Paraprofessional - PreK

Pre-Kindergarten Para educator

The essential role of the Pre-Kindergarten Para educator is to assist the teacher with instruction responsibilities.

Performance responsibilities/essential functions:

• Interact, support and encourage children throughout the day.
• Assist the teacher in implementing all components of the daily routine (breakfast, small group, outdoor play).
• Assist the teacher in assessing students' progress.
• Participate in weekly curriculum planning.
• Instruct students in the appropriate use of classroom materials and equipment.
• Assist the teacher with classroom management and in developing the students' problem solving skills.
• Assist the teacher with preparing materials for daily/weekly activities.
• Participate in school visits.
• Assist the teacher with the registration and screening of applicants.
• Attend regularly scheduled pre-kindergarten staff development activities as required by program guideline.
• Reports to assigned duties involving pre-kindergarten children (breakfast, small group, outdoor play).
• Assist the teacher in maintaining a safe and clean learning environment.
• Assist the teacher with beginning and end of the day procedures.
• To work with individual, small and/or large group of students.
• To assist pre-kindergarten students in following the instructions of the teacher.
• To provide instructional leadership when working with a substitute teacher.
• Notifies the principal or designated person of impending absences.
• Maintains CPR certification.
• Perform all other duties assigned by the principal and Early Childhood Coordinator.

Work environment/hours worked:

• A pre-kindergarten Para educator is required to work in a school setting, climate controlled environment adhering to School Board energy policy and in the outside areas which are subject to climate extremes.
• Work day is consistent with teacher hours at assigned school.

Communication skills:

• Must be able to effectively communicate in English both orally and in writing.
• Must have ability to accurately give and receive information and must be able to communicate successfully and pleasantly with students, school personnel, and prekindergarten program personnel.

Equipment used:

• Telephone, copy machine, classroom computer, audio-visual equipment and other appropriate technology.

Physical involvement:

• Standing, walking, reaching, bending, lifting up to ten (10) pounds is sometimes required.
• Must be able to operate classroom equipment.
• Must have sufficient mobility to move to various locations on the school site.

Mental involvement:

• Must be able to plan and implement appropriate education activities that support the teacher's plans.
• Must understand and interpret written and verbal instructions.
• Must keep accurate, up-to-date records and give precise instructions.
• Must be able to comply with state and parish regulations and pre-kindergarten program guidelines.
• Must be able to utilize effective classroom management techniques.
• Must be able to work compatibly with students, teachers, school personnel, parents, and pre-kindergarten program personnel.
• Must be able to respond positively to supervision and to accept suggestions for improvement.

Minimum qualifications:

• An Associate Degree OR
• Forty-eight (48) hours of approved college courses OR
• Pass Para Pro Praxis and have high school diploma and/or equivalency.
• Eighteen (18) years of age or older.
• Satisfactory performance in interview.

Desirable qualifications:

• Experience working with children.
• Associates Degree in Early Childhood.
• Experience working with adults.
• Ability to adapt to various working environments.

Compensation:

• JP Schools offers a competitive salary that is commensurate with experience.
• JP Schools also offers a competitive benefits package.