetite, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining a safe and positive learning environment.
• Follow incident reporting procedures including documentation and submitting report to the Teacher or a Director.
• Ensures that each individuals’ rights are protected.
• Uses person first language and treat individuals with dignity and respect.

None.

While performing the duties of this job, employee will comply with all federal, state and local laws and regulations pertaining to Easterseals Arkansas. Employee has access to all individual protected health information of the individuals directly served by this person, except psychotherapy notes. Employee will not attempt to access any other protected health information unless otherwise approved by Supervisor or Privacy Officer.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Minimum High School diploma or General Education Degree (GED).

• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Good organizational skills.
• Good written and verbal communication.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and collaboratively with individuals receiving services with diverse ability levels and employees with diverse experience and knowledge levels.
• Ability to be self-directed, creative and to take initiative.
• Demonstrated commitment to the values of diversity, equity, and inclusiveness.