Supply Educational Assistants - Land-based learning programs

Job Details

The Durham District School Board acknowledges that many Indigenous Nations have longstanding relationships, both historic and modern, with the territories upon which our school board and schools are located. Today, this area is home to many Indigenous peoples from across Turtle Island. We acknowledge that the Durham Region forms a part of the traditional and treaty territory of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation, the Mississauga Peoples and the treaty territory of the Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation. It is on these ancestral and treaty lands that we teach, live and learn.

This statement was co-created in partnership with the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation and the Chippewas of Georgina Island.

These positions support l and-based learning programs throughout the DDSB and the fo u r ( 4) l and-based learning sites. Programs include understanding Indigenous Knowledge in connections with relationships to the land, including language connections and Indigenous ways of knowing. Supply EAs are required to be outside for the duration of the program and will work with other members of the l and-based l earning team.

Locations will include: Durham Forest, Nonquon, Pheasants Pen and Duffins Creek.

As a supply Educational Assistant, you are employed directly by the board and will be placed in temporary roles to cover employee absences for specific durations-ranging from a day to several months.

This job may be of interest to you if you have training or experience in one of the following areas:

• Educational Support/Educational Assistant
• Child and Youth Care (CYC) or Child and Youth Worker (CYW)
• Development Service worker (DSW)
• Personal Support Worker (PSW)
• Intervenor
• Psychology background
• Autism and Behavioural Science

Job Summary :

To assist the classroom teacher in the education of students with diverse learning needs. The deployment and assignment of duties within the school or a classroom setting, are the responsibility of the teacher involved, in consultation with the principal.

Major Duties May Include :

1. Assist teacher in the teaching and learning process

• Using teacher planned activities, help students individually or in small groups to consolidate previously taught skills in reading (listening to oral reading), in math , in writing (acting as a student scribe/recording on computer), in phonics and language exercises;
• Develop student's self esteem and positive self concept throughout;
• Observe and record student progress;
• Communicate to the teacher regarding student progress.

2. Prepare classroom material and equipment as directed

• Including teaching aids, display material, photocopied material, laminated material, arts and craft material, the setup and operation of the computer etc. to support individual student need of students

3. Maintain student records, charts and files as directed

• Updating and recording such matters as student progress, behavior and other general documentation for specific students.

4. Assist with student supervision as directed

• Supervise individual or small groups of students as directed
• Supervise on field trips, in classrooms, at school assemblies, on buses, during recesses, and lunch hours.
• General supervision as per educational assistant schedule.

5. Supervise, observe and guide students' behaviour as directed

• Including instructing and encouraging positive student behaviour
• Implementing behaviour management/modification programs

6. Instruct and assist students in basic life skills as directed

• Personal hygiene (such as toileting assistance including cleaning up accidents, lifting to and from wheelchairs, changing diapers, eating assistance, grooming assistance);
• Life skills (such as meal planning and preparation, shopping, cooking skills and use of cooking equipment such as stove, microwave);
• Community skills (such as recognizing common signs, banking)

7. Assist in the integration of students as directed

• Work in cooperation with the homeroom teacher, the subject teacher and the academic resource personnel to assess and plan the student's integration;
• Monitor student comprehension of instructions from their teacher, their work skills, their completed work and their progress;

8. Assist in the physical development of students as directed

• Fine motor skills (threading), gross motor skills (climbing, catching, running)
• Physical exercise programs for individual students prescribed by the Occupational Therapist and under the direction of the teacher to strengthen, stimulate and develop muscle tone (child over a ball or wedge)

9. Accompany and assist students in their job placements

• Assist in the job training, monitor progress, help in the acquisition of job skills (punctuality, etc.)

10. Provide physical and other assistance to students as required

• Provide assistance with dressing and undressing, scribing, getting on and off the bus/taxi, toiletting support, and/or exercise program;
• Escort and provide physical assistance for an individual student outside class;
• Position students who have limited flexibility
• Push and pull students' wheelchairs or carry students in a floor sitter;
• Lift students from wheelchairs to change mat on floor or up to change table for toileting purposes;
• Utilize equipment in various exercise programs (tricycles, large balls, wedges, etc.);
• Administer and chart oral medication.

11. Assist with the education of a student who is blind.

• Prepare learning resources in braille, in audio form and/or in a tactile format and use these materials to assist the student's learning

12. Assist with the education of students who are deaf and/or non-verbal

• Using sign language, interpret oral classroom instructions and other oral communications for the student.

13. Perform such other duties as may be assigned by the principal or the teacher.
Qualifications :

• Secondary School Diploma (Grade 12)
• Outdoor Education experience (college program)
• Land-Based Learning experience
• EA college program and/or Indigenous Knowledge experience

Additional Requirements

• Experience supervising and supporting children
• Provide a current Criminal Background Check with vulnerable sector screening upon hire.

Equity and Inclusion
The Durham District School Board recognizes Indigenous rights are distinct. In the exercise of those rights, Indigenous staff and students shall not be subjected to actions with the aim or effect of depriving these distinct rights.

The DDSB is dedicated to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all. We are committed to reflecting the diverse communities we serve and encourage applications from candidates who bring a variety of experiences and backgrounds. We adhere to fair, transparent hiring practices and are committed to equity and accessibility throughout the recruitment process. If you need accommodation during the application process, please let us know, and we will work with you to meet your needs.

Ignite Your Career

At the Durham District School Board (DDSB), we inspire the lives of over 80,000 students. Our diverse communities are places where your impact will be felt every day.

Picture yourself in a workplace where your ideas are celebrated, and your growth is a top priority. Here, collaboration and innovation thrive. Whether you're directly inspiring young minds or providing essential support behind the scenes, your contributions will have a meaningful impact on students and the community.

We welcome you to bring your experiences, your passions, and your talents to our inclusive community. Join us and be part of a team that values your well-being as much as your contributions. Ignite your potential at DDSB and help us make a difference, one student at a time.