Prekindergarten Assistant Teacher

FRAMINGHAM PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Prekindergarten Assistant Teacher forInclusion
Juniper Hill School

2025-2026 School Year

POSITION SUMMARY

To assist student(s) with disabilities under the direction of a certified teacher by generally working in an inclusionary setting (i.e. least restrictive environment); more specifically to assist the teacher in general daily classroom activities help student(s) with disabilities and care for their physical emotional health and safety while affirming their abilities and striving to promote dignity in all relationships in order to deliver Framingham Public Schools high expectations for achievement equal access to high levels of instruction the achievement of academic proficiency for all students and the closing of the opportunitygap among subgroups within the schools.

A $1500 stipend is available to any paraprofessional who works in an Autism classroom multi-disabilities classroom or is on a changing team for a student with toileting needs.

OUR MISSION

Framingham Public Schools (FPS) is committed to excellence for all students and to creating a workforce that reflects our communitys rich racial linguistic and cultural diversity. Guided by our mission to empower free-thinking responsible citizens we value inclusion equity and cultural responsiveness in all we do. FPS strives to provide a safe and welcoming environment where every student and staff member can thrive. We actively seek educators and staff who are committed to antiracism social justice and civic engagement. We strongly encourage applications from individuals with disabilities and from members of historically underrepresented groups.

Framingham Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building a culturally responsive antiracist and inclusive community where all individuals are valued respected and supported to thrive.

ABOUT FRAMINGHAM

Framingham Massachusetts is a vibrant and diverse suburban community located 20 miles west of Boston serving as a major hub in the MetroWest area. It successfully blends urban convenience with the comfort of New England neighborhoods characterized by cultural diversity and a strong community spirit.

A key asset is the Framingham Public School system which is committed to equity inclusion and student success across its nine elementary schools three middle schools and Framingham High School. The district is recognized for its dual language programs comprehensive special education services and dedication to serving a diverse student population preparing all learners for college and careers.

Framingham is also home to Framingham State University and offers abundant outdoor opportunities including Cushing Memorial Park and Callahan State Park. With its blend of educational resources accessibility and dynamic community life Framingham is a welcoming place to live and grow.

CERTIFICATES LICENSES REGISTRATIONS

• Associate (or higher) degree or at least two years of post-secondary education that is equivalent to at least 48 credit hours from an accredited higher education institution () .

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

Framingham Public Schools seeks candidates whose background teaching or service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to diversity inclusion and belonging in all aspects of education.

• Some experience working with children especially students with disabilities in the areas of Autism Developmental Delays Multiple Disabilities Learning Disabilities and Emotional Disabilities is preferred.
• Additional specialized training in child development education or a related field is desirable.

SKILLS AND ABILITY

To perform this job successfully an individual must satisfactorily perform each essential duty. The requirements listed below represent the knowledge skills and abilities required:

• Strong oral and written communication skills; ability to present information clearly and respond effectively to questions from students staff parents and community members.
• Ability to read analyze and interpret professional literature technical procedures and governmental regulations.
• Sound reasoning and problem-solving skills to evaluate information define problems collect data establish facts draw valid conclusions and recommend appropriate courses of action.
• Capacity to use professional literature evidence-based research and ongoing professional learning to inform instructional and practice decisions.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive effective working relationships with students families colleagues and the community.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills to work independently prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects.
• Commitment to performing all duties in compliance with district requirements state and federal laws and Framingham Public Schools policies.
• Demonstrated cultural proficiency and competence in working with students and families from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information and student records.
• Professionalism and composure in responding to unpredictable or challenging situations.
• Proficiency in using technology and willingness to learn new tools; ability to operate a computer and utilize software including Google Workspace for Education.
• Willingness to plan coordinate and participate in ongoing professional learning coaching and staff development.
• Experience in evaluating student skills interpreting assessment data and writing clear concise reports.
• Strong collaborative instructional coaching and leadership skills to support student programming.
• Ability to use data effectively to inform instructional decisions and improve student outcomes.
• Knowledge of specialized content areas relevant laws and educational procedures.
• Ability to plan and implement lessons that align with district and school goals.
• Proficiency in integrating instructional technology to enhance teaching and learning.
• A proactive reflective and solution-focused approach to supporting student growth and success.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as an illustration of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if work is similar related or a logical assignment to the position.

