PK Paraprofessional (Sp Ed)

Southeast Polk Community School District•Pleasant Hill, IA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

This position involves working under the supervision of teachers or other licensed personnel to contribute to the social, emotional, and intellectual growth of children and youth. The PK Paraprofessional will assist in creating a safe and supportive learning environment for students with diverse needs.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED
Paraeducator Certificate from the Iowa Department of Education
Demonstrated ability to successfully work with the needs of all Pre-K thru 12th Grade students.
Successful completion of physical, criminal background and child abuse registry check, and pre-work screening at time of hire.
Experience working in an educational setting.
Ability to obtain required training, including but not limited to: certification to administer medication to students, American Heart or Red Cross First Aid/CPR certification, Crisis Prevention Institute Training (CPI).
Ability to work with all students with diverse needs.
Must be capable of standing throughout the work day.
Must present appropriate appearance and personal cleanliness suited to working in close proximity to school age children and adults.
Must be able to work with interruptions during a work shift.
Must be capable of working with students with different personalities, capabilities, and physical and mental limitations.
Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds to waist level.
Must be capable of carrying equipment or supplies weighing up to 25 pounds for a distance of 50 feet.
Must be capable of standing, walking (at variable speeds and duration to include running) and changing positions quickly throughout the workday (to include sitting on and getting up from the floor, sitting at different levels when using adult or various child height chairs (ranging from 12" seat height and above and getting up from these chairs); maintaining sustained kneeling, crouching, bending, leaning down and leaning over postures up to 40 minutes at a time.
Must be willing to come into contact with body fluids such as urine and feces, blood and nasal secretions and contagious diseases such as flu and the common cold.
Must be capable of using cleaning and sanitizing chemicals with appropriate PPE.
Must be capable of working in broad range of temperatures, humidity and other winter and summer environments.
Must be capable of working in a noisy environment.
Must have physical dexterity in limbs and digits necessary to physically interact with children in a playground and classroom environment.
Outdoor clothing including coats, boots, gloves, and hat dependent on environmental conditions.
Appropriate footwear for an environment where sharps, chemicals or body fluids may fall onto exposed skin.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Assists with small groups and/or individual student instruction and supervision.
Assists in maintaining a safe and orderly learning environment in a variety of school settings, including classroom, lunchroom, playground, and field trips.
Assists with classroom set up and material preparation.
Assists with physical or behavioral needs of individual students.
Operates standard school equipment such as computers, copiers, and audio-visual equipment.
Completes clerical tasks as assigned.
Uses standard universal health precautions.
Reads and comprehends at the student's grade level or above.
Practices being a positive motivator and able to develop working rapport with the student.
Relates to and interacts with students using positive reinforcement and effective communication.
Communicates effectively with all staff.
Follows rules for clocking in and out.
Follows IEP and teacher's directives.
Maintains patience and does not become easily discouraged by student behavior.
Helps student(s) to become integrated into the class.
Maintains confidentiality and student privacy.
Reports to assigned center as scheduled.
Implements daily activities such as crafts, board games, and group activities.
Maintains a clean, sanitary, orderly, and safe environment.
Ensures the health and safety of students in the building, on outdoor play areas, and on field trips.
Is knowledgeable about program policies and procedures.
Records behavioral incidents, time outs, problem reports, and accident reports.
Keeps all assigned paperwork up-to-date and submits it in a timely manner (e.g., Medicaid, student academic or behavioral data).
Serves as a positive role model for students.
Participates in home visits accompanied by the teacher when asked.
Assists in the preparation, serving, and clean-up of breakfast, lunch, and snacks as needed.
Attends required staff meetings.
Maintains professional growth, current Mandatory Reporting Training, First Aid, and CPR certification as required.
Assumes duties and responsibilities as may be assigned by the Teacher or Principal.
Completes annual Bloodborne Pathogens training.