Youth Development Early Learning Center Teacher Assistant
Youth Development Early Learning Center Teacher Assistant
ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW
A Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care and Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education certified special education day program. Serving students with diagnoses of serious emotional disturbance (SED) and intellectual developmental disability (IDD), with a specific emphasis on cultural responsiveness.
LOCATION
Main office in Randolph. Direct Care staff based on the program they work in are designated to regions; travel for work at patient homes, schools, and within the community is required.
JOB SUMMARY
Youth Center Teacher Assistant is trained as a Behavior Technician according to the Department of Early Education and Care standards. They are responsible for implementing behavioral intervention programs as directed by Program Coordinator and/or Master Level Clinician Supervisor. Behavioral intervention services help youth deal with diagnoses (DSM 5) of Autism/Asperger's/PDD-NOS and other behavioral health diagnoses. Traveling to patients' homes is required daily as part of duties.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED AND EXPERIENCE
Must meet the following requirements:
- Minimum completion of nine credits in Early Childhood Education:
- Three credits in early childhood curriculum, program planning, or behavior management (required for preschool level)
- Three credits in infant-toddler care and education (required for infant-toddler level)
- Additional credits in other early childhood education topics
- Qualify as a Lead teacher from the Department of Early Education and Care with an associate degree in early childhood education, social work, or equivalent experience
- High school diploma and training as Registered Behavioral Technician (RBT) or willingness to be trained
- Must be at least 19 years of age
- Direct care experience with youth or children with disabilities
- Experience working under direct supervision of qualified teaching staff with infants, toddlers, and families preferred
- Current valid US-issued driver's license and ability to provide a registered and insured automobile
- Willing to work towards Department of Early Education and Care teacher qualification
- One year experience in service coordination and children's developmental play groups (ages 2-18)
Bilingual skills are a plus in: Haitian Creole, Portuguese Creole, Spanish, Vietnamese, Chinese, Cambodian
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS
- Classroom Support:
- Assist in planning activities (storytelling, art projects)
- Help organize classroom and plan intellectual activities per lead teacher's requests
- Support transitions between classrooms, community activities
- Implement safe transportation procedures
- Educational Activities:
- Assist teachers in maintaining activities for children's development
- Help provide nutritious snacks and meals
- Manage equipment and ensure facility cleanliness
- Participate in program scheduling
- Support math and literacy activities
- Documentation:
- Maintain daily records of children's development
- Submit weekly progress notes and reports
- Complete documentation within 24 hours
- Verify attendance
- Report problems/emergencies to supervisors
- Student Care:
- Supervise children constantly
- Establish positive routines
- Maintain safe environment
- Implement positive discipline
- Integrate special needs children respectfully
- Communicate effectively with children
- Keep parents informed of progress
KEY SKILLS & BEHAVIOR
- Effective communication in all settings
- Patience with staff, parents, and children
- Time management efficiency
- Flexibility with classroom changes
- Classroom management ability
- Strong verbal and written skills
- Decision-making capability
- Stress management skills
- Cultural diversity appreciation
- Early childhood education knowledge
OOG UNIT / CLASS CAT
Paraprofessional Certified Community Direct Care
Non-Degree/Associates Level:
- PPC1: Entry and Intermediate level
- PPC2: Middle Level
- PPC3: Senior
Bachelor's Level:
- BLC1: Entry and Intermediate level
- BLC2: Middle Level
SALARY & BENEFITS
- $19 to $25 depending on education, licensure, and experience
- QSEHRA Health Reimbursement Plan ($400/month)
- Eligible after 90 days of full-time employment (32-40 hours/week)
- 401(k) Plan
- Federal Holidays Paid
- PTO (Eligible upon hire, usable after 120 days):
- 2 Personal Days
- 1 week (40 hours) vacation
- 5 Sick Days
- Working Advantage Employee Discount Program
- Education stipends available after one year
SCHEDULE OPTIONS
- Full-time, Monday to Friday Morning Shift: 6:45 AM to 2:45 PM
- Full-time/Part-Time, Monday to Friday Afternoon Shift: 11:45 AM to 7:45 PM
TO APPLY
- Visit: https://lamourclinic.org/careers/job-board/entry/141/
- Upload cover letter and resume
- Complete writing sample via email
- Await email for scheduled interview
*Must be able to operate a motor vehicle and travel locally (as required by Plan)