The Meyer Center is a nonprofit specializing in early education and intensive therapy services to empower children with disabilities to reach their maximum potential. We envision a world where all children with special needs are enabled to learn and thrive in their communities.

The Meyer Center for Special Children caters to 110+ students ranging from infancy to the second grade. It runs a private daycare facility licensed by the Department of Social Services (DSS) for children under the age of three. For students in 3K through 2nd grade, the Meyer Center functions as a public charter school. Our charter is with the South Carolina Public Charter School District (SCPCSD) and is recognized as an Alternative Education Campus (AEC).

Responsibilities:

·        Curriculum leader in the classroom

·        Day to day operational leader in the classroom (attendance, injury/incident reports, etc.)

·        Maintain a safe environment for students in the classroom

·        Lead, educate and support Teacher Assistants, Interns, and Volunteers in the classroom

·        Communicate and collaborate with school leaders, other education/therapy colleagues, and student families

·        Collect behavioral, academic or medical data, work samples or evidence

·        Write, plan and collaborate with team regarding parent conferences and IEP meetings.

·        Conduct state, district, grant and/or curriculum based assessments of students

·        Maintain a professional demeanor, participate in professional growth opportunities and positively contribute to the profession

·        All other duties as assigned by the Executive Director or Supervisor

 Qualifications:

·        Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education

·        South Carolina Teaching Certification in Special Education

·        Experience working with Students with Disabilities

JOB DESCRIPTION

Title: Teaching Assistant

Supervisor: Classroom Teacher/Education Coordinator/Education Director/Transportation Director

Send resume to Jean Riley.

Qualifications: High School Diploma/GED or higher and preferably two years’ experience working with preschool children.

Responsibilities:

I. Operations/Classroom:

A. Assist in maintaining a developmentally appropriate and stimulating atmosphere within the classroom, utilizing up-to-date curriculum and curriculum aids as instructed by teacher.

B. Assist in establishing and maintaining a safe and healthy environment for the students as instructed by the teacher.

C. Check the daily lesson plan and carry out the teacher's instructions.

D. Communicate with physical therapist to receive updates/instructions on student positioning and exercises.

E. Supervise students when teacher is not present.

F. Communicate to teacher any concern which pertains to students, staff, policies, etc.

G. Suggest and attend appropriate continuing education classes.

H. Assist with special programs.

I. Serve snack/lunch to students daily according to DSS Child and Adult Care Food Program guidelines.

J. Maintain daily lunch, snack, and attendance records according to CACFP guidelines as requested by classroom teacher.

K. Take the lead in the classroom in the event of the teacher’s absence.

II. Fiscal Management:

A. Assist the teacher in yearly classroom budget planning.

B. Make recommendations to the teacher for classroom equipment/software updates.

III. Planning & Development:

A. Assist the teacher in compiling a weekly lesson plan.

B. Assist the teacher in assessing developmental levels of students .

C. Assist the teacher in compiling documentation for student reports.

D. Assist the teacher in planning and implementing a total program for each student.

E. Provide necessary information to the teacher to assist in the planning processes leading to the adoption of programs and policies.

F. Assist, as required, with the planning and development of long range goals and objectives for the Center.

IV. Policies and Standards:

A. Make recommendations to the supervisor for development, review, and revision of Center Policies and Procedures.

B. Carry out policies and programs that pertain to the classroom as adopted by the Board of Directors.

C. Promote the Meyer Center mission whenever possible in the community within the confines of the personnel policy.

V. Regulatory Agencies:

A. Comply with all licensing standards and regulations set by DSS Day Care Licensing, DSS Child

and Adult Care Food Program, ABC Voucher, DHEC, Medicaid Transportation Program, UTMA,

and the Board of Directors.

B. Participate in United Way Campaign and fundraising activities as requested.

C. Serve as a sub bus monitor as needed based on a rotating sub bus monitor schedule.

D. Such other duties as requested by the Education Coordinator or the supervising classroom teacher.

Paraprofessionals

Requirements for Paraprofessionals

According to Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), all instructional paraprofessionals

in Title I schools or targeted assistance programs must complete at least one of the following three requirements:

1. At least two years of study (60 semester hours) at an accredited institution of higher education; or

2. An associate's degree (or higher); or

3. An approved state or local academic assessment that measures the paraprofessional's knowledge of and ability to assist in instruction of the following subjects at the appropriate level:

• To meet this assessment requirement, paraprofessionals may choose one of the following state approved tests:

• ParaPro Assessment (ETS.org). The minimum passing score on this test is 456.

• ACT.org - WorkKeys (ACT.org). The following four areas are required: reading, writing, mathematics, and an inventory survey.

The minimum passing score on the required assessments are as follows.

Applied Mathematics - 4

Reading for Information - 4

Writing or Business Writing - 3

Instructional Support Inventory - 3

Timeline for New and Veteran Paraprofessionals

All new and veteran instructional paraprofessionals in Title I schools or targeted assistance programs must have completed at least one of the above requirements. New paraprofessionals must have met the criteria prior to their date of hire.

The U.S. Department of Education Non-Regulatory Guidance for Paraprofessionals provides more information

for paraprofessionals and administrators. USDE Paraprofessional Guidance (ed.gov - updated March 2004)

(PDF, 74kb)

Rev. 1/08