Special Services Assistant

Under the direction of the area coordinator, as part of the classroom teaching team, the Special Service Assistant (SSA) will assist in carrying out developmentally appropriate activities and supervision for preschool children. As an integral part of the teaching team the SSA will utilize training, skills and abilities to lead in dealing with challenging behaviors. The SSA will lead individualized and group activities with children with disabilities as well as the whole group. The SSA will maintain individualized documentation on disabilities services, will assist school systems with evaluations, and will follow-up to accomplish educational and social goals.

• Assist in the implementation of a comprehensive child development program.
• Engage in ongoing assessment.
• Promote social and emotional development of children while maintaining appropriate classroom discipline using positive guidance techniques.
• Supervise and interact with children in all daily activities at all times.
• Will initiate the Individual Education Plan (IEP) process for children with disabilities.
• Assist in recording and maintaining documentation and submit reports as required.
• Participate in meetings and required trainings as directed by the management team.
• Provide positive behavioral strategies for children and families.
• Ensure behavioral management systems are implemented in consultation with the disabilities/ mental health manager and the mental health consultant.
• Will model research and evidence-based procedures for children’s behaviors .
• Will develop positive, nurturing relationships with children and families.
• Provide positive emotional support to identify and implement strategies to diminish challenges in the classroom.
• Provides continuous modeling and guidance on positive behavior intervention strategies and social skill building with children.
• Assists all children in their emotional, cognitive, and social development.
• Maintain accurate records/files and documents interactions and services.
• Will assist in all classroom and playground duties.
• Professionalism in regard to confidentiality is essential.
• Encourage parents, families, and community members to support our children and the program through gifts of time, goods, and/or monetary donations to ensure program local match (in-kind) as required to continue receiving federal funding.
• Will assume other duties as assigned by the area coordinator, managers, and the program director.
• Observe, assess, refer, and evaluate each child's progress in the assigned classroom, and assist in planning and implementing classroom activities based on individual needs of the children to advance physical and intellectual competence.
• Welcome families to participate in their child’s learning activities in the classroom, at home, and in the community. Encourage parents to volunteer in the classroom to support their child and the program.

Education Requirements:

• Minimum of High school diploma or GED
• Must participate in specialized trainings as determined by the program.

Experience Requirements:

• Knowledge of adverse childhood experiences (ACES) and the impact on children/families.
• Knowledge of positive behavioral support systems, behavior management, and early intervention.
• Knowledge of child development and early childhood education.
• Ability to communicate openly with community resources, professionals, staff, parents, and children.
• Evidence of emotional stability and maturity and must be flexible and open to change.
• Basic computer knowledge required.
• A natural concern, empathy, and enjoyment of Head Start children and their families.
• Able to remain calm and supportive when faced with challenging behavior.

Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Must obtain a pre-employment physical and screen for communicable diseases.
• Must obtain First Aid and CPR and keep updated.
• Must agree to pre-employment background check
• Demonstrate a willingness to continue professional development.

• Education: Prefer degree in Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, or a related degree or credential. 

Douglas-Cherokee Economic Authority, Inc. Head Start / Early Head Start Program serves more than 700 children ages 0-5 years in eight counties in East TN: Blount, Cocke, Grainger, Hamblen, Jefferson, Monroe, Sevier and Union. Children who attend Head Start participate in a variety of educational activities. They also receive support to access free medical and dental care, have healthy meals and snacks, and enjoy playing outdoors in a safe setting. Services are offered to meet the special needs of children with disabilities.

Our employees have access to:

· Up to 14 paid holidays per year

· Sick leave and Personal time

· Option to participate in State of Tennessee 401(k) savings plan

· Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System

· Group Health Insurance partially paid by the agency with other insurance products available.