Organization Description:
Basal Therapies is a multidisciplinary pediatric out-patient clinic providing Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling to the community. Group programs and specialized preschool opportunities are also part of our service offerings. Basal Therapies offers a unique therapeutic experience with accessibility to all services under one roof, leading to team collaboration and a holistic approach to each child’s treatment.
Basal Therapies believes that by focusing on foundational learning, there is an increased likelihood of future progress. The following values guide our decision-making and service provision alike, and are relevant to both the children and families we serve, and also for our team and their own families.
Passion: a deep sense of commitment, compelling action, to work toward the goals we set
Growth: progress and positive change over time
Collaboration: sharing ideas and skills to produce an outcome or common goal greater than one that would be developed individually
Adaptability: an ability and willingness to change in order to accommodate different conditions
Community: being connected and collectively responsible for adding value to what happens to and for a group
As a team member of Basal Therapies, you will be working within a collaborative and innovative environment to bring the vision of “progress through passion” to families in our community! This drives our mission through our passionate providers who share a love for building strong foundations for families and the children that we serve.
Position Description:
Join our Basal Therapies team and contribute to the growth and development of children and their families in Frederick and surrounding communities. We are seeking a dedicated and passionate Preschool Teacher Assistant to join our team. The ideal candidate will have experience working with young children with special needs and a strong commitment to providing inclusive and individualized educational support. The Preschool Teacher Assistant will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to support students, create a supportive learning environment, and promote the social, emotional, and academic growth of each child.
Responsibilities & Duties
- Direct Student Contact
- Classroom Support: Assist the lead teacher in implementing structured lessons, activities, and individualized instruction tailored to each child’s developmental needs.
- Student Assistance: Provide direct support to children with special needs, including help with communication, mobility, sensory regulation, and self-care tasks.
- Behavioral Support: Reinforce positive behavior strategies and support students in developing social-emotional skills.
- Adapted Learning Materials: Help create and modify instructional materials, visual supports, and adaptive tools to meet diverse learning needs.
- One-on-One and Small Group Instruction: Work with students individually or in small groups to reinforce learning concepts introduced by the teacher.
- Classroom Organization: Help set up, clean, and organize the classroom environment to ensure a safe, structured, and engaging learning space.
- Collaboration with Therapists & Specialists: Work closely with speech therapists, occupational therapists, and other specialists to support student goals and
accommodations. - Communication with Families: Support the lead teacher in maintaining positive communication with parents and caregivers about student progress and classroom activities.
- Safety and Supervision: Ensure a safe and inclusive environment by monitoring student interactions, assisting during transitions, and following health and safety protocols.
- Other Duties
- Help develop new programs and/or services in collaboration with other team members and leadership team
- Be professional and courteous in all written and verbal communications with clients, colleagues and other business associates
- Participate in team meetings, professional development opportunities, and collaborative planning sessions to enhance teaching practices and contribute to the overall success of the program
Qualifications, Education & Experience:
- High school diploma or GED required; associate’s or bachelor’s degree in early childhood education, special education, or a related field preferred.
- Previous experience working with young children, preferably in a preschool or special education setting.
- Experience supporting children with disabilities, including those with autism, speech/language delays, sensory processing challenges, or other developmental needs, is highly desirable.
- Commitment to ongoing professional development and continuous improvement in teaching practices
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Work as an effective team member yet be independent as necessary
- Exercise sound judgment and initiative
- Comfortable with computers and web-based apps
Benefits
- Competitive compensation: Hourly rate $15-20 per hour, based on experience
- Part-Time employment with a supportive and collaborative team
- Processes that foster a work-life balance
- Mentorship and training
- Multiple opportunities to work with other team members to develop programs to support the needs of families as well as the growth of the practice
- A fun and rewarding work environment
- 401(k) with company match
