Meadowthorpe Elmentary School Early Start/Preschool Paraeducator 1.0 FTE

Fayette County Public Schools•Lexington, KY

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Early Start/Preschool Paraeducator assists a certified teacher in planning and implementing instructional practices with preschool individual children or small groups. This role involves maintaining a safe and supportive instructional environment, monitoring and reporting student progress, and collaborating with teachers and other professionals to ensure preschool students receive quality instruction. The position is classified, hourly, and reports to the Principal or designee. The work calendar is 191 days.

Requirements

Child Development Associates (CDA) or Associates Degree or Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or Bachelor’s Degree in Child and Family Studies
Minimum 48 college credit hours or successful completion of the Kentucky Paraeducator Assessment
Experience working with young children in an organized setting and some instructional experience in a classroom environment working with children with and without special needs and children and families from multi-cultural and multi-ethnic backgrounds.
Valid Driver’s License
CPR and 1st Aid Certification
Demonstrates the ability to communicate in more than one language or the willingness to learn to communicate in more than one language at the novice level of proficiency.
Basic subjects taught in the District schools, including arithmetic, grammar, spelling, language and reading.
Safe practices in classroom and playground activities.
Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.
Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
Basic record-keeping techniques.
Learn child guidance principles and practices.
Communicate and maintain effective relationships with students, parents & families, staff and the public including members of ethnic communities.
Perform routine clerical duties in support of classroom activities.
Print and write legibly.
Add, subtract, multiply and divide quickly and accurately.
Understand and follow oral and written directions.
Learn procedures, functions and limitations of assigned duties.
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Learn to apply and explain policies and procedures related to school and preschool program activities.
Work cooperatively with others.
Monitor, observe and report student behavior according to approved policies and procedures.
Operate instructional and office equipment.

Nice To Haves

Annual training and re-certification in safe crisis management.

Responsibilities

Work with students (individually or in small groups) with or without disabilities, reinforcing and implementing instruction as directed by the teacher; maintain records of student progress.
Implement strategies and procedures developed by teachers to maintain safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environments.
Assist teachers and related service professionals in carrying out tube feeding, catheterization, toileting, diapering (including lifting), administering medication, feeding, positioning, and other health-related procedures for students with special health care needs, and maintain appropriate records.
Participate as a member of an instructional team; develop appropriate relationships with parents/families and team members.
Contribute relevant, objective information to teachers and other school professionals to facilitate planning, problem-solving, and decision-making processes.
Monitor and transport students to and from activities and non-academic learning environments (e.g., lunchrooms, playgrounds, buses) and assist in preparation as required.
Prepare and organize lessons as directed by the teacher; administer and score a variety of assessments according to established guidelines.
Effectively implement learning strategies, prompting procedures, and other systematic instructional procedures using a variety of instructional grouping arrangements under the guidance and supervision of a teacher.
Assist in administering diagnostic and other assessments; score and record assessment information; read, understand, and assist in implementing, recording, and monitoring student's IEP.
Report concerns to the teacher when they arise.
Monitor and report behavior of students according to approved procedures; report progress regarding student performance and behavior to the teacher.
Implement teacher-developed behavior plans and techniques that adhere to laws, regulations, and procedural safeguards (safe crisis management).
Record data and monitor progress on behavior goals as directed by the teacher.
Assist teachers and other professionals in maintaining student records required by federal and state law and regulations and Fayette County Public School’ Policies and Procedures.
Perform routine clerical duties such as preparation of instructional and classroom materials; operate copy machines; maintain classroom records; maintain attendance records.
Provide support to the teacher by setting up work areas, displays, and exhibits, operating audio-visual equipment, operating educational training equipment, and distributing and collecting paper and supplies.
Use grammatically correct language which includes age-appropriate vocabulary, first-person language, appropriate tone of voice, and reinforcement procedures.
Direct group activities of students as assigned, assist in mealtime duties as assigned, assist in emergency drills, gross motor activities, assemblies, and family activities as assigned.
Maintain confidentiality of individual students and their families, as well as all student educational records.
Participate with administrators, consultants, and/or other professionals in designing and implementing comprehensive professional development activities for paraprofessionals.
Assist students by providing proper examples (positive attitude, caring attitude, good rapport with other staff members), emotional support, a friendly attitude, and general guidance.
Create an environment that is conducive to learning.
Implement guidelines given by the teacher if instruction is being hindered by a student’s behavior (e.g., take the student for a walk, take student to the bathroom, remind student of behavioral expectations).
Perform assigned responsibilities under the supervision of a teacher in a professional and ethical manner.
Conference with the teacher and instructional team (when necessary) concerning programs and materials to meet the student’s needs.
Discuss with the teacher concerns that need to be shared with the parent.
Assure the health and safety of students by following health and safety practices including CPR and 1st Aid Certification and regulations including PBIS and de-escalation techniques.
Maintain regular attendance. Report absences to the teacher (and supervisor if directed) and in the absence reporting system as specified by the district.
Assist students in physical tasks such as putting on and taking off outerwear, moving from room to room, using the lavatory (toileting and diapering); assist students in getting on and off the bus (loading/unloading).
Assist in contacting parents/families of students who are absent; make home visits with school staff.
Participate in meetings and in-service training programs as assigned.
Perform other duties as assigned.