Paraprofessional - Preschool

Paraprofessional - Preschool

Joplin R 8 School District, Jefferson Elementary, Joplin, Missouri

Job : 5701037

Final date to receive applications: Posted until filled

Posted: May 08, 2026 5:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Aug 17, 2026

Position: Full-Day Preschool Paraprofessional

Term: Months

Classification: Classified / Non-Exempt

Location: Jefferson Elementary

for DESE Information

Supervisory: No

Reports to: Building Principal

Code: .4180. 33800.3.000

Job Number: 2845

Joplin Schools is in need of a caring and motivated paraprofessional to work in our Early Childhood Full-Day Preschool program.

• Obtain 60 college credit hours, or
• Have passed the Para Pro Assessment (before September 23, 2013) or
• Have passed the Para Professional Assessment through Pearson (September 23, 2013 through June 20, 2024) or
• Have passed the Para Pro Assessment through ETS (July 1, 2024 forward) or
• Completed the 20HR Substitute Certificate Course
• Experience with daycare or early childhood program

Minimum qualifications are: MO Paraprofessional Certificate, DESE Substitute Certificate 20-hr program, OR 60 college credit hours

• Supports the mission of Joplin Schools.
• Supports the value of education.
• Become familiar with, enforce, and follow all applicable Board policies and regulations, administrative procedures, other directions given by district administrators and supervisors, and state and federal laws.
• Properly supervise students at all times, if applicable to essential job functions.
• Obey all safety rules, including rules protecting the safety and welfare of students.
• Care for, properly use, and protect school property.
• Maintain courteous and professional relationships with students, parents/guardians, other district employees and the public.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors, department staff, all members of the school district, and community as required.
• Provides excellence in customer service both internally and externally.
• Complies with privacy rights and safeguards confidential and/or sensitive information pertaining to staff and students.
• Reacts to change productively and receive and transmit constructive criticism as it relates to job duties.
• Actively participate in professional development and obtain skills and information necessary to effectively perform job duties.
• Conduct all official business in a professional and timely manner, utilizing district technology resources.
• Arrive to work and leave work at the time specified by supervisors and attend all required meetings pertinent to the position.
• Maintains accurate records and filing systems for accountability and audit purposes as required by law and Board policy.
• Solve practical problems utilizing math functions as needed to complete job duties.
• Read and interpret documents such as work orders, safety rules, and handbooks and apply to job duties.

• Curriculum support for students
• Behavior modification techniques
• Creating individualized learning materials
• Supporting student through assigned tasks
• Reading aloud to individual or small groups of students
• Assist with lifting or transferring students
• Assist with personal hygiene, including diapering and toilet training
• Documentation and record keeping
• Maintain logs and journals
• Assist students with motor or mobility limitations
• Maintain structure of the classroom
• Follow classroom activities and lessons as set by the teacher
• Snack preparation and clean-up
• Follow other directions in implementing student plans as directed by the teacher
  
  Carry out all other duties as assigned Physical Demands
  • Occasionally lift 100 pounds
  • Frequently walk up and down stairs while assisting students
  • Frequently walk on a variety of ground surfaces, including, but not limited to, paved, gravel, grass, or dirt
  • Frequently bend and twist the torso and neck
  • Frequently squat or kneel to the ground
  • Frequently use repetitive arm, wrist and hand movements
  • Use close, distance and peripheral vision as well as depth perception
  Attendance

  Regular and consistent attendance is an essential function of this position.

  Conditions and Environment

  The conditions and environment reflect that of a typical classroom setting.

  Note:
  
  The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees, and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.

  Position Type: Full-Time

  Instructional Support >
  Paraprofessional / IA

  Job Requirements
  • Citizenship, residency or work visa required
  Contact Information
  • Josh Thompson , Principal
  • JEFFERSON ELEMENTARY
  • Email: joshthompson