Paraeducator - Developmentally Responsive Kindergarten (DRK)

Bethel School District 403•Spanaway, WA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Paraeducator assists certificated staff with instructional and non-instructional activities for students with disabilities in an integrated Developmentally Responsive Kindergarten classroom. Duties include providing individual and small-group instruction, supporting students’ basic life skills, and supervising behavior. The assignment is 6.5 hours per day for 178 days per year. During the first year, the schedule is 7 hours per day for 4 days; in each following year, it is 2 days per year until certification is completed. The position pays $25.40 at PSE Salary Schedule Level 5. The official hire date depends on School Board approval and may change. The employee must complete Right Response Training within 3–5 months of hire and successfully complete the Fundamental Course of Studies (FCS) and General Paraeducator Certificate required by the state, subject to state funding.

Requirements

Be at least 18 years old and hold a high school diploma or equivalent.
Meet at least one federal minimum employment qualification: pass the ParaPathways Assessment or Pearson Paraprofessional assessment; hold an associate degree or higher; complete 72 quarter credits or 48 semester credits at an accredited higher-education institution; complete a registered apprenticeship offered by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries; or successfully complete The Master Teacher Inc. Paraeducator Online Training Program.
Successfully complete the Fundamental Course of Studies (FCS) and General Paraeducator Certificate of the state-mandated Paraeducator Certificate Program, subject to state funding.
Complete Right Response Training and receive qualifications within 3–5 months of hire; renew the certification annually before expiration.
Demonstrate reading, writing, and communication skills and knowledge of basic subject areas such as reading and math.
Be able to work warmly and confidently with students, remain flexible, organize activities, follow and give instructions, and be fair and consistent.
Be able to learn and implement behavior-management and instructional techniques and apply knowledge of behavior and learning disorders and student safety procedures.
Be able to learn computer and software use for instruction and recordkeeping and the operation of general office machines.
Be able to establish effective working relationships, diffuse situations, and resolve conflicts; maintain some confidentiality.
Be willing to train in medical procedures if needed, such as medication administration or tube feeding.
Complete fingerprinting and a background check to determine there are no convictions involving physical molestation, abuse, injury, or neglect of a minor.
Complete training in and adhere to the district infection-control plan.
May be required to obtain first-aid and CPR certification.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with school-age children and students with special needs is preferred.

Responsibilities

Instruct students with a range of disabilities individually or in small groups, supporting understanding and progress toward educational objectives set by certificated staff.
Assist with objective tests and other student assessments.
Communicate with certificated staff about student progress and adapt methods to meet students’ needs; consult on remediation and enrichment activities.
Help maintain student progress records, logs, charts, assignments, and other assessment records.
Attend to students’ physical and safety needs, monitor medical risks and potentially harmful behaviors, and maintain discipline according to established policies and procedures.
Assist with toileting and personal hygiene, including washing, grooming, showering, and other personal care as needed.
Support interpersonal and personal skills, feeding, and the social aspects of eating.
Help students develop basic living, pre-vocational, and communication skills, and facilitate integration with age-group peers where possible.
Communicate with students, staff, and parents regarding student progress and safety and community relations.
Provide physical assistance such as lifting and positioning students; use adaptive communication equipment and follow and document procedures established by physical therapists.
Monitor first-aid needs and refer students for treatment as appropriate.
Maintain classroom, equipment, and implement cleanliness and hygiene, including washing dishes and laundering items.
Alert qualified district staff to student problems.
Locate, prepare, or modify materials for student use, enrichment activities, and special projects under certificated staff direction.
Prepare, duplicate, collate, and distribute materials and operate office equipment.
Maintain assigned classroom areas, assemble and store therapeutic and other equipment, and maintain supplies.
May participate in district committees or departmental work teams; model cooperative behavior and protect confidential information.
Perform related duties consistent with the scope and intent of the position.