Job Description
Behaviour Therapy and Learning Centre (BTLC) is dedicated to providing an exceptional educational program to preschool and Kindergarten children with autism and other developmental disabilities.BTLCs intensive and individualized program focuses on teaching the functional skills that support our children in achieving the greatest degree of independence possible and developing their capacity to participate in inclusive environments with their same aged peers. Extensive research on early development for children with autism stresses the importance of intensive and early intervention. For most children with autism, strong, evidence based early intervention results insignificant and accelerated gains in learning, communication, and social skills. It can make a lifetime of difference. We have a team of brilliant, creative, educational assistants and support staff that celebrate each and every accomplishment of our remarkable students. We are currently seeking an enthusiastic, flexible, and creative teacher to share our passion to make Big Things Happen for children with autism. JOB OVERVIEW: BTLC provides an intensive, specialized program with an intentionally small class size and high ratio of adult support that allows for focused time and attention for each child and the flexibility to meet their individual learning needs. Learning happens throughout the day as children participate in creative and engaging activities based on the learning outcomes and skills outlined in the Alberta Education Kindergarten curriculum andKindergarten Program Statement. Group activities are thoughtfully planned by our experienced certificated teacher to address each child's individual and educational goals. Activities and lessons surround a common theme that is integrated into all Kindergarten curriculum content areas: EnglishLanguage Arts and Literature, Mathematics, Physical Education and Wellness, Personal and SocialResponsibility, Science and Creative Expression. We are seeking a teacher to work collaboratively with a team of educational assistants to implement systematic and structured lesson plans to support each child in reducing challenging behaviours that impact their learning and develop positive skills and behaviours, including: play, communication, language comprehension, independence with classroom routines, attention and active participation in group learning, social interaction, early literacy and numeracy skills and readiness for printing and drawing. Skills are broken down and systematically taught using repetition, planned prompting and reinforcement. Children participate in activities, routines, and have experiences similar to a community preschool or Kindergarten classroom. The successful candidate would organize and lead these activities with ongoing support from the Special Education Consultant/Lead Teacher. POSITION: Full Time, Fixed Term Renewable Contract (start date TBD, late August 2024) Monday to Friday daytime (within the hours of 8:00 am to 5:00 pm); 45 hours per week REQUIREMENTS: Open to feedback, eager to learn, and able to generalize learned strategies Positive attitude, enthusiastic, energetic, and can confidently engage with young children Demonstrate sensitivity and compassion, especially when working with children with challenging behaviours Adaptable, flexible, and prepared to work in a busy classroom Work cooperatively and respectfully with team members High level of professionalism and leadership skills Reliably follow through with assigned responsibilities and demonstrate initiative and excellent organizational skills Comfortable supporting toileting, eating, and dressing Physical agility and stamina to play, run, bend, walk, crouch, crawl and stand for extended periods of time, move with ease to and from the floor and small furniture, and move/lift/carry up to fifty pounds Fluent in English with effective communication skills (both written and oral) Basic knowledge of and experience with Microsoft 365 applications Current Emergency First Aid and CPR Level C Clear Police Check and Child Intervention Check QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelors degree in education with an Interim or Permanent Professional Certificate issued byAlberta Education Specialization in Early Children Education or Special Education, or specific experience workingwith children with special needs, especially autism, is a significant asset Experience teaching children individually, and in small and large groups as part of acooperative, collaborative preschool/Kindergarten classroom Experience with leadership and delegation of tasks is an asset Experience with development, monitoring, and review of Individualized Program Plans (IPPs) is an asset Knowledge of and experience with Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), Discrete Trial Teaching is an asset Strong understanding of child development is an asset WHY BTLC? Compensation based on experience and educational background (starting range $51 800-$55300) Performance based increases Extended time off: winter break, spring break and summer Minimum of one paid non instructional working day per month to allow for team meetings and program development Five personal days as per Alberta Employment Standards, plus a minimum of one additional paid day off scheduled per month, acknowledging the importance of employee wellness Extended Health Care Benefits and Employee Assistance Program Professional development Working with an enthusiastic and supportive team TO APPLY: Please use the Apply Now button at the following link: https://btlc.applytojobs.ca/teacher/30276 Attention: Human Resources The children we support are diverse and so are we! We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, identities, perspectives, and skills. We strive to provide a safe and supportive atmosphere that fosters inclusivity, and therefore, employment decisions are made solely on the basis of job requirements, candidate qualifications, and organization need. Apply ASAP as resumes will be reviewed on an ongoing basis upon receipt. The position may be filled before the posting deadline. Only those candidates considered for an interview will be contacted.