Paraprofessional, Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) - (Starts at $21.99 per hour)

Omaha Public Schools•Omaha, NE

About The Position

The Paraprofessional supports children in the Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) classroom under teacher direction. The position works August through May while students are in session, for 7 hours per day, Monday through Friday, and is classified as full-time, non-exempt, and 10-month employment. The paraprofessional assists with classroom activities, student transitions, personal care, positioning, and routine reporting, and performs other duties assigned by the teacher or supervisor. Wages follow the negotiated agreement or board-adopted salary schedule; the posting states the role starts at $21.99 per hour. Employment is subject to applicable Nebraska public school employment laws and Board of Education policies, and, where applicable, a negotiated agreement. Employment is contingent on verification and maintenance of required licenses, certificates, and other position requirements; an acceptable background check; verification of U.S. citizenship or legal authorization to work in the United States; and completion of required pre-employment drug testing, tuberculosis screening, and medical examination.

Requirements

Associate's degree, or completion of 48 semester hours or 72 quarter hours at an institution of higher learning, or demonstrated proficiency in assisting with instruction in reading, writing, and mathematics through a state- or locally approved competency test.
Willingness to complete early childhood education coursework.
Ability to physically interact with children, including bending, kneeling, sitting on the floor, lifting, climbing, and walking.
Ability to lift a minimum of 50 pounds and adapt to the physical demands of the position.
Flexibility and ability to adapt to sudden changes.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and follow oral and written directions.
Ability to work with diverse populations and demonstrate appropriate communication skills.
Evidence of good mental and physical health.
Dependability and a good work attendance record.
Skills in positive human relationships and ability to work effectively with instructional staff, students, parents, administration, and the community.
Obtain and maintain licenses, certificates, and other requirements for the position, including applicable paraprofessional requirements.
Pass an acceptable background check and verify U.S. citizenship or legal authorization to work in the United States.
Complete pre-employment drug testing, tuberculosis screening, and medical examination when required for the position.

Nice To Haves

Associate's degree or Child Development Associate Certificate (CDA) preferred.
Knowledge of the Head Start Performance Standards preferred.

Responsibilities

Work with children individually or in small groups under teacher direction.
Perform miscellaneous classroom duties, including preparing bulletin boards and materials, readying equipment, cleaning, preparing snacks, and duplicating materials.
Assist children with specific arts and crafts activities.
Assist and accompany students during transitions in and out of the ECSE classroom.
Assist the teacher with routine reporting and accounting of student information.
Help students remove and put on outer apparel.
Assist with positioning and bracing of students and with lifting students.
Help in unusual situations, including field trips, fire drills, and tornado drills.
Observe and record behavior and assist with techniques designed by the teacher.
Assist students with toileting and self-care activities, including washing, brushing teeth, and diapering.
Perform other duties as assigned by the teacher and/or supervisor.