Turtle Island Children's Center

Early Childhood Special Education Aide at a Nature-Based School

Reference ID : 120479
Location : Montpelier, VT
Category : None
Job Type : Full Time

Description

Summary

Work collaboratively with the administrative team, teachers, families, and service providers to ensure that all children are provided with high-quality, inclusive education and care. This is a full-time, non-exempt position that reports to the Executive Director and administrative team.

Duties

  • Have a basic understanding of the Federal and Vermont Special Education rules, rights, and regulations. Help to ensure that our community is a neurodivergent-safe space.

  • In collaboration with the Director of Student Support Services (DSSS), teachers, and families, create inclusive classroom communities and environments that are supportive of and safe for all children. Promptly address concerns related to child development.

  • Help coordinate with local education agencies (LEAs) and service providers about service visits, annual reviews, and other meetings at TICC. 

  • Communicate with the DSSS or directly with LEAs and service providers about individual children’s development and progress toward goals.

  • Participate in annual Individualized Education Program (IEP) review meetings to share your observations and knowledge of the children.
  • Collaborate with teachers and the DSSS to suggest appropriate goals and accommodations/modifications for IEPs

  • Be familiar with the IEPs for children in your care, including disability information,  goals, and necessary accommodations/modifications. 

  • Collaborate with teachers to design inclusive, whole class or small group activities to work on critical skills.

  • Lead children through activities designed to work on their IEP goals, as appropriate and necessary. 

  • Work with teachers to implement strategies to meet goals and provide accommodations for children with special education needs.

  • Provide weekly updates to families that outline how the day went, including at least one strength and one area for improvement.

  • Help the DSSS and teacher to document quarterly progress reports including progress toward IEP goals, progress toward other age appropriate skills, overall strengths and challenges, and any other relevant information. Progress reports should be made available to families and all staff working directly with the children.

  • Attend annual professional development for ECE and special education strategies and best practices.

  • Use high- and low-tech assistive technology (augmentative communication devices, visual schedules, positive behavior trackers, etc) to support children’s behavior and communication skills as needed.

  • Consistently communicate with co-teachers to keep all parties apprised of child needs and safety concerns.

  • Participate in caregiver conferences as needed

Requirements

  • High School Diploma required; credential and/or coursework in early childhood education, human development and/or special education strongly preferred
  • Experience working in special education and/or with individuals with special needs preferred 
  • Willingness to learn the basics of Federal and Vermont Special Education rules, rights, and regulations as well as invest time developing an understanding of special education best practices
  • Demonstrate basic understanding of the developmental needs of young children; responsiveness to the intellectual, emotional and social needs of children
  • Show flexibility to work as a team member and a part of a learning community
  • Love and respect for children, teachers and the labor of early childhood education
  • Must be at least 18 yrs. of age
  • Be able to kneel, bend, squat, lift, push, pull, and carry (children) up to 60lbs if necessary
  • Energy, motivation and excellent communication skills
  • Meet annual professional development requirements, per Vermont state regulations


Salary : $16.71 to $23.54/Hr
Minimum Education : High School or Equivalent
Job Type : Full Time
Category : None
Minimum Experience : 1 Yr
Location : Montpelier, VT

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