Teaching Assistant for Special Needs Classroom - 2024-2025 (North Campus) - Ignite Education Group

Would you like to work in a setting where you can improve students' learning, promote their resilience and confidence, and make a genuine difference? Ignite Achievement Academy is a private, accredited school serving Charlotte, NC students in grades K-12 with special needs and learning differences.

This position is located at our North Campus at 3835 W. WT Harris Blvd. Charlotte, NC 28269.

We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated Teacher Assistant to join our team. The Teacher Assistant will work closely with the classroom teacher and other staff members to support students with special needs. This role involves assisting with daily classroom activities, ensuring the safety and well-being of students, and providing specialized support for students who may need assistance with elopement prevention, toileting, and sensory breaks. The Teaching Assistant assists the teacher throughout the day with differentiated instruction and one-on-one student support – typically Monday through Friday between the hours of 9:00AM and 3:00PM.

Key Responsibilities

• Classroom Support: Assist the lead teacher in implementing lesson plans, classroom activities, and educational programs tailored to the needs of students with special needs.
• Behavior Management: Monitor student behavior and support the development of positive behavior strategies. Assist with preventing and managing elopement incidents, ensuring the safety of all students.
• Personal Care: Provide personal care assistance to students, including toileting and hygiene support, in a respectful and sensitive manner.
• Sensory Support: Facilitate sensory breaks and activities as needed, helping students regulate their sensory needs through calming or stimulating exercises.
• Communication: Collaborate with teachers, therapists, and parents to ensure consistent communication regarding student progress, needs, and any concerns.
• Safety and Supervision: Supervise students in various settings, including the classroom, playground, and during transitions to ensure their safety and well-being.
• Documentation: Assist in maintaining accurate records of student activities, progress, and any incidents or behavioral observations.
• Other Duties: Perform additional duties as assigned by the classroom teacher or school administration to support the overall needs of the school.

Required Qualifications

• Associate's Degree;
• Patience, empathy, and a genuine passion for working with students with disabilities;
• Proficiency in Microsoft products (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook);
  
• Exemplary written and oral communication skills;
• Ability to establish a strong and supportive relationship with each assigned student;
• Ability to work collaboratively with a team;
• Stamina to actively engage with students throughout the school day and lift up to 75 lbs.;
• Capability to perform tasks involving physical activities, including standing, walking, and bending;
• Ability to pass a background check.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree;
• Previous experience working with children with special needs in an educational or nursing setting is highly desirable.

This is an hourly position offering a competitive wage for Teaching Assistants, dependent upon the candidate's skills and experience.

Ignite Achievement Academy provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.