Preschool Classroom Paraprofessional (Long Term Substitute)

Job Title:    Preschool Classroom Paraeducator

Reports to:    Building Principal 

Basic Function:  Provides support for individual or small groups of students with instructional, physical, or behavior needs that require additional adult assistance.  Supports the licensed instructional or support staff in the provision of special education support and services.  Under the direction of licensed staff, assists to provide instructional, social-emotional, and behavioral programming which has been designed to meet each individual’s unique educational needs.    

Essential Functions: 

Under the direction, and in conjunction with licensed staff members:

1. Assists to provide academic, behavior management, crisis intervention and/or other educational service support in structured individual or group settings.

2. Assists to provide individual and/or group instruction under the direction of the certified teacher.

3. Collaborates with the team in planning and implementing educational, social-emotional, and behavioral interventions for individuals and groups of students.

4. Provides support and assists with supervision of students in various settings.

5. Supervise students in the lunchroom, restrooms, halls, playground and other areas as directed.

6. Monitor classes during teacher absences of short duration.

7. Assist in preparation, implementation, and adaptation of instructional materials as directed by the teacher.

8. Completes clerical duties related to educational programming, instruction and/or classroom management including, but not limited to, materials preparation, communications, and recordkeeping related to student attendance, performance, behavioral incidents, etc.

9. Assist in field trips as directed by the teacher.

Additional Responsibilities and Skills:

1. Demonstrate patience with and care for students; utilizing firmness, friendliness and fairness. 

2. Maintain confidentiality.

3. Participate in projects, committees, or activities to support the mission of the program, building, or district.

4. Convey a positive and professional image to students, families, and colleagues.

5. Communicate effectively and maintain effective, professional, and collaborative working relationships.

6. Maintain flexibility in responding to the changing needs of students and the district. Demonstrate an ability to prioritize and coordinate multiple tasks at a given time.

7. Use and integrate technology appropriately in daily work which includes, but is not limited to, application of basic computer skills to effectively use email, internet, and word processing.

8. Know emergency procedures for the building and classrooms within which you work.

9. Report incidents of unusual nature to teachers and principal.

10. Participate in staff development and professional growth activities provided by the district.

11. Serve as a member of the building crisis response team as requested.

12. Follow district policies.

Specifications/Qualifications: 

       Education & Experience:

1. HS diploma or equivalent, previous experience working in a school setting preferred

2. Background Check

3. Current Paraeducator Certification/Licensure through BOEE 

      ON-the-job training provided as a benefit of employment:

1. Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) training

2. OSHA required certificate

3. Trauma-informed care and similar district-led sessions regarding social-emotional learning

Physical Requirements: 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands and fingers to handle and/or feel objects, tools or controls; talk and hear.  The employee frequently must squat, stoop or kneel, reach above the head and forward.  The employee continuously uses hand strength to grasp items.  The employee will frequently bend or twist at the neck and trunk more than the average person while performing the duties of this job.  The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.  The employee will sometimes push/pull items such as tables and carts.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision and the ability to adjust focus while supervising students and working with computers, written materials, reports, assessment data, etc.

Working Conditions:  

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level in the work environment can vary based on activities taking place.  The position requires the commitment of professional working hours that may require the employee to extend beyond a typical eight hour workday.  The employee will frequently work in different areas of the classroom including in/at desks, on or near the floor, standing, in movement while supervising indoor and outdoor activities, etc. The employee will usually work in indoor temperatures but will work outdoors when supervising students outside of the classroom.

The statements contained herein describe the scope of responsibility and essential functions of this position, but should not be considered to be an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned. Nothing in this job description restricts the Board’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time unless restricted by law or a negotiated contract.

The Marion Independent School District is an EEO/AA employer.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
 

It is the policy of the Marion Independent School District not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, creed, age (for employment), marital status (for programs), sexual orientation, gender identity and socioeconomic status (for programs) in its educational programs and its employment practices. Additionally, the MISD does not discriminate in its education programs and activities, employment opportunities, or accommodations pursuant to Title IX, Section 504, and Title II, and on a continuous basis, reflects this policy in announcements, employment application forms, district policy, registration materials and student handbooks The District has established grievance procedures for processing complaints of discrimination. If you have questions or a grievance related to this policy please contact: Equity Coordinator (for employment), Janelle Brouwer, Superintendent, 777 South 15th Street, Marion Iowa, 52302, 319-377-4691 jbrouwer@marion-isd.org  or  Equity and Title IX Coordinator (for programs), Gretchen Kriegel, Assistant Superintendent, 777 South 15th Street, Marion Iowa, 52302, 319-377-4691 gkriegel@marion-isd.org.

The Marion Independent School District is dedicated to supporting equity and the success of each child.  We recognize we are a community of different cultures and identities, and we will promote an environment where all feel welcomed and can thrive. The District and its employees will foster a community where everyone belongs, will treat others with dignity and respect, and will encourage our community partners to do the same.

Inquiries by employees or applicants for employment regarding compliance with equal employment opportunity and affirmative action laws and policies, including but not limited to complaints of discrimination, may also be directed in writing to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commissions, Milwaukee Area Office, Reuss Federal Plaza, 310 West Wisconsin Ave., Suite 800, Milwaukee, WI., 53203-2292, (800) 669-4000 or TTY (800) 669-6820. http://www.eeoc.gov/field/milwaukee/index.cfm or the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, 400 E. 14th Street, Des Moines, Iowa, 50319-1004, (515) 281-4121 or 1-800-457-4416, http://www.iowa.gov/government/crc/. This inquiry or complaint to the federal office may be done instead of, or in addition to, an inquiry or complaint at the local level.

Further information and copies of the procedures for filing a complaint are available in the school district's central administrative office and the administrative office in each attendance center.