Specialized Support Assistant in Early Childhood

Job Description

Job Description
Summary

Join an exciting team of professionals making a difference in the lives of children and families! Head Start has been improving the lives of low-income children and families in Rutland County for over 30 years through high quality, comprehensive child development, and family support services. Head Start supports school readiness and promotes healthy families through delivery of education, health, and social services. Head Start also provides quality training and support to employee’s individualized professional growth and development. Rutland Count Head Start also offers Early Head Start programming for infants and toddlers.

Duties

We are looking for an experienced Specialized Support Assistant in Early Childhood at Rutland County Head Start. As a Specialized Support Assistant, you will work directly with children in an inclusive early childhood setting to support participation and skill development for 33-35 hours per week. This position will also work in our new developmental classroom learning about assessment, individualized support plans, and child development.
This is an opportunity to work in early childhood education and special education. Rutland County Head Start's new innovative developmental support project is one of a kind and we work in partnership with Rutland City Public Schools and Children's Integrated Services. This position is right for an early childhood educator who is looking for experience in the field and plans on building a career in early childhood special education or for an experienced professional with an appropriate degree or credentials.
The Specialized Support Assistant will assist the Lead Teacher in providing a developmentally appropriate curriculum which is individualized to each child using a strengths-based approach and assist with classroom management. This position will implement individual plans provided by the Disability Manager and collect a variety of behavioral data as directed by the Disability Manager. Other responsibilities include supporting student learning activities, implementing behavior management strategies, and collaborating with staff to monitor student progress and communicate effectively with parents and caregivers.

Requirements

• High School Diploma required, Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education/special education, behavioral psychology, social work, or a related field preferred.
• Some college coursework required, experience in applied behavior analysis/behavior management, special education, and/or disabilities preferred.
• Licensure in Early Childhood Special Education or certification as a Registered Behavior Technician preferred.
• Previous experience working with young children in a group setting required.
• Professional integrity: reliability, honesty, patience, strong communication skills, and ability to collaborate.
• Knowledge of child development, special education, applied behavior analysis, mental health, or related fields.
• Ability to work with expert professionals and implement plans and ask questions when not familiar with the programming.
• Must have a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation with personal automobile liability insurance coverage at or above the levels mandated by the State of Vermont.
• *Successful completion of a criminal history background check after hire.

Nice To Haves

• Employee Referral Program – Earn Up to $1,800!
• Competitive Pay- $21.62 - $25.94 per hour depending on credentials
• Very Generous Paid Time Off
• Outstanding Benefits
• Tuition Reimbursement and Discounts
• Professional Development
• Federal Student Loan Forgiveness Eligibility