Job Description

Job Title: Classroom Aide
Department: Children's Preschool Program
Pay Group:
Reports To: Director of Children's Services


SUMMARY
The primary function of the classroom aide is to support the Director in the implementation of the curriculum and assist the therapist(s) in implementing any therapeutic exercises within the classroom as directed. The classroom aide shares responsibility in developing, assessing, implementing, modifying, and reviewing the individual educational goals of each child. The Classroom Aide reports to the Director of Children's Services.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
1. Demonstrates competence in and understanding of classroom routine and learning activities by:
a) Initiating teaching and transition to activities rather than only responding to teacher directives;
b) Redirecting children from non-functional or off-task behavior to functional learning activities, using the language and systems modeled by the lead teacher;
c) Initiating in the preparation of each class by arranging the environment and preparing materials;
d) Initiating clean-up tasks at the end of each day.

2. Performs competently, in the absence of the Director, when necessary, demonstrating knowledge of children's target skills and ability to conduct scheduled or similar activities.

3. Initiates the implementation of each child’s daily therapeutic exercises and activities as dictated by the physical, occupational and/or speech therapist. Performs this activity consistently, in the frequency and manner as outlined by the therapist.

4. Speaks to children respectfully at all times; speaks to children at a normal voice volume and, as much as possible, at the child’s eye level.

5. Demonstrates competence in and understanding of behavior management strategies used in the classroom. Performs these strategies consistently and in the manner outlined by the Director of Children’s Preschool Program.

6. Attends all scheduled team meetings and training activities.

7. Initiates and participates in discussions regarding the child’s skill development and offers suggestions for modifications when necessary.

8. Develops and demonstrates positive communication strategies with parents and families for the purpose of enhancing cooperation between home, agency and other community sources.

9. Demonstrates responsible work behavior and respect for colleagues and children by having consistent work attendance; requests for days off are made well advance.

10. Completes all assigned responsibilities and projects in the assigned time frames as appointed by the Lead Classroom Aide and/or the Director.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES N/A

QUALIFICATIONS 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.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
High School diploma or GED equivalent. Experience working with people with disabilities. Employees must not possess a criminal record.

LANGUAGE SKILLS
Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization. Bilingual preferred.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
Ability to apply basic math skills as they relate to the job.

REASONING ABILITY
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed written or oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
Current Driver's License and proof of auto liability insurance must be current in personnel file. Copy of TB test results.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS Must have good health in order to maintain an acceptable attendance record as established by the agency. 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.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move more depending on child and equipment weight. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK 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. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.