Preschool Special Education Paraeducator

Louisa-Muscatine Elementary is seeking a paraeducator to work with our preschool special education students. Every paraeducator at L-M is deemed highly qualified. Therefore, qualified applicants must possess or be willing to obtain ONE of the following:

• Associate's Degree or higher
• A paraeducator authorization issued by the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners
• A National Career Readiness Certificate. (Which can be obtained at IowaWorks in Burlington)

This position starts out at $14 per hour, but those hired with a paraeducator authorization or substitute authorization earn an extra $1 per hour. For more information about a paraeducator authorization, please visit: https://boee.iowa.gov/license-authorization/paraeducator-certification

SKILLS:

• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to take directions and complete tasks independently.
• Ability to perform multiple, technical tasks with a need to occasionally upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions.
• Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to students.
• Ability to independently work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing specific, defined processes; and operate equipment using defined methods.
• Ability to work with a significant diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with a variety of data; and utilize specific, job-related equipment.
• Ability to maintain a work schedule requiring continuous physical activity; communicating with persons of varied backgrounds; maintaining confidentiality; and working with frequent interruptions.

REPORTS TO: Teacher and/or Building Principal

JOB GOAL: Performs a variety of instructional and/or support duties to assist the school and teachers in instruction, supervision, and education of students.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITES:

• Maintain high standards of confidentiality, attendance, and flexibility, while working cooperatively with supervising teacher and other employees.
• Tutor students individually or in small groups in a variety of learning activities assigned by the teacher; promote student understanding of materials presented.
• Reinforce and review concepts and skills.
• Work collaboratively by assisting teachers in assessment, curriculum implementation, student interactions, enforcing safe behaviors, and enhancing social growth of student in the classroom.
• Act as a role model to demonstrate appropriate behavior to students; assist teacher in maintaining a classroom atmosphere conducive to learning.
• Maintain, or assist in maintaining, student weekly progress reports.
• Take action, or assist in taking action, to restrain students who are at risk of harming themselves or others by following school/district approved restraint procedures.
• Document behavior of students to assist teacher in assessing progress with education plans.
• Promote a positive image of the district at all times.
• Supervise students at lunch, recess and in other large groups if applicable to the position.
• Assist students with common daily tasks such as eating, dressing, toileting, and may include diapering if applicable to position.
• May provide colostomy care including emptying colostomy bags and cleaning of the skin. May provide catheterization. May administer tube feedings and/or medication(s) as authorized by the school nurse and supervisory staff. May provide health services and assistance to include changing dressings, assisting with oxygen, assisting with insulin, assisting with nebulizers or inhalers, and assisting with walkers, wheelchairs, canes, crutches if applicable to position.
• Teach independent living skills such as cooking, laundry, general personal hygiene and cleanliness if applicable to the position.
• Performs related duties as assigned by supervising teacher and /or building principal.

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; frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; and significant fine finger dexterity.
Generally the job requires 50% sitting, 25% walking, and 25% standing. The job is performed under conditions with exposure to risk of injury and/or illness.
Occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

STATUS: This is an at-will position that is non-exempt under FLSA.

It is the policy of the Louisa-Muscatine 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.