Student Support Assistant: Dallas, TX

Minimum Qualifications

Age 18 with high school diploma or GED Four or more years of professional experience as an aide, assistant, paraprofessional, or lead teacher of children ages 3-5 Experience implementing strategies from student individualized education plans (IEPs) or other student support and behavior plans Ability to pass background checks, tuberculosis screenings, and trainings required by the state of Texas to supervise children independently Skill in collaborating with families, the community, school staff, school leadership, and others to build trusting relationships and partnerships Ability to independently supervise, communicate effectively with, and care for young children safely, including ability to lift a minimum of 40 lbs Ability to consistently attend work as scheduled to ensure proper staff-to-child classroom ratios

Preferred Qualifications

Two or more years of special education experience from infancy through third grade Associate’s degree in early childhood education or two years of post-secondary coursework in early childhood education Two or more years prior work experience with children and families in low-income communities in the US OR significant personal experience in low-income communities in the US (grew up and/or attended school in) Knowledge of Montessori pedagogy, principles and overall approach Knowledge of the local community

Responsibilities

Support classroom teachers with the individualized learning, behavioral, and developmental needs of various students at the school Help implement strategies in alignment with formal student support and/or behavior plans with Lead Teachers and Assistant Teachers maintaining primary implementation responsibilities Assist teachers in preparing instructional materials, maintaining an orderly classroom environment, and reinforcing consistent routines Provide support for children with diverse learning needs, including short-term or occasional support in small group settings when helpful for classroom participation, emotional regulation, or routines Actively supervise students in and out of the classroom and attend to students' academic and emotional needs consistent with Bezos Academy policies and licensing requirements Assist in supporting children’s toileting routines and in the transition of children from one area of the school to another in accordance with organizational policy and licensing standards Support positive social-emotional skill development by modeling and reinforcing communication, self-regulation, and problem-solving skills Monitor students' progress and collaborate with the teaching and student support teams to adjust classroom support strategies, as needed Support families to help them understand their child’s needs and equip them with the tools necessary to support their child’s progress with a strengths-based approach Maintain documentation and ensure compliance with local and federal legislation, regulations, and guidelines and with Bezos Academy policies within the scope of this role Support facilitation of child study and multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) meetings Participate in team meetings, staff development, and other activities as directed by the Head of School As needed, independently supervise children throughout the day in classrooms and a variety of other situations, including but not limited to arrival/departure, transitions, outside time, rest/nap time, and (if offered) extended hours Assume postures at low levels (e.g., kneeling, stooping, bending, and sitting on the floor) as needed to communicate effectively with children Bezos Academy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status. Bezos Academy participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with employee Form I-9 Information to confirm authorization to work in the U.S. Bezos Academy only uses E-Verify once a candidate has accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9. If E-Verify cannot confirm that an employee is authorized to work, Bezos Academy will give the employee written instructions and an opportunity to contact the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so the employee can begin to resolve the issue before any adverse employment action is taken. For more information about your right to work, please see the Notice of Right to Work. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you are in need of an accommodation to participate in the application process, please reach out to talent@bezosacademy.org. We will work with you to ensure you have a fair opportunity to apply for our open positions. If you are a current Bezos Academy employee, please use the internal job board to apply.