Dedicated Aide 

Position Overview: 

Dedicated Aides report to School Directors.  Dedicated Aides at Creative Minds International provide an inviting, exciting, learning environment for students.  They support student engagement in meaningful learning opportunities.  This is a school year, non-exempt position.  

Duties and Responsibilities:

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Integration of IPC and Common Core State Standards-based goals and objectives in small group instruction;
• Establishing clear objectives for all lessons, units, projects, and assessments;
• Meeting the needs, interests and abilities for all students, including students with disabilities, ELL students, and those who are gifted and talented;
• Attending IEP meetings, related service provider consultation sessions, and meetings with the Special Education Coordinator as needed;
• Implementing lesson plans that draw content from CMI professional development in the areas of arts integration and child development to reinforce student learning;
• Regularly observing students and taking anecdotal notes to inform planning in the arrangement of small groups, classroom set up, integrations of students’ interests in learning activities, and subsequent assessments;
• Monitoring student progress through frequent formal and informal student evaluations recorded in portfolio assessments;
• Using a variety of instructional materials, resources, and experiences to enrich student learning;
• Providing educational opportunities that reflect an understanding of students’ unique sensory and information processing profiles;
• Using appropriate techniques and strategies that promote and enhance creative problem-solving and evaluative thinking of students;
• Working with families to support the progress of individual students;
• Valuing the importance of play and providing opportunities for child-initiated explorations in the classroom throughout the day;
• Using effective, positive, and respectful interpersonal communication skills;
• Establishing positive relationships with colleagues, students, families, and the community which reflect recognition of and respect for every individual;
• Incorporating technology into instruction;
• Attending required professional development sessions;
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Must be able to pass a background check;
• Excellent verbal/written communication skills;
• Demonstrated ability to work well with the public;
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as a team member;
• Ability to self-direct and prioritize among competing goals, exhibit flexibility, and drive results;
• Adept at thinking strategically, translating plans into action, and exhibiting excellent judgment;
• Commitment to the success of each and every student.

Desired Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent communication skills; 
• Demonstrated ability and experience to engage the interest of school-age children; 
• Prior teaching experience in a public or private school, preferably in an urban setting; 
• Demonstrated ability to work well with parents; 
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as a team member; 
• Patience, flexibility, and a willingness to take risks;
• Consistent reflection on her/his own teaching practices;
• Experience working with linguistically and ethnically diverse student populations and children with developmental differences;
• Demonstrated commitment to professional growth and eagerness to learn;
• Demonstrated commitment to the well-being and success of all students.

Education and Experience:

• High School Diploma (Bachelor’s degree preferred);
• Previous experience required ( previous experience working with students with special needs preferred).

Physical Requirements: 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Prolonged periods standing and walking throughout school;
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at a time;
• Must be able to kneel, sit, stand, crawl, push, and pull;
• Prolonged periods of sitting and working on the computer to complete necessary paperwork

Work Environment:  

The work environment and 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. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.