Head Start Paraprofessional

Ascension Public Schools • Donaldsonville, LA

51d

About The Position

Improves classroom instruction by performing duties assigned by the classroom teacher.

Requirements

• Earned an Associate's or Baccalaureate Degree in child development or early childhood education, equivalent coursework from a state-approved or regionally accredited institution of higher education, or has a current CDA Preschool credential.
• Ability to work with children and parents.
• Meets the criteria established in 648A(a)(2)(B)(ii) of the Act; 1302.91(3) Head Start Performance Standards.

Responsibilities

• Performs duties under the direct supervision of a teacher.
• Prepares instructional materials under the direction of a teacher.
• Assists with classroom management and the daily cleanliness of the classroom and facility.
• Maintain files on children's work.
• Implements regulations of the Head Start program including abiding by the confidentiality policy. Maintains confidentiality regarding all personal information and educational records concerning children and their families. Paraprofessional must refrain from accessing, discussing, or disclosing anything outside the scope of employment unless authorized by immediate supervisor.
• Practices school rules and policies. Supports and implements PBIS school-wide as well as disciplinary procedures designed for individual students.
• Accompanies children during outside experience.
• Accompanies bus driver on bus routes and assumes responsibility for the safety of children while being transported.
• Supports consistent disciplinary standards in keeping with the policies of the Ascension Parish School Board, the State of Louisiana and Head Start.
• Assists in the recruitment of parent volunteers and in the programs' obligation of the non-federal match.
• Completes all information records in a timely fashion ensuring they are accurate and grammatically correct.
• Participates in all field trips.
• Performs duties that relate to and support the educational process of the students. These duties may include medical and hygiene procedures, i.e., diapering and other non-complex medical procedures deemed necessary by the nurse and IEP Committee. These procedures are determined by student need.
• Attends home visits with a teacher.
• Meets all requirements deemed necessary for meeting minimum standards of licensing.
• Attends at least 15 hours of approved training annually.
• Orally expresses oneself professionally and utilizing a knowledge of English proficiency.
• Establishes and maintains appropriate respectful, harmonious relationship with administration, school faculty, other employees, students, and community.
• Works with parent volunteers in modeling appropriate behavior in the classroom.
• Notifies the Principal in case of absences and also follows the policy of the school board in calling in absences to secure substitute.
• Attends any meetings called by the Education/Disability Coordinator, and/or Principal.
• Assumes the lead role in the classroom if the teacher is not present.
• Provides courteous and prompt service to all internal and external customers including students, parents, coworkers, etc. Schedules and/or attends conferences with parents. Prioritizes and addresses requests and assignments in a professional manner to develop cooperative relationships and to ensure that student and employee records confidentiality is assured.
• Identifies opportunities and recommends methods to improve service, work processes and financial performance, e.g. expense management. Assists in the implementation of quality improvement initiatives.
• Assists co-workers in the completion of tasks and assignments to ensure continuity of service. Orients new coworkers and actively supports teamwork throughout the school system.
• Participates in professional growth activities such as Professional Development Day(s), seminars, workshops for improvement of knowledge and skills relating to best practices. Creates and implements an Individual Growth Plan for professional growth. Maintains CDA renewed. Completes CDA assessment within two years of employment.
• Performs other duties as required.

What This Job Offers

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