| Position Overview We are seeking a dedicated individual to join our team as a part-time Early Childhood Teacher Assistant. This position offers up to 34 hours a week, Monday through Thursday. The ideal candidate must be available between 7:00 am - 5:00 pm as needed. The preschool class follows a school calendar. Summer hours are expected with some time off unpaid. Cleveland Sight Center's Preschool, licensed by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS), provides a nurturing, inclusive, and supportive environment for children with visual impairments, additional complex needs, and their sighted peers. As an Assistant Teacher, you will support the Lead Teacher in creating a learning environment tailored to each child’s unique abilities, fostering growth, independence, and confidence. This role requires a solid commitment to working with children of diverse abilities, a collaborative mindset, and a desire for continued learning. Essential Functions: - Classroom Support:
- Assist in implementing and adapting curriculum activities and interventions to meet the diverse developmental needs of all children.
- Facilitate daily routines, activities, and transitions in a way that supports each child’s growth and independence.
- Help prepare and organize materials and resources tailored to children’s visual and physical needs.
- Maintain confidentiality of all information regarding the children and their families assigned.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
- Support for Children with IEPs:
- Collaborate with special education staff to ensure children with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) receive the required support and accommodations.
- Aid in tracking IEP goals in partnership with the Lead Teacher and other related service providers.
- Encourage the use of specialized materials and assistive technology as appropriate.
- Assists students with basic dress and grooming self-care.
- Administers medications as trained, assigned, and directed.
- Attends to the physical needs of students. This may include physical lifting, handling equipment such as a gait trainer, HOPSA dress, activity chair, wheelchairs, and braces (how to refit once removed, use correctly).
- Team Collaboration:
- Work closely with Lead Teacher, special education staff, therapists, and other team members to promote a cohesive, supportive learning environment.
- Participate in team meetings to discuss strategies, progress, and adaptations for children with complex needs.
- Professional Development:
- Demonstrate a commitment to continued education, specifically in areas relevant to early childhood education, visual impairments, and other complex conditions.
- Participate in professional development required by ODJFS (at least 10 hours per year), including topics on working with children with low vision, blindness, and additional disabilities, and maintain current information in the OCCRRA account.
- Stay informed on evidence-based practices and techniques to best support children with visual and other impairments.
- Health and Safety:
- Support children in daily self-care and hygiene routines, promoting independence and following all health and safety standards.
- Ensure the classroom and equipment are clean, organized, and safe for children’s activities.
- Performs healthcare procedures as required. This may include any of the following, which qualify for the Bodily Fluid Increment if performed regularly:
- Special dietary Feeding (includes preparation)
- Toileting
- Diapering
- Tube feeding
- Others duties assigned
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: - Demonstrates knowledge of early childhood development, including strategies for fostering growth and independence in children with diverse abilities
- Ability to express ideas simply and understandably.
- Ability to stay calm under pressure.
- Ability to adapt to a child’s unique learning pace and to be attuned to children’s non-verbal cues and emotional needs.
- Demonstrates ability to assist with specialized feeding, mobility, and healthcare procedures as needed.
- Ability to be receptive to change and innovation.
- Ability to share insights and learn from peers.
Supervision Functions: N/A Qualifications: - Required:
- Minimum of one year of experience working with young children.
- Must clear full background check and pass drug screening.
- Must pass employee physical examination for child care.
- Passion for working with young children and a deep commitment to inclusive education.
- Excellent collaboration and communication skills, with a team-oriented attitude.
- Ability to operate essential office equipment, including computers, copiers, etc.
- Basic knowledge of the most popular Microsoft Office programs such as Word and Outlook.
- Ability to use and input into software applications
- Work occasional extended and off hours as needed
- Maintain the physical and skill requirements of the position.
- Preferred:
- Coursework or experience in Early Childhood Education (ECE).
- Infant/Child CPR and First Aid Certification.
- Knowledge or willingness to learn about the specific needs of children with visual impairments and other disabilities.
Education: High School Diploma or GED
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