Para Professional

The Salvation Army Central Territory • Chicago, IL

2d

About The Position

The Para Professional serves preschool children with pre-diagnosed severe to moderate disabilities in Head Start/Child Care collaboration programs. The role supports teaching staff in the classroom and helps provide a safe, developmentally supportive learning environment. The Para Professional works with the Teacher/Site Director, follows organizational policies and procedures, and keeps the Teacher and Site Director informed of critical issues. The position may be assigned to different locations based on program needs.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• One year of experience in a preschool setting.
• Some experience with young children.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to use initiative and be a self-starter.
• Positive attitude and flexibility in response to changing job situations and priorities.
• Attention to detail.
• Supportive of The Salvation Army's mission.
• Ability to perform light to moderate physical work and lift up to 40 pounds daily.
• Occasionally position oneself to stoop, kneel, or crouch.
• Frequently use standard classroom and office equipment and a PC.

Nice To Haves

• Some knowledge of social service programs.

Responsibilities

• Perform a safety check on each child every morning and address potential hazards, including cleaning spills and reporting or removing hazards.
• Empty and bleach the water table daily.
• Arrange classroom coverage when needing to leave the classroom and coordinate supervision with the Teacher or Assistant Teacher.
• Provide safety instruction to children, including walking rather than running and proper behavior on the bus.
• Support children with disabilities in the Head Start learning environment and assist teaching staff in the classroom.
• Assist the teacher in planning and implementing activities that promote the physical development of children with disabilities.
• Maintain an environment conducive to the development of physical skills.
• Promote children's listening skills, clear articulation and language production, adult-child communication, and child-child communication.
• Maintain a professional attitude and keep abreast of early childhood education practices.
• Keep the Teacher and Site Director informed about critical issues and adhere to applicable policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, hearing, disability, and life insurance may be available to eligible employees.
• Flexible spending accounts may be available to eligible employees.
• 403(b) retirement accounts may be available to eligible employees.
• Company-funded defined contribution (pension) plan may be available to eligible employees.
• Generous time off policies.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED