Therapeutic Integrated Specialist/Teacher Assistant

Instructional Responsibilities

• Therapeutic integrated services are designed to support successful participation of children with special developmental and behavioral needs within typical early childhood environments, under Kids Connect.
• The responsibilities of the Therapeutic Integrated Specialist/Teacher Assistant is to provide general support and specific interventions designed for the assigned children
• Assist the Teacher in arranging the learning environment and preparing for activities.
• Ensure children’s understanding of rules and routines through modeling of expectations.
• Engage with children in a variety of ways including conversations, reading, and playing.
• Assist Teacher with the implementation of lesson plans.
• Work with individual or small groups of children, as directed by Teacher
• Utilize knowledge of child development to provide responsive, supportive and engaging interactions

Classroom Management Responsibilities

• Assist the Teacher with sight and sound supervision of children during all aspects of the program, including but not limited to: classroom activities, emergency drills, restrooms, hallway/transitions and outdoor play.
• Assist children with clothing, handwashing, feeding, toileting, and diapering if necessary.
• Assist with set-up and clean-up of meals and other clean-up duties, as assigned.
• Take part in all classroom meals and snacks with children, following CHILD, Inc. procedures and philosophy.
• Assist in ensuring health and safety of children by following established practices and procedures.
• Maintain the environment in a safe, orderly, and clean manner.
• Guide children’s behavior using positive strategies consistent with teacher expectations.

Professional Responsibilities

• Follow the policies and procedures of CHILD, Inc. and Head Start Performance Standards
• Demonstrate an understanding of and compliance with RI and agency Child Abuse and Neglect reporting procedures.
• Demonstrate punctuality, flexibility, and dependable attendance.
• Participate in professional development and in-service training.
• Commit to taking 15 CHILD, Inc approved college credits at CCRI.
• Demonstrate professional responsibility and ethical behavior.
• Demonstrate acceptance that children develop and learn at different paces and support an inclusive learning environment.
• Assure for the health and safety of all children.
• Demonstrate respect for diverse family practices, languages, cultures and traditions
• Assume responsibility in alternate classrooms as assigned.
• Demonstrate ability to use sound judgement and initiative to act independently.
• Demonstrate effective and appropriate interpersonal relationships with children, families, and other staff.
• Respect the confidentiality of information regarding students and be discreet in dealing with parents and other staff.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.
• Valid RI driver's license and an insured vehicle. Proof of insurance will be required.
• •Basic keyboarding and basic computer skills highly desirable.
• •Knowledge of The Creative Curriculum highly preferred.
• •Knowledge of developmentally appropriate assessment practices preferred

 CHILD, Inc. provides all full-time employees with a comprehensive benefits package.

• Individual health coverage  - employee contributions as low as 5%.
• Individual dental coverage - employee contribution of 50%
• Family dental coverage is available but requires an additional contribution.
• Vision Plan
• Employer Paid Group Life Insurance and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• 403(b) Savings Plan + Discretionary Group Retirement Annuity Plan
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Dependent Care & Medical
• Additional Voluntary Benefits
• 15 days Paid Time Off
• 14 paid holidays
• Mileage reimbursement 

Minimum of Infant Toddler/Preschool Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential.

Associate’s Degree preferred in Early Childhood or a closely related field with approved/equivalent coursework. Transcripts will be required.

Appropriate RIELDS certificate, or ability to obtain within one year of hire. 

Demonstrated experience in early care and education setting and two years of supervised experience working with children with special healthcare needs. 

Reports to Lead Classroom Teachers, Education Manager and Mental Health Manager