PUF EA (Edmonton)

Centre for Autism Services Alberta • Part-time • Edmonton, Alberta, Canada • from C$ 24 / hour • 1m ago

PUF EA (Edmonton)

The Centre for Autism Services Alberta (CFASA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to working alongside Autistic people and their families. Since 1997, CFASA has made it its mission to provide Autistic people with meaningful and responsive supports that prioritize each person’s autonomy and equal access to opportunities. Our organization serves Autistic individuals over their lifespan. We make it our practice to listen to the community and co-create supports that meet their needs. We partner with families, communities, schools and workplaces to reduce barriers, so that Autistic people can access the activities and spaces that are important to them. We advocate for authentic inclusion, equality, and Neurodiversity Affirming Supports across all of our programs. Our organization is built by and for Autistic people, and we have committed to continuous improvement and learning.

We are a neuro-inclusive employer, and we know that attracting employees from diverse identities makes our work better. If you share our values and our enthusiasm to empower Autistic individuals and their families to thrive, you will find a great career at CFASA. We welcome the unique contributions future staff can bring in terms of their education, opinions, neurotype, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity and expression, nation of origin, age, languages spoken, color, religion, disability, sexual orientation, and beliefs.

Job Description

CFASA is a private Early Childhood Services (ECS) provider offering Program Unit Funding (PUF) through Alberta Education. Our program provides specialized Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten programming.

CFASA is looking for energetic and enthusiastic Educational Assistants (EAs) to join its Early Childhood Services (ECS) team for the upcoming 2025-26 school year. The EAs work as a collaborative member of the ECS team under the direct supervision of the Teacher and with a team of health and non-health professionals as delegated by CFASA. With small class sizes (10-12 students), classrooms combine play-based and structured activities to enhance school readiness. School readiness goals are tailored to each child’s pace, interests and needs.

General Responsibilities:

Work in groups and one-to-one with students under the direction and guidance of the school team.
Develop and assist in the creation of visuals, social stories and other support materials as required.
Write daily data logs and prepare instructional materials as directed by the team or teacher.
Consult and collaborate with the ECS Team as required.
Assist ECS Team in collecting data related to individualized program plans (IPPs).
Use Neuro-affirming practices to create a nurturing and supportive learning environment celebrating each child’s strengths and individuality preparing for school readiness in the future.
May have opportunities to lead some instructional times as directed by the teacher.
Maintain client dignity by honouring the right to individual choice and freedom of mobility wherever possible.

Qualifications:

Completing or completed Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in a related field or similar combined education and experience
Courses in psychology, behavior analysis, education, social work, special needs, nursing, rehabilitation, early childhood development, and occupational therapy or speech language pathology are considered an asset. Specialized training is provided.
6 months of experience working as an Educational Assistant, or equivalent, with children with autism and other developmental delays is preferred
Experience or willingness to learn to support personal care needs and learning such as diapering, toilet training and other goals under the direction of the Occupational Therapist
Knowledge of AAC communication to support classroom use under the direction of the Speech-Language Pathologist is an asset
Clean Police Information Check with Vulnerable Sector Search & Child Intervention Record Check (dated within 6 months) is required as a condition of employment
*if successful, the Centre will cover the cost of the Police Check
Standard First Aid with CPR Level C – paid training provided if needed
Ability to easily engage in gross motor and fine motor movements throughout a shift
Strong interpersonal communication skills with both team members and students
Ability to enthusiastically engage students in programming activities at individual and group levels
Willingness to provide hands-on learning support to students at each child’s level
Strong desire to work with Autistic children and children with other developmental delays
Strong understanding of early childhood development
Able to work both independently and as part of a team
Dependable with a strong work ethic
Ability to adapt to change