Head Start Instructional Paraprofessional

About the role

Under the direct supervision of a certified staff member, the Educational Assistant assists certified professional staff with students in the classroom to meet instructional goals and objectives, and frees certified professional employees from non‑professional duties such as proctoring study halls, enabling them to contribute to other aspects of the educational program, such as curriculum development.

Responsibilities

• 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 the administration and correction of classroom exercises, tests and assessments.
• Assists in classroom preparations and strategies for reinforcing instructional materials and skills according to individual student needs.
• Assists with record‑keeping procedures to document student learning and performance.
• Assists with classroom behavioral management to minimize disruptions, ensure a safe and orderly classroom, and keep students 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.
• Accompanies students on field trips to assist with supervision.
• Constructs, copies, distributes, and uses educational materials as needed.
• Assists teacher with parent contact as requested to foster effective and participatory parent involvement in student education.
• Assists students with special needs in all aspects of classroom instruction to maximize inclusion, learning, achievement of IEP objectives, etc.
• Participates in the IEP process and serves as a resource for the student personnel evaluation team as needed.
• Assists students with physical or mental disabilities with activities of daily living to maximize 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.
• Assists guidance, pupil services staff or building administration, as needed.
• Performs any other related duties as assigned.

Equipment

Use standard office equipment, such as personal computers and copiers.

Travel Requirements

Travel between schools, or between schools and central offices, may be required for certain positions.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide, and perform arithmetic operations as needed to assist students.
• Ability to understand, apply and use personal computers and software applications (e.g., Word, Excel).
• Ability to work with a diverse group of individuals.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of information regarding students, employees 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 report work orally or in writing to supervisor as required.
• Effective writing and verbal communication skills.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Pre‑School Child Development Associate (CDA) or AA in Early Childhood Education (preferred).
• First Aid and CPR certification.
• Must be willing to obtain CDA within 18 months of hire.
• Successful completion of college‑level coursework or passing of examination as required by the No Child Left Behind Act.
• Prior experience working with special needs children desirable.

Physical and Mental Demands

Works in standard office and school building environments. Ability to work outdoors during outdoor student activities. Note: Also see the Summary of Physical, Sensory and Environmental Requirements Needed to Perform Essential Functions for this position.