Paraprofessional (Head Start)

Location:          Site Level School

Reports To:  School Principal

Salary Range:  Per WBR Salary Schedule

Terms of Employment:  9 Months

GENERAL OVERVIEW

      The paraprofessional working in Head Start, Pre-K, Regular Education or Special Education classrooms shall work directly with
      students under the direct supervision of the classroom teacher to assist with the effective management/instruction of the
      class/classes to which he or she is assigned. 

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assists with the effective management/instructional needs of the students for the class/classes to which he or she is assigned under the direction of the classroom teacher and principal.


• Interacts appropriately with students, and assists in creating an environment conducive to learning.


• Attends to students' physical, personal, academic, and emotional needs.


• Assists in maintaining discipline standards according to the regulations of the school system and the assigned teacher.


• Reinforces lessons presented by the teacher.


• Provides individualized or small group instruction.


• Assists with lesson planning and preparation.


• Helps students with assignments and homework.


• Takes attendance and collects paperwork as needed.


• Assists with supplementary work for advanced pupils.


• Assists with handling of specialized equipment, computer, software, assistive language devices, etc. as directed by the classroom teacher.


• Attends faculty meetings, parent conferences/meetings, and IEP meetings when requested.


• Assists in maintaining classroom equipment and assists in keeping materials of instruction organized and clean


• Maintains student confidentiality.


• Accompanies students to other classes, the restroom, recess, etc as needed.


• Assists with feeding, diapering, and toileting, as well as other custodial or health-related duties as required for Head Start students and students with disabilities.


• Makes necessary wheelchair/equipment adjustments and positioning needed throughout the school day.


• Lifts and moves students as necessary.


• Assists in meeting the medical needs of students with disabilities: catheterization, administration of medication, etc. after proper training is provided.


• Becomes knowledgeable of and assists with the implementation of appropriate educational programs/standards.


• Participates in grade level/subject areas meetings and /professional development activities, PLC’s as needed.


• Communicate effectively with students, teachers, and parents. 


• Adapt to different situations and student needs.


• Performs all other duties as assigned by the appropriate Supervisor.

 PERSONAL TRAITS

      Exhibits competency in the following areas:

• Poise and self-confidence


• Enthusiasm and optimism


• Punctuality


• Dependability


• Flexibility


• Willingness to implement recommendations


• Acceptable speech and grammar


• Effective communication with students


• Discreet handling of confidential information


• Unbiased attitude regarding race, sex, creed, religion or disability


• Effective communication with colleagues and other adults

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Must have accomplished at least one of the following:

1. Passed the Educational Testing Service (ETS) Para-Pro Assessment (ETS Para-Pro Assessment #0755) with a passing score of 450; or


2. Completed two years of full-time study (48 semester credit hours) from a state-approved or regionally accredited institution of higher education and have 9 hours of English and 9 hours of Math coursework within these 48 semester hours or


3. Earned an Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, or Associate of Applied Science degree from a state-approved or regionally accredited institution of higher education with 9 hours of English and 9 hours of Math coursework within the Associates degree program