Special Education Classroom Aide - Elementary School

Position Type:
Vanguard Elementary School/Classroom Aide
Date Posted:
6/21/2022
Location:
The Vanguard School
Are you looking for a career that makes your heart smile on a daily basis?
Come and work with our amazing students and staff at The Vanguard School!
Founded in 1959 and located on a beautiful 28-acre campus in Malvern, PA, VFES and the Vanguard School are dedicated to the growth and development of children and young adults with a variety of special needs. Through a collaborative and holistic approach to each individual served by the continuum of educational, recreation, and employment services offered, VFES commits to helping all students and participants develop a strong sense of self-worth in their communities in an environment driven by respect, appreciation, learning, and growth.
Reporting to the Program Coordinator, the Classroom Aide will work along side the Classroom Teacher in helping students with autism and other special needs learn academic, social and daily living skills. You'll help the students reach their behavioral goals, track their progress, and have some fun, too. Our Elementary School students are ages 5 to 12 and our class sizes are small --- between 5 and 8 students in each class.
WHAT YOU'LL DO:

• Actively assist in implementing lesson plans, reinforcing instruction/tutoring, and documenting student progress throughout the school day.
• Observe, monitor, and redirect behavior during regular classroom time, special class times, transition periods, and on field trips according to school and program procedures.
• Maintain accurate records on student progress and behavior for school programs and outside agencies as required.
• Assist the teacher with testing, recordkeeping, and progress monitoring for assigned student.
• Under the teacher's direction, communicate with parents and staff regarding student progress. Participate in interdisciplinary and inter-agency meetings as required.
• Provide a nurturing environment for all students. Enforce school policies and procedures in a fair and consistent manner to ensure the health and safety of all students. Maintain a safe, clean, and organized learning environment.
• Serve as a mentor for new staff members and a source of information and help for substitute teachers assigned in the absence of the regular teacher.
• Comply with all organizational policies and procedures including those stated in the VFES Policies & Procedures manual and additional verbal and written communications provided to staff members.
• Maintain a professional, confidential and ethical relationship with administrators, colleagues, parents, students, and others at all times.
• Attend and actively participate in staff meetings, in-service activities, and other meetings as required.
• Actively participate in at least 20 hours of staff development activities directly related to the job assignment during each school year.
• Maintain proper credentials for assignment and remain educationally informed in all related areas including PDE regulations and state/national standards through continued professional study and attending workshops and conferences.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR:

• Two years of college (48 credits) or a high school graduate with two years' experience working with children with emotional, social, and behavioral needs preferred
• Paraeducator and/or RBT certification is a plus!
• Ability to effectively communicate and interact with staff members and children with special needs
• Ability to successfully complete behavior management training and provide crisis intervention as needed
• Ability to successfully pass three background clearances including Child Abuse Clearance Certification, FBI Background Clearance, and Pennsylvania State Backgroud Clearance

VFES offers a competitive salary, full comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, PTO, 100% short and long-term disabilities, a robust Employee Assistance Program, and a generous annual contribution to each employees' 403(b). Top that off with team-building events, staff outings, and working alongside professionals who care deeply about our mission and core values: Communication and Listening, Critical Thinking and Problem Solving, Ethics, Professionalism, and Teamwork!
VFES and The Vanguard School is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. We will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations as part of this commitment. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, perform essential job functions, and receive other benefits and privileges of employment, be sure to let us know.