Teacher Aide - LaGrange School Program

Join Abilities First Inc. as a Teacher Aide for the LaGrange School Program in Poughkeepsie, NY.

About the Company

Abilities First Inc. has empowered individuals with developmental disabilities for over 60 years, offering services from early education to adulthood.

About the Role

Schedule:

Monday–Friday, 8:00 am–3:00 pm (32.5 hours per week, 48 weeks per year including a 6‑week summer program)

Pay: $16.88 – $18.88 per hour

Responsibilities

• Follow the classroom schedule ensuring that individual student’s goals are achieved.
• Assist in the classroom to conduct individual and group activities.
• Keep student’s workstations/areas organized.
• Assist in the construction of teacher‑developed materials.
• Attend and participate in staff meetings and job skill training.
• Attend therapy sessions with students to allow for appropriate carryover in the classroom.
• Assist in the organization and arrangement of the classroom to provide a conducive learning environment.
• Escort and assist students (via wheelchair, walker, etc.) to and from school buses while providing opportunities for students’ increased independence in mobility and orientation.
• Attend all specials with students (PE, art, music, etc.).
• Takes off and puts on outdoor clothing as necessary and provide opportunities for students’ increased independence in self‑dressing and undressing.
• Perform wheelchair/equipment transporting, transferring and lifting.
• Assist children with toileting using appropriate adaptive equipment as necessary (at least 3 times daily).
• Change clothing when wet or soiled.
• Change diapers and/or sanitary napkins as necessary.
• Set out lunches and adaptive feeding equipment and provide opportunities for students’ increased independence in meal preparation.
• Cut up or mash food as required and provide opportunities for students’ increased independence in meal preparation.
• Feed students following OT procedures and give opportunities for students’ increased independence in self‑feeding.
• Wash all feeding equipment and provide opportunities for students’ increased independence in washing dishes and utensils.
• Put on and remove ankle‑foot orthotics (AFOs), arm and hand splints, harnesses, neck braces, head pointers, etc.
• Lift, place, secure and remove students from prone boards.
• Set up computers, communication device systems, and related adaptive equipment.
• Adhere to agency Code of Legal and Ethical Behavior, performing responsibilities with honesty, integrity, fairness, good faith and respect for others and the law.
• Follow all agency policy and procedures, demonstrating continuous regard for personal safety and the safety of others.
• Perform other appropriate job‑related activities as requested by your supervisor or as circumstances warrant.

Perks & Benefits

• Time to Recharge – Personal, sick, and holidays built around the school calendar.
• Health & Wellness – Medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Plan for the Future – 401(k) with employer match and employer‑paid life insurance.
• Level Up Your Skills – Tuition reimbursement and online training through the College of Direct Support.
• Get Paid When You Need It – On Demand Pay gives you access to earnings as early as the next day.
• Exclusive Extras – Employee discounts with Verizon, AT&T, Royal Carting, and more.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Experience with in early childhood and special education (preferred).
• Have the ability to push and pull students in wheelchairs, lift, bend, squat, turn in the knees, pivot, and grasp with both hands to properly and safely perform CPR/First Aid, behavior intervention, and lifting techniques, with or without a reasonable accommodation.

A Note on Qualifications

At Abilities First, we recognize that talent and potential come in many forms. If this position inspires you but your experience does not align with every preferred qualification, we still encourage you to apply. You may be the right candidate for this role—or another opportunity within our organization.

Abilities First is an equal opportunity employer and is welcoming and supportive of people of varying abilities, races, ethnicities, religions, socio‑economic status, gender and gender identities.