About this role
Position Summary
The Teacher’s Assistant Floater – Lifeskills supports students with diverse learning, developmental, behavioral, and personal care needs, including those receiving special education services. The position assists with instruction, behavior, daily living skills, student supervision, and classroom coverage in inclusive and specialized settings, collaborating with school staff to promote student learning, independence, safety, and participation in school activities.
Performance Responsibilities
Assist teachers in implementing instructional activities and reinforcing lessons through individual and small-group instruction.
Support students with special education needs in developing academic, communication, social, organizational, and functional life skills.
Assist students in following classroom routines, completing assignments, utilizing educational technology, and participating in school activities.
Provide behavioral support and assist teachers in implementing established behavioral management strategies.
Support students with significant behavioral and emotional needs, as directed by the teacher and school administration.
Assist students with personal care activities, including toileting, diapering, feeding, dressing, and undressing, based on individual needs and levels of independence.
Assist students with mobility and physical support needs, including lifting when required and appropriate training and safety procedures.
Support students participating in physical therapy and occupational therapy activities under the direction of the teacher and/or qualified related service provider.
Assist with student participation in pool or aquatics activities, including supervision and dressing and undressing routines, as assigned.
Prepare instructional materials, organize classroom resources, and perform basic clerical duties as needed.
Assist teachers with administering and scoring assessments, recording student progress, and maintaining appropriate educational records.
Supervise students during transitions, arrival, dismissal, lunch, and other non-instructional periods as assigned.
Provide classroom coverage and assistance in various instructional settings, including Lifeskills, special education, and general education environments, as directed.
Collaborate with teachers, special education staff, related service providers, and other Teacher Assistants to support student needs and educational goals.
Attend IEP meetings, staff meetings, and professional development activities when requested by the Building Principal or designee.
Communicate professionally with staff, students, and families as directed by the teacher or administration.
Maintain confidentiality regarding student records, educational needs, and personal information.
Perform other related duties as assigned by the Building Principal or designee.
Supervises and Evaluates
In coordination with the district evaluation coordinator, participate in the DEP process for teaching assistants
Term Of Employment
Work year with salary as determined by the agreement between the West Warwick School Committee R.I. Council 94, AFSCME, AFL-CIO on behalf of West Warwick School Employees, local 3546
The Teacher’s Assistant (PK–12) shall work 183 days per school year, with a 33-hour workweek over five days, beginning two days before the first day of school for students.
Evaluation
A performance evaluation will be completed by the Administrator as specified by the District Evaluation Committee and in accordance with the WWTA contract.
Minimal Qualifications
RIDE-Approved Training: You must complete a Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE)-approved Teacher Assistant training program, unless you qualify for an approved exemption.
Education or Testing Requirement: You must meet ONE of the following:
Pass the RIDE-approved ParaPathways test.
Complete at least two years of college study.
Have an associate degree or higher.
Willingness to participate in Handle With Care training and implement approved practices is a condition of employment.