Kindergarten Paraeducator

Gallup Hill School is seeking a Kindergarten Para educator. The successful candidates should demonstrate patience, compassion, and empathy when interacting with students, as well as professionalism when representing the school.

Under the supervision of certified staff, a Para educator:

• 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 classroom preparation and 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
• Supports students with special needs in all aspects of classroom instruction to maximize inclusion, learning, achievement of IEP objectives, etc.
• Assists 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
• Performs 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.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Genuine interest in serving the needs of students and the ability to operate within the philosophy of the program
• Ability to engage students, work well in small groups and follow teacher instructions
• Ability to work cooperatively with a diverse group of individuals
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of information regarding students, staff 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 work cooperatively with colleagues and under the supervision of program teacher

Qualifications:

• Two years of college credit (60) or hold an associate's (or higher) degree or evidence of having passed Para Pro Assessment
• Previous experience working with students in inclusive and small group settings preferred
• Previous experience working with special education students preferred
• Prior experience working with special needs students preferred
• Willingness to be trained to assist all instructional and behavioral needs of the students
• 28.5 hours per week, follows the school calendar
• Starting pay $17.51 per hour
• Paid time off

Physical Requirements:

• Works in standard office and school building environments.
• Works outdoors in all weather during outdoor student activities.
• Travel between schools, or between schools and central office, may be required for certain positions.
• Position can require physical interaction with students who have difficulty regulating emotions and controlling behavior.
• Must occasionally lift, move, or support other staff with physically escorting students and toileting.

As an equal opportunity employer, the Ledyard Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, status as a veteran, status as a victim of domestic violence, marital status, pregnancy or related conditions, national origin, protective hairstyles, alienage, ancestry, age, disability or any other basis prohibited by law.