1:1 Aide / Direct Care Assistant (Preschool Special Education) in Watertown

Position Hours: Vary by classroom, but generally 5 hours per day between the hours of 7:30am and 2pm.

Position Overview: The 1:1 Aide / Direct Care Assistant provides individualized support to a preschool student with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) within a special education or integrated classroom setting. This role is responsible for assisting the student in accessing the curriculum, participating in daily activities, and supporting their developmental, behavioral, and social-emotional needs. The 1:1 Aide works under the direction of the Lead Teacher, Special Education Teacher, and related service providers, ensuring that all supports and accommodations outlined in the student’s IEP are implemented consistently throughout the day. This position requires patience, flexibility, strong observational skills, and the ability to maintain a calm, structured, and supportive environment.

Professional Expectations:

• Serve as a positive role model for students and staff.
• Maintain professionalism, punctuality, and reliability to ensure consistency for the assigned student.
• Use respectful, supportive, and developmentally appropriate language at all times.
• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding student information and IEP services.
• Demonstrate patience, empathy, and a calm demeanor when supporting children with varying needs.
• Foster a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment.
• Communicate effectively with teachers, therapists, and administration.
• Observe and report on student behavior, progress, and needs.
• Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability in response to student needs throughout the day.
• Participate in required staff meetings and trainings.

Individualized Student Support:

• Provide direct 1:1 support to a student in accordance with their IEP.
• Assist the student in accessing classroom instruction and participating in activities.
• Implement teacher-directed strategies, accommodations, and modifications.
• Support the student’s social-emotional development, including peer interaction and self-regulation.
• Assist with behavioral interventions and support plans, under the guidance of the teaching team and behavioral staff.
• Provide sensory supports and assist with regulation strategies as needed.
• Support communication goals, including the use of prompts, visuals, or assistive strategies.
• Monitor and document student progress and behaviours as directed.
• Maintain consistency in routines to support predictability and success for the student.

Classroom Support Duties:

• Assist with daily routines including arrival, transitions, meals, toileting/diapering, and dismissal.
• Support the classroom team in maintaining a safe and organized environment.
• Ensure active supervision, with a constant awareness of the assigned student’s location, safety, and needs.
• Assist in implementing classroom activities and lesson plans as directed by the teacher.
• Help prepare materials and maintain classroom organization.
• Support the student during transitions, group activities, and independent work.
• Assist with recording daily activities and communication through the Procare Engage App.
• Follow all classroom procedures, routines, and expectations.

Collaboration & Related Services:

• Work closely with special education staff, therapists (OT, PT, Speech), and behavioural specialists.
• Support implementation of strategies recommended by related service providers.
• Assist with push-in or pull-out services, ensuring the student is prepared and supported during sessions.
• Participate in team communication regarding the student’s progress and needs.

Regulatory Compliance:

• Follow all OCFS regulations and program policies.
• Ensure the health, safety, and well-being of the student at all times.
• Maintain appropriate documentation as required.
• Adhere to all guidelines related to special education services and confidentiality.

Qualifications:

• Experience working with young children, preferably in an early childhood or special education setting.
• Coursework or background in early childhood education, psychology, or related field preferred.
• Strong understanding of or willingness to learn about child development and special education supports.
• Ability to follow individualized plans and implement support strategies consistently.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Demonstrates a respectful and inclusive approach when working with children and families from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and meet the physical demands of the role.

Benefits:

• Paid Snow Days
• Paid Holidays (6 out of the 12) in the year
• 401k available
• 40 hours of sick time each year, accrued based on hours worked