Early Childhood Paraprofessional

University of Arkansas System • Fort Smith, AR

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Early Childhood Paraprofessional will demonstrate a passion for early childhood education and will provide support of developmentally appropriate teaching methods which meet children's needs and stimulate learning in all developmental areas found in the Arkansas Early Learning Standards. This position reports to the Director of the UAFS Little Lions Child Development Center.

Requirements

• Applicants must be 18 years of age or over
• Provide documentation of one (1) of the following educational levels: Associate of Science degree or higher in Early Childhood, Child Development, or related field from a regionally accredited college or university.
• High school degree/GED and one year of early childcare experience with willingness to obtain a Child Development Associate Credential within 2 years of employment
• Must pass criminal background check, child maltreatment check and FBI check
• Ability to provide flexible support of transitions in classrooms as needed
• Ability to guide and support student learning through developmentally appropriate practices
• Excellence in communication with colleagues, students and parents
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds
• Ability to be physically active all day with children indoors and outdoors
• Ability to endure prolonged standing, walking, sitting, kneeling, occasionally reaching above the head or the shoulders, bending and squatting.
• Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

Nice To Haves

• Child Development Associate Credential or Higher Degree in Early Childhood
• Two years of childcare experience
• Registered with the Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education Professional Development Registry
• Teaching experience with Better Beginnings curriculum
• Current knowledge of Arkansas Child Development and Early Learning Standards
• Infant/Child CPR Certification

Responsibilities

• Follow approved curriculum and weekly activity plans while supporting areas of developmentally appropriate programming and daily classroom management
• Support learning activities in all developmental areas of physical, social/emotional, creative/aesthetic, cognitive/intellectual, and language found in the Arkansas Early Learning Standards
• Follow a daily schedule which offers periods of active play and quiet times throughout the day
• Be physically active throughout the day with children indoors and outdoors
• Provide routine care during mealtimes, diapering/toileting and rest time
• Assist the Early Childhood Teacher with students individually, in small groups and whole group
• Assist the Early Childhood Teacher with supervision of students and ensure the safety and well-being of all children in care
• Assist the Early Childhood Teacher to maintain an organized and safe learning environment
• Assist the Early Childhood Teacher in keeping accurate and complete records
• Provide routine care during mealtimes, diapering/toileting and rest time
• Report any suspicion of child abuse and neglect
• Interact with children and develop a relationship in the context of everyday routines
• Provide support of instructional strategies for each child as a unique person with individual patterns of growth and development as needed
• Assist the Early Childhood Teacher with consistent communication with parents/guardians
• Obtain and maintain professional development hours to meet the requirements of the highest levels of Better Beginnings with a minimum of 25 hours annually.
• Foster teamwork through positive work communication and interactions
• Maintain consistent on-time attendance
• Other duties as assigned

Benefits

• university contributions to health, dental, life, and disability insurance
• tuition waivers for employees and their families
• 12 official holidays
• immediate leave accrual
• a choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5 to 10 percent of employee salary.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree