Paraprofessional/Assistant Teacher

Help the teacher to run the classroom successfully. Tutor and assist students individually or in small groups to help each student master assignments and to reinforce learning concepts presented by the teacher. Provide direct and indirect instructional support to students in a positive, flexible program and environment. Observe students' performance, and record relevant data to assess progress. Assist the teacher in devising strategies to reinforce and differentiate learning based on each student's individual needs. Maintain students' records and documentation and file papers. Take class attendance as required by the teacher.

Prepare Materials

Prepare classwork as designated by the teacher. Type, file, duplicate, and laminate materials.

Supervise and Care for Students

Safety at all times is a priority. Supervise students in classrooms, halls, playground, trail, special areas, field trips, toileting and emergency drills. Assist students with feeding, bathroom, and changing. Create and follow bathroom schedules for those who need assistance. Model a calm demeanor for students and teach self-regulation through deep breathing and other Conscious Discipline strategies.

Support Students

Positively engage students to develop self-esteem. Support students with developing social skills and appropriately interacting with peers. Encourage students and assist them to implement goals of their Individual Developmental Plan (IDP).

Advocate for Students

Seek out knowledge to further understanding of each student in regards to functioning level, communication and academic abilities. Be aware of individual dietary issues, allergies and health concerns.

Organization & Cleaning

Maintain an orderly classroom through daily set-up, cleaning procedures and organization of materials and supplies. Clean toys/tables/mats/chairs, put chairs on tables, sweep floors, wipe down shelves/window sills/changing table/fridge, laundry, and wash dishes. Adhere to the cleaning schedule to ensure a healthy environment for children and families. Organize and label materials and display students' work in a manner appropriate for their eye levels and perceptual skills.

Playground Supervision & Safety

Play with children on the playground, extending play by planning games and following child's lead. Maintain a clean playground by picking up trash, throwing away broken toys, and informing Director of any potential hazards. Organize playground toys prior to returning indoors.

Communication and Team work

Work as a team player, taking initiative to help with tasks, share space and materials, and offer support and constructive criticism for the benefit of the whole staff. Work as part of an academic team with the Teacher to communicate regarding student work, lesson plans, transitions, staff breaks, and safety issues.

Volunteer Supervision

Train and guide volunteers by giving explicit direction and correcting mistakes.

Meetings and Trainings

Attend weekly staff meetings as needed and required trainings. Seek out continuing education opportunities via publications, coursework and conferences.

Follow-through with Therapy

Accept and follow directives given by therapists to adhere to therapy goals.

Professionalism and Ethical Conduct

Approach problems in a constructive fashion, taking initiative to correct problems whenever possible. Treat every student with dignity and respect; serve all children without bias or favoritism. Adhere to the Code of Ethics at all times.

Physical / Environmental Factors

Perform job duties with the following attributes: Moderate/Medium Lifting and Carrying, Climbing, Stooping, Kneeling, Crouching, Crawling, Reaching, the ability to hear the conversational voice (with or without a hearing aid), the ability to see and read newsprint (with or without corrective lenses), to speak and be understood under normal circumstances. The employee is frequently exposed to communicable diseases.

General

Perform other duties as may be assigned.