• Assist in the instruction and supervision of students supporting students academically socially and behaviorally in the inclusion small group individual or sub separate setting with direction from the classroom teacher and/or special education teacher service provider or administrator.
• Support students with special needs by following provisions specified in their Individual Education Program (IEP).
• Assist students with test taking in administering standardized and non-standardized tests/curriculum-based measures and other assessments.
• Provide support that may include physical management such as crisis management taking action or assisting educators the school crisis team and/or administrators in restraining students who are at risk of harming themselves or others by following school/district-approved restraint procedures to ensure the safety of students and others (training provided).
• Attend training and maintain certification in de-escalation and physical management techniques.
• Collect data for individual students and report concerns and/or progress information for each student.
• Escort and supervise students to and from various school facilities and areas.
• Take the initiative to work collaboratively with special education general education teachers and related service staff.
• Assist in establishing a positive learning environment and respond to the individual needs of students.
• Assist students with everyday tasks such as eating mobility communication dressing and toileting including diapering.
• Promote independence for students with disabilities.
• Safeguard confidential information to ensure compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
• Responsible for other general duties as indicated by the teacher principal supervisors/directors directives of the Superintendent of Schools or his/her designee and policies of the Framingham School Committee.

Other duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Must be required to move about and traverse throughout the school building.
• Must often remain in a stationary position for considerable periods of time.
• It is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms and sit stoop kneel crouch or crawl.
• Is expected to lift at least 20 lbs (i.e. books school supplies etc.).
• Must frequently use hands to finger handle or feel and use hand strength to grasp tools.
• Must be able to assist students who have physical difficulties.
• Must operate a computer and other office productivity machinery (i.e. a calculator copy machine and computer printer).
• Must be able to input information into a computer and read material from a computer monitor as well as handwritten or printed matter with or without visual aids.
• Must be able to communicate effectively with students parents and other staff members in person via email and on the telephone.
• In the classroom one must be able to see and hear continuously to ensure student safety and to speak frequently to provide instruction.
• May be required to move quickly across even or uneven surfaces.
• Must interact with students parents and other staff members and meet multiple demands.
• While most of the workday is spent inside students must spend time outdoors for recess fire drills and special activities.
• May be exposed to bodily fluids disease or pathogens.
• May receive injuries from aggressive students.
• May require some degree of physical interaction with students who have difficulty controlling behavior.
• May provide limited personal care to students.
• Must occasionally lift or position students to provide services.
• Must be able to stand walk and/or push a wheelchair for extended periods and provide assistance and personal care to students.
• May be asked to assist with toileting depending on a students needs.

REPORTS TO

• Building Principaland Coordinator of Special Education Evaluation Team.
• The performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with the Framingham Teachers Association (Unit T) Contract.

FAIR LABOR STANDARDS ACT (FLSA) CLASSIFICATION

• This position is classified as Non-Exempt (Hourly).

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

• C overed under Framingham Teachers Association (Unit T) Contract. The District reserves the right to transfer personnel as needed.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO)

Framingham Public Schools provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race color religion sex national origin age disability or addition to federal law requirements Framingham Public Schools complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the District has policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment including recruiting hiring placement promotion termination layoff recall transfer leaves of absence compensation and training. Framingham Public Schools expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race color religion gender sexual orientation gender identity or expression national origin age genetic information disability ancestry marital status or veteran status.

The Framingham Public Schools prohibit sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to the Title IX Coordinator. The notice of nondiscrimination is located at the Framingham Public Schools School Committee website.

Revised 2025

Required Experience:

Junior IC