Abilities First, Inc., has been making a difference in the lives of people with developmental disabilities for almost sixty years. We offer a wide variety of services including school and preschool programs, day habilitation, residential habilitation, community habilitation, and employment services.

Abilities First recognizes the
value of diverse experiences, identities, and backgrounds to and does not discriminate in hiring. We are inclusive, welcoming and supportive of people of varying abilities, races, ethnicities, religions, socio-economic status, gender and gender identities. Abilities First is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Abilities First is seeking full time and substitute Teacher Aides in our Pre School Program located in Wappingers Falls, NY. This position attends to the educational, physical, social and emotional needs of the students while assisting the Classroom Teacher and Teacher Assistant in the implementation of students’ IEP goals.

Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 3:00pm; 32.5 hours per week, 48 weeks per year. This position follows the school calendar (September – June), with a 6-week summer program.

Responsibilities include:

• Assists in the classroom to conduct individual and group activities.
• Assists in the organization and arrangement of the classroom in order to provide a conductive learning environment.
• Attend therapy sessions with students to allow for appropriate carryover in the classroom.
• Escorts and assists students (via wheelchair, walker, etc.) to and from school buses while providing opportunities for students’ increased independence in mobility and orientation.
• Perform wheelchair/equipment transporting, transferring and lifting.
• Toilet children and use appropriate adaptive equipment if necessary.
• Change clothing when wet or soiled.

Sets out lunches and adaptive feeding equipment, cut up or mash food as required, feed students following OT procedures, and provide opportunities for students’ increased independence in meal preparation.

• Set up computers, communication device systems and related adaptive equipment.

This is a full-time position eligible for these benefits:

• Vacation, sick, personal, and holiday time off (or paid time off on the school calendar)
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance options
• 401(k) plan with employer match
• Employer paid life insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Increased earning potential with online training through College of Direct Support
• On Demand Payment – access your earnings as early as the next day
• Discounts with Verizon, AT&T, Royal Carting, etc.
• And More!

*Opportunities to earn additional income in our Community Habilitation Program are available. Working one-on-one with individuals in the community, responsibilities include training and supporting individuals in the areas of personal hygiene, household chores, social behaviors, financial management, and other areas as needed. Such opportunities provide the Teacher Aide positions the option to work up to a total of 40 hours per week.* Options to work in an alternate program during the school breaks for those wising to work 52 weeks.

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Experience working within early childhood and special education preferred.