Developmental Support Assistant

For over 45 years, Community Options has provided inclusive education solutions focusing on early intervention therapy services for children with diagnosed disabilities. Throughout the Edmonton region in numerous preschools and childcare centers, our Community Preschool Education (CPE) program is renowned for providing exceptional learning and care. Community Options believes in offering children and families an inclusive experience to help develop their child's full potential within in their community, regardless of their abilities, while positively impacting lifelong learning and enriching quality of life.

The Developmental Support Assistant (formally Educational Assistant) supports a multidisciplinary team that provides assessment, consultation, and educational supports. This is for children experiencing difficulties in social, developmental, communication, physical, play, and overall preschool skills development. The Developmental Support Assistant (formally Educational Assistant) reports directly to the Coordinating Teacher who is a member of the multidisciplinary team.

The Developmental Support Assistant (formally Educational Assistant) works with a set team (Coordinating Teacher, SLP, OT, PT) and helps to deliver services to multiple children in their respective programs.

**Our Mission**: Community Options supports the diverse needs of children and families through inclusive early childhood education programs and community initiatives.
**Our Vision**: Empowered family building inclusive communities.

**Hours**: Between a minimum of 15 hours to a maximum 30 hours a week, pending placement and location. Hours are between 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday, pending placement and location.

**Job Type**: Part-time-Temporary

**Shifts**: Morning and Afternoon

**Placements**:Majority of current available placements are located in City of Edmonton west and south areas.
- Support children with developmental delays in community preschool and/or daycare settings.
- Works with a multidisciplinary team comprised of a coordinating teacher and therapists (SLP, OT, PT).
- Supports an inclusive early learning environment.
- Establishes supportive and respectful relationships among centre staff, co-workers, children, families, and community.
- Observes, supports, and documents students’ progress.
- Support various needs of the children as required (may include but not limited to diapering, toileting, dressing, and social supports).
- Implementing IPP recommendations and suggestions made by multidisciplinary team into daily activities with children.
- Open and receptive to feedback and suggestions.
- Must participate in mandatory training workshops on bi-monthly basis.
- Ability to work outdoors, including times of inclement weather.
- Other duties as assigned.

**Job Qualifications and Requirements**:

- Alberta Child Development Assistant Certificate (Level 1) preferred (or **must be obtained within 3 months of hire date).**:

- Highschool diploma or equivalency
- Current Child Intervention Record Check (must be obtained within 3 months of hire date).
- **Direct experience with children ages 2 to pre-k is a requirement.**:

- Experience or education in a daycare or preschool setting either paid or volunteer.
- Experience in working with children with developmental delays.
- Must have love and compassion towards children.
- A positive and empathetic approach that enables one to deal with challenging situations with kindness.
- Excellent organization and communication skills.
- Ability to work independently (mínimal supervision) while supporting centre staff.
- Regular outdoor work, including times of inclement weather.
- Ability to kneel or squat for most of the shift and with occasional lifting of up to 50 lbs.
- Ability to ensure child's safety (e.g., run after child if required).
- Ability to travel between work sites and office as required.

We would like to thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those considered for an interview will be contacted.

**Job Types**: Part-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 10 months

**Salary**: $18.50-$21.25 per hour

**Benefits**:

- Employee assistance program

Schedule:

- Day shift
- Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person