Paraprofessional

Jewish Family Service of Metropolitan Detroit•West Bloomfield, MI

2h•Onsite

About The Position

The Early Childhood Para Educator provides individualized intervention and support to “at-risk” children ages 2–5 within congregational and day school early childhood education programs. Services are typically provided for 6–8 weeks per child, with the possibility of extension based on student need. The Para Educator facilitates the successful inclusion of children with individual needs into a typical classroom setting and works collaboratively with certified staff. Flexibility in scheduling hours and days across assignments is required.

Requirements

Classroom experience in early childhood settings
Experience working with children receiving special education services
Ability to work a flexible schedule
Strong interpersonal and communication skills
Child-centered instructional support
Behavior management and positive reinforcement techniques
Observation, documentation, and data collection
Collaboration and teamwork
Early childhood development
Social-emotional learning strategies
Inclusive classroom practices
Patience, empathy, and professionalism
Reliability and flexibility
Respect for diversity, confidentiality, and ethical standards

Nice To Haves

Associate or bachelor’s Degree

Responsibilities

Provide one on one instruction for children requiring social/emotional and/or academic support. Instruction and/or support will be under the direction of certified staff (classroom teacher, Opening The Doors Special Educator, School director).
Keep on going record of observations.
Attend required meetings and professional training by Opening The Doors Program.
Support and assist students in meeting classroom and school expectations of appropriate behavior.
Help students interact successfully by modeling and prompting appropriate behavior. They may include their assigned students with small groups of children to reinforce social skills learning.
Provide close supervision and reinforce generalizations of positive behavior. They may gather data, provide immediate prompts and implement previously planned interventions. Interventions may include positive verbal and physical reinforcement, point sheets, time out procedures or token economies.
Work with a variety of staff including other Para Educators, teachers, and administrators. Contact with extended family members should always be in the company of the classroom teacher and/or director.
Practice standards of ethical conduct and represent the Jewish Community Center in a positive manner to the community and take concerns to the appropriate channels.
Maintain confidentiality of all information regarding the students, respecting the dignity of every student and family.
Must engage in play on the floor, outside and in gym areas.
Demonstrate mature judgment and sound decision-making abilities.
Must be willing to travel to all school location sites.