Candidates who are Blind or Visually Impaired and/or Deaf or Hard of Hearing are encouraged to apply for this position and may be given preference in hiring as federal laws permit. Information related to disability is not required and, if disclosed voluntarily, will be used only in AIDB’s efforts to create opportunities for individuals with exceptionalities. Non-disclosure will not subject any applicant to adverse treatment.
POSITION: Teacher Aide
REPORTS TO: RISE Together Preschool Coordinator
LOCATION: AIDB-North Campus (Decatur, AL)
ABOUT ALABAMA INSTITUTE FOR DEAF AND BLIND (AIDB)
Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind (AIDB) is the world’s most comprehensive education, rehabilitation, and service program serving individuals of all ages who are
Deaf, Blind, Deaf Blind, multidisabled, and their families. Founded in 1858, AIDB serves more than 30,000 infants, toddlers, children, adults, and senior citizens with hearing and vision loss throughout Alabama each year. Our services span a lifetime and include five campuses in Talladega, a statewide network of regional centers, Early Intervention services, traditional and nontraditional educational opportunities in residential, day, and outreach settings, and a manufacturing facility known as Alabama Industries for the Blind (AIB), the state’s largest employer of adults who are Blind. AIDB’s three K-12 schools — Alabama School for the Blind, Alabama School for the Deaf, and Helen Keller School of Alabama — provide specialized educational services that empower students to achieve their full potential. Our employees are among the organization’s most valuable assets and resources. We share a commitment to leveling the playing field for all. Our mission makes AIDB a
unique place to work.
ABOUT THE ROLE
At the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind (AIDB), our employees are our most valuable assets and resources. We share a deep compassion for leveling the playing field for all, and our mission makes AIDB a uniquely rewarding place to work and serve statewide.
In this role, you will be a vital part of a dedicated team focused on fostering growth in core areas, including communication, social interaction, academics, and daily independence. If you are a compassionate, driven professional looking to make a profound, measurable impact on the lives of unique learners, the RISE program offers an incredibly fulfilling environment to grow your career.
ABOUT YOU
As a Teacher Aide in the RISE Together Preschool program, you will play a foundational role in shaping the early development of young children within RISE Autism—a specialized program utilizing evidence-based strategies to foster independence in communication, social interaction, and academics for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and Sensory Loss. Partnering closely with the Preschool Teacher, you will help cultivate a nurturing and enriching classroom that meets Alabama's high educational standards. By collaborating with a passionate team to ensure a safe, predictable, and deeply engaging environment, your day-to-day contributions will directly empower unique learners and guide them toward greater autonomy.
POSITION QUALIFICATIONS
High School Diploma or equivalent.
Experience working with children in a preschool, kindergarten, or childcare setting.
Must meet suitability/background requirements for employment
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education or related field.
Possess a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential.
Experience working with individuals with disabilities.
POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES
Instructional & Developmental Support
Curriculum Implementation: Partner with the Teacher to plan and execute developmentally appropriate activities that actively promote children’s cognitive, social, emotional, and physical growth.
Individualized Care: Work closely with the Lead Teacher to provide tailored support for children with diverse needs, implementing necessary accommodations and modifications to ensure all students fully participate.
Social & Behavior Guidance: Assist in managing classroom behavior effectively, using positive reinforcement to encourage constructive social interactions among children.
Classroom Operations & Safety
Attentive Supervision: Provide continuous, vigilant supervision to ensure the absolute safety and well-being of all children at all times.
Daily Routines: Assist with essential daily routines, including structured meal times, transition periods, nap time, and toileting.
Environment Maintenance: Help maintain a clean, hygienic, positive, and organized classroom environment, taking proactive measures to prevent accidents and follow all health protocols.
Administration & Collaboration
Documentation & Compliance: Assist in maintaining accurate, confidential records regarding student attendance, developmental milestones, and assessments in strict compliance with licensing regulations.
Professional Relationships: Establish and maintain strong, collaborative rapport with colleagues, administrators, and families.
Program Improvement: Contribute to ongoing program reviews, self-assessments, and quality improvement initiatives to enhance overall educational outcomes.
Position Requirements & Physical Demands
Physical Mobility & Student Care: Must possess the adequate physical mobility required to support students and curriculum functions, including diapering/toileting, personal hygiene assistance, feeding, transitioning students in wheelchairs or lifts, lifting, and facilitating recreational activities.
Professional Development: Actively participate in ongoing training opportunities to enhance knowledge of early childhood education and best practices.
Sign Language Proficiency: Must obtain a sign language proficiency level of Survival Plus according to the AIDB evaluation system within the first twenty-four (24) months of employment, and achieve an Intermediate rating within thirty-six (36) months.
Upon offer of employment, the applicant must submit to a fingerprint background check at an agency designated and paid by AIDB. This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job goals, qualifications, and responsibilities, and the employee may be required to perform other related duties as assigned.
MANDATORY ANNUAL TRAINING:
Medication Training
Behavior Management
CPR- every 2 years
Bloodborne Pathogens
Using an AED
Mandatory Reporting - DHR
Policy and Procedure Review
Erin’s Law
Jason Flatt Act
SALARY: $15.32-$17.75 Scale C1 Rank 27 (High School/GED)
$16.13-$18.82 Scale C1 Rank 29 (30 semester hours) in related field
$17.40-$20.37 Scale C1 Rank 32 (60 Semester Hours only) in related field
187 Days
Direct Deposit Required
BENEFITS: Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance Available
Alabama State TRS Retirement
Deferred Compensation Options Available
Paid Time off
Paid Holidays
Deadline for Application: Open Until Filled
Company
The Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind (AIDB) is the world’s most comprehensive education,
rehabilitation and service program serving individuals of all ages who are deaf, blind, deafblind and
multi-disabled and their families. Founded in 1858, AIDB serves more than 30,000 infants, toddlers,
children, adults and seniors with hearing and vision loss throughout Alabama each year. Our services
literally span a lifetime including five campuses in Talladega, ten regional centers located in
Birmingham, Dothan, Huntsville, Mobile, Montgomery, Talladega, Tuscaloosa, Tuscumbia, Opelika
and Decatur with programs that range from early and senior intervention, traditional and
nontraditional education services in residential and outreach settings and a manufacturing facility that
is the state’s largest employer of adults who are blind and deaf.