Classroom Assistant $1,000 Hiring Incentive (Leap-Greenspring Campus)

The Classroom Assistant provides direct support in a classroom setting to students with developmental disabilities and/or emotional/behavioral challenges. Work in collaboration to implement behavioral, instructional, socio-emotional, daily living skills, and/or medical protocols under the over-sight of behavior specialists, classroom teacher/administrators, and related service providers.

At the Lifeskills and Education for Students with Autism and Pervasive Behavioral Challenges (LEAP) Program, our mission is to ensure each of our students gains the independence and skills necessary to fully participate in school, community, workplace, and home life.

Our specialized autism program is a nonpublic special education day program approved by the Maryland State Department of Education.

We offer a range of educational and therapeutic services for students with complex academic, communication, social, and behavioral needs. Our program emphasizes the development of lifelong skills through an active approach to learning, including participation in community and work-based learning opportunities that allow them to apply skills outside of the classroom.

• Modify academic, socioemotional, and behavioral tasks and materials to meet student needs/abilities as outlined by the teacher and Behavior Resource team.
• Actively engage in classroom and team meetings, supervision meetings, in-service trainings, and school-wide events as assigned.
• May be required to safely drive and operate Institute vans to transport students and staff members, as assigned.
• Follow classroom routines as outlined by the teacher and enact proactive classroom management strategies.
• Assist the Teacher and Assistant Teacher with instruction and assessment for students with developmental disabilities and/or emotional and behavioral challenges in accordance with student IEP and the Common Core State Curriculum.
• Promote and support peer interactions, generalization of student skills across settings, and work to foster student independence.
• Accurately collect and record all data in a timely and prescribed manner.
• Organize, prepare, and use school materials to support student learning and assist with the implementation of technology in instructional design and delivery.
• Effectively use behavior management strategies and implement approved physical intervention procedures (i.e., transportation/escort and immobilization/restraint) as trained.
• Work directly with assigned student to support skill acquisition (i.e., academic and social-emotional); assist with daily living skills and medical needs (i.e., toileting, hygiene, meals, lifting/carrying students with physical disabilities); and support behavior management in one-to-one (11), group, school, and community settings.
• Follow student fitness routines (to include pool and water-based activities) as outlined by the school program.
• Adhere to behavioral plans/protocols as written. Utilize the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) as indicated.

EDUCATION

High school diploma or GED required

Associate’s degree in education, special education, or related area preferred

EXPERIENCE

Previous experience working with children with developmental disabilities is preferred.

RELATED TRAINING

PCM or CPI training will be provided by the department, according to the individual program requirements. Employee must achieve and maintain certification (at the “Practitioner” level or higher for PCM) according to the timeline established within the departmental policy.

Kennedy Krieger Institute offers excellent benefits including medical, dental, vision, 401K with match, tuition reimbursement, free parking and child care subsidies! In addition, we offer rich professional development opportunities.

We require full COVID vaccination or documentation of medical and/or religious exemption(s) approval for this job as we are a healthcare institution committed to putting health and safety first for our patients, students, employees, and the communities we serve.

EOE/M/F/D/V

Join our Team! The Integrated Early Learning Center at Kennedy Krieger Institute is recruiting. Apply now to participate in shaping the lives of 3–5-year-old students in a state-of-the-art, childcare facility and training hub. Be a part of an innovative inclusive program that will increase the capacity of early childcare educators in the state of Maryland.

This innovative center will educate children 3-5 years old, in a full-day, year-round program that will serve as a statewide model is opening in the summer. We are offering competitive salaries and benefits, apply now to join our team!

The Special Education Teacher will teach students with typical and atypical development in a full day, year round inclusive classroom setting. The incumbent demonstrates understanding of and commitment to the Kennedy Krieger Institute mission, helping students achieve their potential and participate as fully as possible in family, school and community life while striving to excel in providing safe and effective care of the highest quality.

• Utilize data from I.E.P. goals and informal and formal assessments to incorporate multiple special education strategies and modalities that match the needs of the students.
• Take part in ongoing training and coaching to provide the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to meet the diverse range of needs of children within their classrooms. This includes training in Key Principles underlying the IEP process as well as DEC Recommended Practices and data-informed decision-making practices.
• Communicate effectively with students and staff members through facilitation and participation in meetings and in-services taking into consideration the ability based needs of each student.
• Collaborate with behavioral and medical specialty care providers on an as needed basis.
• Use appropriate special education best practices and demonstration project framework and tools in instruction, including effective and engaging lesson plans and the use of technology based on the content area and prior knowledge of the student.
• Maintain a classroom environment that is orderly and conducive to learning. Ensures that the classroom has materials and routines that are clear and present and allows classroom staff and students to be managed effectively.
• Utilize data to inform instruction and contribute to a culture of continuous quality improvement.
• Effectively plan and develop measurable short and long-term plans that align with content, curriculum, and state standards, incorporating enhanced technology and multidisciplinary input.
• Collaborate with parents and guardians for an active involvement in the student learning process.
• Demonstrate knowledge of student strengths and needs using effective teacher behaviors that provide the student with appropriate accommodations and an opportunity to learn while providing verbal and non-verbal praise that maintains clear and appropriately high expectations to achieve goals.
• Communicate effectively with classroom staff members, parents, and guardians to provide clear expectations and specific feedback while using clear, concise, and professional written and spoken language.

QUALIFICATIONS

Must possess and maintain CPR certification.

EDUCATION

Eligibility for MSDE Special Education Certificate in Infant-Grade 3, If a teacher holds a Maryland Conditional Certificate in Special Education, the teacher must complete all requirements posed on the MSDE evaluation for a Professional Special Education Certificate.

• Special Education Teacher III requires Masters Degree in Special Education or appropriate content area, plus 30 additional academic credits.
• Special Education Teacher II requires Masters Degree in Special Education or appropriate content area.
• Special Education Teacher I requires Bachelors Degree in Special Education or appropriate content area.
• Special Education Teacher IV requires Masters Degree in Special Education or appropriate content area, plus 60 or more additional academic credits (and may include PhD/EdD).

EXPERIENCE

Previous Teaching Experience Is Required.

Kennedy Krieger offers a competitive salary and outstanding benefits, including child care subsidies, free parking, 401(k) with employer match, tuition reimbursement and a student loan repayment assistance program.

We require full COVID vaccination or documentation of medical and/or religious exemption(s) approval for this job as we are a healthcare institution committed to putting health and safety first for our patients, students, employees, and the communities we serve.

EOE/M/F/D/V

• Effectively use behavior management strategies and implement approved physical intervention procedures (i.e., transportation/escort and immobilization/restraint) as trained.
• Assist the Teacher and Assistant Teacher with instruction and assessment for students with developmental disabilities and/or emotional and behavioral challenges in accordance with student IEP and the Common Core State Curriculum.
• Accurately collect and record all data in a timely and prescribed manner.
• Adhere to behavioral plans/protocols as written. Utilize the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) as indicated.
• Promote and support peer interactions, generalization of student skills across settings, and work to foster student independence.
• Modify academic, socioemotional, and behavioral tasks and materials to meet student needs/abilities as outlined by the teacher and Behavior Resource team.
• Work directly with assigned student to support skill acquisition (i.e., academic and social-emotional); assist with daily living skills and medical needs (i.e., toileting, hygiene, meals, lifting/carrying students with physical disabilities); and support behavior management in one-to-one (11), group, school, and community settings.