Entry to School Classroom Assistant

Are you looking for a dynamic and challenging role in supporting children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder preparing to enter school for the very first time? THRIVE has a position for you

Thrive Child Development Centre/Centre de développement de l’enfant, located throughout the Algoma district, with our head office in Sault Ste. Marie, is proud to offer an inclusive, educational, and developmentally appropriate Entry to School Program. This program is a service offering that supports families with children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who are between the ages of 4 to 6 entering school for the first time. It is a six-month, group-based, skill-building program focused on helping children develop school-readiness skills in a classroom setting. The classroom will be operated by a multi-disciplinary team.

We are looking for Entry to School Classroom Assistants interested in joining us to work as part of a multidisciplinary team that will provide a group-based learning environment for children ages 4-6 with an Autism diagnosis as part of the OAP’s Entry to School Program. This position will run from April 1st until August 30th - hours of operation are Monday thru Friday (8:30am until 4:30pm) and is based out of St. Mary's French Immersion Catholic School (124 Gibbs St, Sault Ste. Marie). We believe in the power of teamwork and partnership, and achieving excellence through innovation, curiosity and optimism. In addition to our fun and collaborative working environment, we also offer: a competitive salary, vacation pay, participation in our Employee Family Assistance Program (EFAP), and participation in a defined benefit pension plan (Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan HOOPP).

What we require from you:

- In process of completing or completed post-secondary or College education (in Early Childhood Education, Child & Youth Worker, Autism and Behavioural Science, Psychology or Behavioural Sciences Program, Post Graduate Communicative Disorder Assistant, or others of a related field)
- Minimum one (1) year working with preschool children (preferably post-graduation).
- Experience working with children with ASD is required
- Current CPR/First Aid Certification
- Proof of full COVID-19 vaccination
- Satisfactory criminal background checks (CPIC)

What we need from you:

- Experience working with children (0-6) with developmental support needs in an early learning environment
- Ability to effectively work in an inter-disciplinary team environment as well as independently
- Excellent communication (both oral and written), and listening skills
- Ability to interact with others and deal with situations in ways that respect diverse backgrounds, experiences, and styles.
- Ability to communicate in a respectful manner with children, caregivers, collaborative partners, and the general public
- Knowledge of behavior management strategies
- Proven ability to deal with difficult situations in the moment and take necessary action in stressful or emergency situations
- Proven understanding of, and ability to maintain confidentiality at all times
- Proficiency in both written and verbal French Language skills is considered an asset
- Everyone is welcome_ — as an inclusive workplace, we are committed to creating positive and welcoming space within our organization, for our clients, families, volunteers, staff, and community partners.
- THRIVE is committed to accessibility and to protecting the human rights our job applicants during the recruitment process. Should at any point throughout the recruitment process an applicant require accommodation or communication in an alternative format because of a disability please contact People & Culture at 705-759-1131. We are committed to providing accommodation or alternate formats upon request within a reasonable time period in a mutually agreed upon format._