Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) Assistant Teacher

About Abundant Life Family Services (ALFS) Abundant Life Family Services (ALFS) is a comprehensive behavioral health and early childhood organization serving children and families across Philadelphia and surrounding counties. Through our Early Intervention 3–5 Program, in partnership with Elwyn, we provide high-quality Early Childhood Special Education services within inclusive classroom environments. Our mission is to revive hope and transform families one child at a time through ethical, culturally responsive, and outcomes-driven care. ALFS is committed to clinical excellence, compliance, and collaborative multidisciplinary service delivery.

Position Summary

The Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) Assistant Teacher supports the Lead ECSE Teacher in implementing individualized instruction, classroom routines, and behavioral supports aligned with each child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP). This role provides structured instructional, behavioral, supervision, and classroom operational support to ensure students receive meaningful access to curriculum and therapeutic services within a safe and well-maintained learning environment.

Key Responsibilities

Instructional Support Assist the Lead ECSE Teacher in implementing daily lesson plans aligned with approved curriculum frameworks.

Provide small-group and one-to-one instructional support under the direction of the Lead Teacher.

Reinforce academic, communication, behavioral, and social goals identified in students’ IEPs.

Support differentiated instruction to meet varied developmental levels.

IEP & Behavioral Support Support implementation of IEP goals across instructional and non-instructional routines.

Assist in collecting academic and behavioral data as directed by the Lead Teacher.

Implement Positive Behavior Support Plans with fidelity.

Utilize approved de-escalation and crisis response strategies as trained.

Work collaboratively with ECSE Behavior Specialists to support the implementation of individualized behavior intervention plans, classroom behavior systems, and data-informed behavioral strategies.

Maintain consistency in behavior protocols to ensure alignment across instructional and therapeutic team members.

Participate in behavior consultation meetings as requested.

Classroom Supervision & Environment Maintain visual, auditory, or physical proximity to students to ensure safety and engagement.

Supervise students during transitions, meals, toileting routines, and outdoor activities.

Assist with preparing instructional materials and organizing classroom spaces.

Maintain a safe, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate classroom environment.

Classroom Maintenance & Safety Maintain classroom cleanliness and organization throughout the school day.

Clean, sanitize, and reset materials, tables, toys, and instructional areas after classroom sessions and activities in accordance with health and safety standards.

Support daily organization of supplies and learning centers to ensure readiness for instruction.

Assist with end-of-day classroom reset procedures.

Follow infection control, safety, and licensing guidelines to ensure a hygienic and compliant classroom environment.

Collaboration & Professionalism Collaborate effectively with the Lead ECSE Teacher, Behavior Specialists, and related service providers.

Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and professional development sessions.

Maintain professional communication with families as directed.

Compliance & Documentation Assist in maintaining accurate student records and classroom documentation.

Ensure compliance with Elwyn, Abundant Life Family Services, and Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) requirements.

Maintain up-to-date Relias training and complete assigned professional development requirements.

Adhere to all safety procedures, emergency protocols, and organizational policies.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) in Early Childhood Education, Special Education, Child Development, or related field required

Minimum 2–3 years of experience working as a Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) required Experience supporting children ages 3–5 with developmental delays and behavioral needs preferred

Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) certification preferred, but not required

Familiarity with IEP implementation, classroom data collection, and behavior support strategies strongly preferred

Willingness to complete CPR and approved crisis management/de-escalation training

Strong teamwork, communication, and organizational skills

Clearances: PA Child Abuse, Criminal History, FBI Fingerprints (required prior to start)

Benefits: Retirement & Healthcare 401(k) with employer contribution

Blue Cross Blue Shield Network medical coverage

Dental and vision coverage

Professional Growth Ongoing professional development opportunities

Advancement pathways within expanding ALFS ECSE programs

Work Environment & Physical Demands Frequent standing, walking, bending, lifting, and sitting on the floor

Ability to lift up to 35 pounds

Active engagement with young children in classroom and playground environments

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement Abundant Life Family Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, or any other protected status under applicable law.