Paraprofessional (Preschool)

Preschool Paraprofessional 

Supervisor: Building Administrator
Contract Length: 190 days, or as assigned
Job Classification: Paraeducator 
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

In the Fort Dodge Community School District, we are professional, high-performing team players focused on delivering the best possible learning experience for each one of our 3600 students. We respect diversity, value integrity, reward competitively, celebrate success and support employee growth and development. We aim to attract, develop and retain the best people as part of our Dodger family.   

Compensation

• $14.22/hr ( $0.40 extra for 60 college credit and $0.30 for Para Certification/Sub Authorization)
• All positions assigned 30 or more hours weekly (typically 6 hours daily) are eligible for a full benefits package, including medical, dental and vision insurance and paid leave. 

Position Purpose

Under the direct supervision of a certified staff member, to assist certified professional staff with students in the classroom to meet instructional goals and objectives, and to free certified professional employees from non-professional duties such as proctoring study halls to enable them to make a contribution to other aspects of the educational program, such as curriculum development.
 

Essential Job Functions

• Assists and guides students to reinforce reading, language arts, mathematics, computer instruction, and other skills. 
• Works with students individually and in small groups to reinforce basic learning and implement assigned programs.
• Assists professional staff in the administration and correction of classroom exercises, tests and assessments.
• Assists in classroom preparations and strategies for reinforcing instructional materials and skills according to individual student needs.
• Assists with record-keeping procedures to document student learning and performance.
• Assists with classroom behavioral management to minimize disruptions, ensure a safe and orderly classroom, and ensure students are on task.
• Assists students in non-instructional areas, such as supervising the student lunch programs, bus duty, playground duty, corridor, study hall, and other related non-instructional areas.
• Accompanies students on field trips for the purpose of assisting with supervision.
• Constructs, copies and distribute and use educational materials as needed.
• Assists teacher with parent contact as requested to foster effective and participatory parent involvement in student education.
• Assists students with special needs in all aspects of classroom instruction to maximize inclusion, learning, achievement if IEP objectives, etc.
• Participates in IEP process and serves as resource for the student personnel evaluation team as needed.
• Assist students with physical or mental disabilities with activities of daily living for the purpose of maximizing their ability to participate in school or learning activities.
• Follows all applicable safety rules, procedures and regulations governing the proper manner of assistance for all students, including those with disabilities or other special needs.

Qualifications Profile

• Any combination of education and experience providing the required skill and knowledge for successful performance would be qualifying.  Typical qualifications would be equivalent to:
• AA degree or 60 college credits or Para Certification Level I and Level II Early Childhood required
• Successful completion of college level coursework or passing of examination as required by the No Child Left Behind Act.
• Prior experience working with special needs children desirable.

Additional Duties:

• Assist guidance, pupil services staff or building administration, as needed.
• Perform any other related duties as assigned.

Note:   The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities.  It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.

Equipment

Use standard office equipment, such as personal computers and copiers.

Travel Requirements

Travel between schools, or between schools and central offices, may be required for certain positions.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide, and perform arithmetic operations as needed to assist students.
• Ability to understand, apply and use personal computers and software applications (e.g., Word, Excel).
• Ability to work with a diverse group of individuals.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of information regarding students, employees and others.
• Ability to establish a supportive and compassionate relationship with students with special needs.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with students, staff and others contacted in the course of work.
• Ability to report work orally or in writing to supervisor as required.
• Effective writing and verbal communication skills.

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards

• Works in standard office and school building environments.
• Ability to work outdoors during outdoor student activities.

Note:   Also see the Summary of Physical, Sensory and Environmental Requirements Needed to Perform Essential Functions for this position.
 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Amount of Time
Physical Activity	Occasionally (1%-32%)	Frequently (33%-65%)	Constantly (66%-100%)
Mobility	X	-	-
Bend	X	-	-
Talk	-	X	-
Hear	-	X	-
Operate Computer	-	X	-
Stationary Position	-	X	-
Balance	X	-	-
Lift Up to XX pounds	X	-	-
Operate Motor Vehicle	-	-	-

 
WORKING CONDITIONS:

Amount of Time
Working Conditions	Occasionally (1%-32%)	Frequently (33%-65%)	Constantly (66%-100%)
District Office Hours	-	-	X
Indoors	-	X	-
Evenings	X	-	-
Weekends	X	-	-

 

It is the policy of Fort Dodge Community 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. If you have questions or grievances related to this policy, please contact  Aaron Davidson, Executive Director Educational Services, 515-576-1161, adavidson@fdschools.org, located at Central Administration Office, 109 North 25th Street, Fort Dodge, IA 50501, or contact the Office for Civil Rights Midwestern Division for U. S. Department of Education Office, John C. Kluczynski Federal Building 230 S. Dearborn St., 37th Floor, Chicago, IL 60604 (Alternate for Section 504 is Branwyn Greathouse, Director of Special Education/Special Needs, 515-574-5675, bgreathouse@fdschools.org, Central Administration Office, 109 North 25th Street, Fort Dodge, IA 50501). Affirmative Action Compliance Coordinator The District’s Compliance Coordinator for Affirmative Action is Kimberly Whitmore, Director of Human Resources, 515-576-1161, kwhitmore@fdschools.org, 109 North 25th Street, Fort Dodge, IA 50501. Physical/Sexual Abuse Reporting The District’s Designated Investigators of Physical/Sexual Abuse of Students by School EmployeesRoger Porter, Director of School Safety and Security, 515-574-5731,rporter@fdschools.org, located at Fort Dodge Middle School, 800 North 32nd Street, Fort Dodge, IA 50501. The alternate is Branwyn Greathouse, Director of Special Education/Special Needs, 515-574-5675, bgreathouse@fdschools.org, Central Administration Office, 109 North 25th Street, Fort Dodge, IA 50501. Harassment Complaints and Allegations The District’s Officers for Harassment Complaints and Allegations Roger Porter, Director of School Safety and Security, 515-574-5731, rporter@fdschools.org, located at Fort Dodge Middle School, 800 North 32nd Street, Fort Dodge, IA 50501. Sex Discrimination and Harassment (Title IX) The District’s Coordinator for Sex Discrimination and Harassment is Kimberly Whitmore, Director of Human Resources, kwhitmore@fdschools.org, located at Central Administration Office, 109 North 25th Street, Fort Dodge, IA 50501. The Deputy Coordinator is Roger Porter, Director of School Safety and Security, 515-574-5731, rporter@fdschools.org, located at Fort Dodge Middle School, 800 North 32nd Street, Fort Dodge, IA 50501.  Rev. 7/2024

 

Fort Dodge Community School District is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer.

Salary : $14