PK Paraprofessional (Sp Ed)

Southeast Polk Community School District•Chicago, IA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Paraprofessional works under the supervision of teachers or other licensed personnel, who retain responsibility for designing and implementing educational and related-service programs. The role contributes to the social, emotional, and intellectual growth of children and youth, including students with diverse needs, at Clay Elementary. The position supports instruction, student supervision, classroom activities, safety, and routine administrative tasks while following teacher directives and student IEPs. The listed schedule is 8:15 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. Employment is based on need, and assigned hours and number of days may vary according to need. The position is available as soon as possible.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Paraeducator Certificate from the Iowa Department of Education.
Demonstrated ability to work successfully with the needs of students from Pre-K through Grade 12 and with students with diverse needs.
Experience working in an educational setting.
Successful completion of a physical examination, criminal background check, child abuse registry check, and pre-work screening at the time of hire.
Ability to obtain required training, including certification to administer medication to students, American Heart or Red Cross First Aid/CPR certification, and Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) training.
Ability to maintain patience, work through interruptions, and interact with students with different personalities, capabilities, and physical and mental limitations.
Ability to tolerate occasional bad language, threats of physical violence, and students’ personal habits without becoming visibly upset.
Ability to work in contact with body fluids and contagious diseases and to use cleaning and sanitizing chemicals with appropriate personal protective equipment.
Ability to work in varied temperatures, humidity, seasonal outdoor conditions, and noisy environments.
Ability to stand throughout the workday; lift up to 50 pounds to waist level; and carry up to 25 pounds for 50 feet.
Ability to walk, run, change positions quickly, sit on and rise from the floor and child- or adult-height chairs, and sustain kneeling, crouching, bending, and leaning postures for up to 40 minutes.
Physical dexterity in limbs and digits sufficient to interact with children in classroom and playground settings.
Appropriate appearance and personal cleanliness for working in close proximity to children and adults; outdoor clothing and footwear appropriate to environmental conditions and potential exposure to sharps, chemicals, or body fluids.

Nice To Haves

Successful work or volunteer experience with the disabled population.
Supervisory experience with school-age children.

Responsibilities

Assist with small-group and individual instruction and student supervision.
Help maintain a safe and orderly learning environment in classrooms and other settings, including lunchrooms, playgrounds, and field trips.
Assist with classroom setup and preparation of materials.
Support students’ physical and behavioral needs.
Operate standard school equipment, including computers, copiers, and audiovisual equipment.
Complete assigned clerical tasks and keep assigned paperwork current and submitted on time, including Medicaid and student academic or behavioral data.
Use universal health precautions and maintain a clean, sanitary, orderly, and safe environment.
Read and comprehend at the student’s grade level or above.
Build rapport with students; use positive reinforcement and effective communication, and help students participate as members of the class.
Communicate effectively with staff and follow teacher directives and student IEPs.
Follow clock-in and clock-out rules, report to the assigned center as scheduled, and maintain confidentiality and student privacy.
Implement daily activities, such as crafts, board games, and individual or group activities.
Ensure student health and safety in the building, outdoor play areas, and on field trips.
Record behavioral incidents and other required reports, such as time-out, problem, and accident reports.
Participate in home visits with the teacher when requested.
Assist with preparing, serving, and cleaning up breakfast, lunch, and snacks as needed.
Attend required staff meetings and maintain professional growth and required training, including Mandatory Reporting, First Aid, CPR, and annual Bloodborne Pathogens training.
Serve as a positive role model and perform other duties assigned by the teacher or principal.