Please Note: Salary range on posting is for FULLY qualified applicants.
JOB DESCRIPTION:
Assist in providing care, supervision and learning activities to preschool-age children in a classroom environment; assist with planning and implementing a variety of activities to meet the needs and interests of children.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Candidate must have a high school diploma or GED. Must have completed 48 hours of post-secondary education, earned an Associates Degree, or passed the ParaPro Assessment that demonstrates knowledge of and the ability to assist in teaching reading, writing, and mathematics or reading, writing, and mathematics readiness supplemented by college-level course work in early childhood education and some experience working with children in an educational or related setting.
Must be able to successfully complete drug screening requirements. Must have strong office, computer, and oral and written communication skills. Incumbents must possess knowledge of basic principles and practices of early childhood development, general instructional methods and techniques, and basic subjects taught in District Schools, including arithmetic, grammar, spelling, language and reading.
Must be highly-qualified. The paraprofessional can be determined for highly-qualified if he or she has:
- Two years of college experience
- A two-year college degree from an accredited college
- Passed the Para-Pro Assessment
- One year or 1,000 hours of previous employment in a school or working with children
- Passed annual school-level evaluations
- Completed 48 credit hours of college level classes from an accredited college
- Child Development Associate (CDA) credentials
Applicants must possess or be willing to obtain one of the following:
1. A current Child Development Associate (CDA) credential issued by the Council for Professional Recognition.
2. A CDA Credential equivalent as defined by NAEYC as at least 12 college credits in early childhood education, child development, elementary education, or early childhood special education.
3. An associate’s degree (AA) in early childhood education, child development, elementary education, or early childhood special education.
If selected for an interview, candidate must provide proof of education at the time of interview (official transcripts or Para Pro results).
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
1. Assist in providing care, supervision and learning activities to preschool-age children in a classroom environment; assist the teacher with the development and implementation of classroom activities; provide children with proper examples, emotional support, friendly attitude and general guidance.
2. Oversee student practices and assignments in various subjects; assist children with projects and assignments; read books to students as assigned; assist children with letter and word pronunciation and recognition.
3. Observe and control behavior of children in the classroom according to approved procedures; monitor children during eating, recess and outdoor activities as directed; monitor and report progress regarding student performance and behavior.
4. Perform a variety of clerical duties such as preparing, typing and duplicating instructional materials; provide classroom support to the teacher by setting up work areas and displays as assigned; distribute and collect paper and supplies.
5. Assist with serving and setting up for snacks and meals as assigned; participate in the preparation and serving of food items; assist children with eating activities; clean up after meals; assist children with washing hands and faces after play times and meals as needed.
6. Oversee and interact with children during games, play, outings and recreational and group activities.
7. Assure the health and safety of children by following health and safety practices and procedures; maintain learning environment in a safe, orderly and clean manner.
8. Attend Professional learning as required by NAEYC and Paths to Quality.
9. Perform related duties as assigned by the Administrator to meet the particular needs of the building/unit.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to speak and hear. The employee is required to have dexterity of hands and fingers. The employee is required to sit or stand for extended periods of time. They may be occasionally required to bend at the waist, kneel or crouch. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this job the incumbent is seated or walking at will. The incumbent will be required to push, pull, lift and/or carry students weighing 50 pounds or more in wheelchairs as assigned. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to outside weather conditions.