Educational Assistant - Part time

THE RIDLEY DIFFERENCE

Founded in 1889, Ridley College is a co-educational boarding and day school with over 750 students in JK to Grade 12 from more than 55 countries worldwide. Education at Ridley is 'learner-centred' and inquiry-based, enhanced by the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum. It places students at the heart of the learning experience and develops curiosity, open-mindedness, and agile thinking and doing.  Guided by our vision, we aim to inspire flourishing lives to transform our globe. 

We strive as a community to create a culture of belonging on campus based on trust, collaboration and cooperation, and to promote and deepen these shared values in all we do. Joining the team at Ridley means you are committed to life-long learning and development, have integrity and value being of service in a richly diverse community. Attracting, developing and retaining people who thrive in Ridley’s positive education culture that recognizes and celebrates individual strengths is critical to our success. 

Ridley College is located on 90 picturesque acres in St. Catharines, Ontario, in the heart of the Niagara Peninsula and is comprised of a stunning blend of century-old buildings housing modernized technology. 

OVERVIEW

Ridley College has an opportunity for a part-time Educational Assistant in our Lower School. Hours of work are Monday to Friday from 11:30am to 3:00pm.  This position may also be required to assist with our aftercare programme between 3:00pm-6:30pm. This position will work the school year from September to June.

The Educational Assistant will: 

• work collaboratively with the Teachers in supporting the emotional wellbeing of students in the classroom, implementing classroom routines and curriculum, and the tracking and supporting of student behaviour

• support the teacher to problem solve challenging situations and supporting engagement with the group plan in the classroom

• communicate with the family regarding successes and challenges throughout the day/week in co-ordination with the classroom teacher 

If assigned After Care hours, duties will include:

• always maintaining a safe and supervised environment
• plan and facilitate a range of activities to engage students
• follow and enforce all safety guidelines and procedures, including health and safety protocols
• maintain accurate attendance records and incidents reports
• report all incidents and discipline issues to Lower School Head
• always display a pleasant and enthusiastic demeanor
• communicate effectively to parents and students regarding any issues or concerns

QUALIFICATIONS

• Completion of the Educational Assistant Program from a Community College (preferred) OR equivalent college or university degree in a Child Related field (DSW, Social Work, Social Services, ECE, PSW)

• Previous experience in an Educational Assistant role working within diverse classroom settings demonstrating your ability to navigate various educational environments.

• Experience working with young children/students with learning and/or behavioural exceptionalities who are exhibiting severe behavioural/emotional difficulties.

• Strong teamwork with a high degree of sensitivity and diplomacy when engaging with our faculty team and students.

• Strong ability to adapt to changing situations and coping with stressful situations.

• Excellent interpersonal skills, exemplary communication skills, problem-solving, negotiation, and mediation skills.

• Demonstrated capacity to physically assist children, including lifting and meeting physical demands analysis when necessary.

• Current First Aid and CPR certification an asset.

HOW TO APPLY

Deadline for applications:  May 14, 2025

While all applicants are thanked for their interest, only those chosen for interviews will be contacted.

As a condition of employment, a satisfactory Vulnerable Persons Screening Report must be provided.

Ridley College is committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible, and equitable environment where everyone feels respected, valued and supported.  Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.  If you are selected to participate in the recruitment process, please inform Human Resources of the nature of any accommodation(s) that you may require in respect of any materials or processes used in order to ensure your equal participation.