Kindergarten paraprofessional job description

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION:

At the direction of the principal, assists teachers by performing a variety of tasks that promote student learning and well-being. Works individually and in small groups to reinforce instruction, monitor performance, and support learning. This position also performs a variety of instructional and classroom management supports, as well as related clerical tasks to support teachers and other professional staff in all classrooms or learning environments.

CERTIFICATE LICENSE:

None

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES:

Knowledge of child development, instructional strategies and practices applicable to assignment, and instructional goals and policies of Montgomery County Public Schools. Ability to assist with implementation of the instructional program and to participate in monitoring and ensuring appropriate student behavior. Ability to exhibit patient behavior and to work effectively with children, young adults, and staff members. Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and to perform all required tasks. Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. Ability to read/write/speak English. Ability to interact with and support students with special needs. Knowledge of standard desktop computer hardware and software such as MS Office products and database software. Knowledge of and the ability to meet the seven core competencies of the Supporting Services Professional Growth System (SSPGS).

EDUCATION, TRAINING, and EXPERIENCE:

These requirements are in order of preference. 1. AA degree, required. Bachelor s degree preferred. College course work should include a minimum of nine credit-hours related to education field such as behavior management, instructional strategies, and one year experience working with students in structured educational (or academic) situations preferred. Or: If no related education course work, then two to four years experience working with children and adolescents required. I.e. working in a structured setting such as a daycare, pre-school, etc. required. 2. Or at least 48 college credits and two years of experience in an education related field including preschool, adult day program, after school program, extended day, or school/non-school based departments, etc. 3. Or two years of experience in an education related field including nursery school, adult day program, after school program, extended day, or school/non-school based departments, etc., and successful completion of the ParaPro Assessment with a qualifying score of 455 or higher is required. I.e. Opportunity for current supporting services employees 4. Any combinations of applicable education, training, and experience which provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position may be considered.

• Work with individual students or small groups of students to reinforce learning of materials or skills initially introduced and outlined by certified staff.
• Assist the certified staff in devising special strategies for reinforcing learning materials and skills based on a sympathetic understanding of individual students, their needs, interests, and abilities.
• Monitor work, correct papers, and supervise curriculum-based tasting and makeup work as assigned by the certified staff.
• Serve as the chief source of information and help to any guest teacher assigned in the absence of the regular certified staff.
• Perform clerical, classroom maintenance, and instructional duties as assigned by the certified staff.
• Alert the certified staff to any problem or special information about an individual student.
• Perform assigned supervision of students during lunch periods, play periods, and on field trips.
• Perform assigned non-instructional classroom duties, such as snack time, bathroom, and clothing routines.
• When requested, serve as a resource person to the Academic Collaboration Team in Response to Intervention, IEP/504, and/or ELL efforts.
• Demonstrate ethical behavior and confidentiality of information about students in school environment and community.
• Participate in in-service training programs as approved.
• Perform other such duties/assignments as directed by the certified staff.
• Assist as directed by certified staff in the effort to successfully maintain students with special needs in an integrated setting, as determined by the IEP/Title 1/ESL Team(s).

Compensation

Salary is competitive and commensurate with your experience. Democracy Prep employees are provided with a benefits package that includes medical, vision, and dental insurance, 403B matching, parental leave, a smartphone, and a laptop.

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Democracy Prep is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, or ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, familial status, domestic violence victim status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances. Our mission is to educate responsible citizen-scholars who will change the world. We strongly believe that by building a DREAM team that represents numerous perspectives, backgrounds, and expertises, we can achieve this goal together. This is a value we highly support and strongly encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply.

Reports to: Site Director Classification: Non-Exempt

Work Direction: The Paraprofessional shall generally work forty (40) hours each week under the direct supervision of the CEL or 04 Teacher with the schedule personally arranged, and mutually agreed to by the Site Director and Senior Director of Programs.

Basic Function: The Paraprofessional serves as additional support in Head Start classrooms where preschool children with pre-diagnosed moderate to severe disabilities are enrolled. These additional “hands” also assist in meeting the group needs of the other children in the classroom. The Paraprofessional is also responsible for the active participation/contribution in the progress of the Center’s educational philosophy and environmental goals. The incumbent must demonstrate leadership and problem solving skills in and out of the classroom setting.

JOB DESCRIPTION

· Serves as support staff in classrooms where children with diagnosed disabilities are enrolled: assisting in critical daily activities such as classroom transition times, mealtimes, toileting, field trips and activities away from the sites.

· Assists with safety drills and emergencies.

· Participates in the recommendation and referral process for children with special learning needs or other issues.

· Responsible for maintaining a safe environment in the classroom, on the playground and in other outdoor environments.

· Ensure compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, federal, state and city regulations and licensing requirements.

· Participate in developmental opportunities including but not limited to staff in service, conferences, specific training sponsored by Department of Family Support Services and Chicago Public Schools and disabilities related training.

· Ensure personal performance evaluations, goal setting and staff development plans are completed.

· Assist in compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, federal, state and city regulations and licensing requirements.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge and Skills

· Ability to work with individual and groups of children ages 0-5, supporting social emotional, physical and cognitive growth.

· Ability to work with others in supporting a positive work environment.

· Ability to write reports and correspondence, and read and interpret documents.

Education

This position requires an Associate’s Degree in Social Work, Early Childhood or related field.

Training and Experience

The incumbent must be familiar with social service related issues and possess the knowledge of child development, licensing, and funding standards. The incumbent must be familiar with legislation and advocacy of childcare services in the State of Illinois; this includes best practices in Early Childhood Development standards. Additionally, the incumbent must possess the ability to relate and develop a mutual respect for the families and children served and must possess the ability to get along with diverse personalities, demonstrate tact, and maturity.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

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 sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distant vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. This position requires the Teacher to work in a clean, well-lit area. Additionally, the incumbent must be able to lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. The incumbent must possess the ability to stand, stoop, bend, and carry children, sit without back support for 15-20 minutes at a time. The incumbent will be required to work in or visit other Trinity UCC Child Care Centers and/or other offices/sites in the Chicagoland area responsible for administering Early Childhood Development services and/or activities and must be able to travel to these various locations. The incumbent must have experience working on computers and have some knowledge of Creative Curriculum approaches to Early Childhood Education.

The statements in this job description are intended to describe the essential/non-essential nature and level of work performed by Child Care staff assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities, as other duties and responsibilities may be assigned. Created: April 11, 2017