ECS4KIDS·Ocala, Florida
Provide individualized classroom support and behavioral guidance for children with special needs to ensure their participation in learning activities. Maintain a nurturing environment while adhering to safety, sanitation, and accreditation standards.
Provide individualized support to assigned children to help them participate in classroom activities. Use teaching strategies that illustrate the CLASS philosophy in Emotional Support, Classroom Organization, and Instructional Support. Assist classroom Teacher by actively keeping children engaged during large group activities. Purposefully interact with children and extend play and learning. Assist in the assessments and collection of documentation for assigned children. Provide a warm, nurturing, loving and positive environment, using Conscious Discipline positive guidance techniques and upholding the ECS Discipline policy. Develop nurturing relationships with each child that encourage his or her social and emotional development. Maintain all federal, state, local and accreditation standards (these may include those set forth by NAEYC, APPLE, ECS, DCF and Head Start). Follow policies and procedures regarding medical and dental emergencies, short- term exclusion of children, and the administration, handling, and storing of medication. Ensure that safe practices are followed to prevent injuries to children or self. Maintain sanitation and hygiene procedures and participate in the maintenance of the center. Provide and encourage effective communication and relationships with families so that parents feel comfortable talking to staff about their children. Inform parents concerning their children’s progress formally and informally, which may include parent notes, portfolios, or parent conferences. Eat with children, encouraging proper eating habits and conversation. Communicate regularly with other staff to better serve children and families, including attending staff meetings, trainings, and sharing information. Follow directions and assignments as given by supervisor. Work collaboratively and attentively with the in-class Coach and Program Support Specialists to meet the needs of assigned children. Maintain appropriate records and maintain confidentiality. (These essential job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of duties performed. Employees will be required to perform other related marginal duties as required.)
This position reports to the assigned Center Manager with oversight from the Social Emotional Services Manager and Director of Developmental & Behavioral Services.
Background Requirements A Level II Background Screening which consists of a local, state, and federal criminal check will be completed on all employees and any contracted employee position, intern position or volunteer position in which individuals have contact with children, have access to confidential information and / or are in a position of special trust. To learn more about the system used to conduct these checks, you can use this link - https://info.flclearinghouse.com/
Market context
In Florida, special needs assistant openings are often tied to school support needs and can draw candidates with child-care or classroom experience. These roles are competitive because employers usually look for a high school diploma or GED, required training, and preferred experience with children with special needs. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save research time, then be ready to highlight any related support experience and completed training in your application.