Early Childhood Paraprofessional Specialist (GB - Paradise Park)

2025-26 School Year

145 days/year

8 hours/day

*Must have 60 college credit hours or pass the Paraprofessional test in the State of MO

Purpose Statement

The job of Paraprofessional Specialist was established for the purpose/s of providing support to the instructional program within the assigned classroom with specific responsibility for working with at-risk students one-on-one; following educational and specific behavioral plans; documenting students' daily activities, and modeling appropriate behaviors and interactions with student and staff.

This job reports to School Principal

Essential Functions

• Adapts classroom activities, assignments and/or materials under the direction of the supervising teacher for the purpose of supporting and reinforcing classroom objectives.

• Communicates with teacher/s and a variety of health care professionals (e.g. Speech Therapist, PTs, COTAs, etc.) for the purpose of assisting in evaluating progress and/or implementing IEP objectives.

• Documents student's daily activities (e.g. behavior, completed assignments, on/off task times, etc.) for the purpose of completing daily logs and student's hourly activities.

• Implements instruction under the direction of the classroom teacher for the purposes of presenting and reinforcing learning concepts.

• Implements under the supervision of the assigned teacher, behavioral plans designed by IEP team for students with behavior disorders or other special conditions or the purpose of presenting and/or reinforcing learning concepts.

• Maintain manual and electronic files and/or records for the purpose of providing written reference; and/or meeting mandated requirements.

• Models conversation, manners, clean up activities, listening, and everyday interactions for the purpose of demonstrating appropriate social behavior in a culturally sensitive manner.

• Monitors student's daily schedule and behavior plan (e.g. class schedule, toileting, medication, appetite, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining a safe and positive learning environment.

• Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

• Provides instruction to students, under the direction of the classroom teacher (e.g. math, science, reading, behavioral skills, daily living skills, writing, verbal skills, etc.) for the purpose of implementing IEP goals; assisting in adapting to mainstream classrooms and ensuring student's success.

• Remains with the student at all times for the purpose of providing for the safety of a student, removing students when necessary and de-escalating situations outside the classroom.

• Responds to emergency situations for the purpose of resolving immediate safety concerns. 

• Monitors students during assigned periods within a variety of school environments (e.g. lunch, bus stops, playground, classroom, field trips, public transportation, assemblies, kitchen, elective classes, etc., which may be incidental to their employment within the assigned building) for the purpose of maintaining a safe and positive learning environment. 

Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications

SKILLS are required to perform multiple tasks with a potential need to upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adhering to safety practices; and preparing and maintaining accurate records.

KNOWLEDGE is required to perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percents, and/or ratios; read a variety of manuals, write documents following prescribed formats, and/or present information to others; and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions. Specific knowledge-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: age-appropriate activities when working with high-risk youth; and concepts of grammar and punctuation.

ABILITY is required to schedule activities; gather and/or collate data, and use job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to work with others in a variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing defined but different processes, and operate equipment using standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a wide diversity of individuals; work with a variety of data, and utilize a variety of job-related equipment. Problem-solving is required to identify issues and create action plans. Problem-solving with data requires independent interpretation of guidelines, and problem-solving with equipment is limited to moderate. Specific ability-based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: establishing and maintaining effective working relationships; communicating with diverse groups; maintaining confidentiality; working as part of a team; and working with frequent interruptions.

Responsibility

Responsibilities include: working under direct supervision using standardized procedures; leading, guiding, and/or coordinating others; and operating within a defined budget. Utilization of some resources from other work units may be required to perform the job's functions. There is a continual opportunity to impact the organization's services.

Working Environment

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: significant lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; some climbing and balancing; some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally, the job requires 20% sitting, 40% walking, and 40% standing. The job is performed under minimal temperature variations.

Experience Job related experience is required.

Education Targeted job-related education that meets organization's prerequisite requirements.  Must have 60 college credit hours or pass the Paraprofessional test in the State of MO.

Required Testing None Specified

Continuing Educ. / Training  None Specified

Certificates & Licenses Valid Driver's License & Evidence of Insurability

Clearances   Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance

Salary : $18