Paraprofessional Specialist - Pre-K Program

Lees Summit R-7 School District•Summit, MO

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Paraprofessional Specialist supports the instructional program within the classroom, with a specific focus on working one-on-one with at-risk students. This role involves implementing educational and behavioral plans, documenting daily student activities, and modeling appropriate behaviors and interactions. The specialist will adapt activities and materials, collaborate with various professionals, collect student data, and provide necessary accommodations and modifications to enhance accessibility. They are expected to stay current on educational practices to support students with disabilities and maintain confidentiality and accurate records. The role also includes modeling social behaviors, performing related duties, and providing instruction in academic and life skills under the teacher's direction. Monitoring students for safety, responding to emergencies, and de-escalating situations are also key responsibilities.

Requirements

Must have 60 college credit hours, pass the Paraprofessional test in the State of MO or Missouri 20-hour Online Substitute Training Program
Adhering to safety practices
Preparing and maintaining accurate records
Basic math, including calculations using fractions, percents, and/or ratios
Reading a variety of manuals
Writing documents following prescribed formats
Presenting information to others
Analyzing situations to define issues and draw conclusions
Age-appropriate activities when working with high-risk youth
Concepts of grammar and punctuation
Scheduling activities
Gathering and/or collating data
Using job-related equipment
Flexibility to work with others in a variety of circumstances
Working with data utilizing defined but different processes
Operating equipment using standardized methods
Working with a wide diversity of individuals
Working with a variety of data
Utilizing a variety of job-related equipment
Problem-solving to identify issues and create action plans
Independent interpretation of guidelines
Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships
Communicating with diverse groups
Maintaining confidentiality
Working as part of a team
Working with frequent interruptions
Job related experience is required
Targeted job-related education that meets organization’s prerequisite requirements
Valid Driver’s License & Evidence of Insurability
Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance

Responsibilities

Adapts classroom activities, assignments and/or materials under the direction of the supervising teacher for the purpose of supporting and reinforcing classroom objectives.
Communicates with a variety of professionals (e.g. Speech Therapist, PTs, COTAs, etc.) for the purpose of assisting in evaluating progress and/or implementing IEP objectives.
Collects student and classroom data (e.g. behavior, completed assignments, on/off task times, etc.) for the purpose of monitoring student growth and possible IEP/BIP revisions and independently facilitate instruction and behavior supports or plans under the direction of the classroom teacher for the purposes of presenting, reinforcing and learning concepts.
Provides necessary accommodations and modifications to increase accessibility in general education and special education environments.
Remains current on educational practices through targeted professional development to support students who are significantly impacted by their disability.
Maintains confidentiality of students’ information for the purpose of following adopted policies and guidelines.
Maintains manual and electronic files and/or records for the purpose of providing a written reference; and/or meeting mandated requirements.
Models conversation, manners, clean-up activities, listening, and everyday interactions for the purpose of demonstrating appropriate social behavior in a culturally sensitive manner.
Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.
Provides instruction to students, under the direction of the classroom teacher (e.g. math, science, reading, behavioral skills, daily living skills, writing, verbal skills, etc.) for the purpose of implementing IEP goals; assisting in adapting to mainstream classrooms/; and ensuring student's success.
Monitors students during assigned periods within a variety of school environments for the purpose of providing student safety, removing students when necessary and de-escalating situations outside the classroom.
Responds to emergency situations for the purpose of resolving immediate safety concerns through district approved procedures and techniques.