Paraeducator - Academic Support - Kindergarten

About the Role

This position supports kindergarten scholars in literacy and mathematics under the direction of the certified kindergarten teacher. The paraeducator will assist with a variety of instructional tasks and supervision of scholars, focusing on academic support in reading, mathematics, and other areas through one-on-one and small group activities.

Responsibilities

• Assist students with meeting academic goals and objectives under the direction of the certified teacher.
• Facilitate one-on-one and small group learning to support literacy and numeracy.
• Collaborate with certificated staff around scholar learning goals.
• Maintain and share accurate records of scholar learning and progress toward goals.
• Develop and maintain a positive rapport with students and staff.
• Assist the teacher in preparing the classroom for academics.
• Report and direct any questions or concerns from parents or support staff to the immediate supervisor.
• Practice effective safety and security within individual work routines.
• Assist with supervision of scholars during lunch, recess, and transitional periods.
• Annually attend 4-5 district trainings regarding academic support.
• Work collaboratively with district staff and promote teamwork with co-workers.
• Assist substitute teachers with helpful information pertinent to the classroom.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or Equivalent and one of the following:
  • AA degree, or
  • High school diploma (or equivalent) and 48 college-level semester credits or 72 college-level quarter credits, or
  • High school diploma (or equivalent) and pass the state-approved paraeducator assessment test.
• Proficient in basic spelling, math, and grammar skills.
• Experienced and/or training in reading instruction, remediation, and assessment.
• Pass a criminal background check.
• Complete the district's paraeducator core competency requirements.
• Possess and maintain Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) certification.
• Successfully complete the FWPS district-approved Right Response training at the advanced level and maintain annual recertification.
• Possess and maintain American Heart Association or American Red Cross CPR and first aid training.
• Work scheduled hours on a consistent basis.

Preferred Qualifications

• Training in early childhood education.
• Training in literacy.
• Experience working with students in early learning.

Skills

• Knowledge of English grammar and spelling.
• Basic math skills.
• Positive behavior interventions and Right Response/de-escalation techniques.
• Ability to demonstrate basic knowledge of modern technology and willingness to increase proficiency.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, fostering a team approach.
• Strong communication skills to interact effectively with staff, students, parents/guardians, and the public in a multicultural and multiracial community.
• Desire, skill, and patience to work with students with special emotional, academic, and social needs, including those exhibiting violent behavior.
• Caring attitude and ability to establish an environment that encourages appropriate behavior and successful learning.
• Judgment to act independently or refer to higher authority as needed.
• Commitment to ethical and professional standards, including confidentiality.
• Ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodations.

Cultural Competence and Equity

• Knowledge and awareness of your own cultural identity and how it influences behavior, with a desire to learn about others' cultural identities.
• Ability to establish and nurture an environment that promotes cultural competence and equitable treatment of staff, students, and patrons.
• Ability to recognize each person as a unique individual while celebrating their group cultural heritage.
• Commitment to the Federal Way Public Schools' vision: "Each Scholar: A Voice. A Dream. A Bright Future."

Physical Demands

• Constantly sit, stand, walk, bend neck and back, and use hands for repetitive grasping and pushing/pulling.
• Frequently squat, kneel, and use hands for fine manipulation.
• Occasionally climb stairs/ladder, lift and reach overhead, crawl, and lift/carry.
• Constantly lift/carry up to 10 lbs.
• Frequently lift/carry up to 25 lbs.
• Occasionally lift/carry up to 50 lbs (with assistance or mechanical device for weights over 50 lbs).
• Occasionally push/pull a maximum force of 200 lbs.

Work Conditions

• Regularly work in indoor and outdoor conditions.
• Intermittently work near a video display.
• Moderate noise level in the work environment.
• Occasional exposure to angry, frustrated, or aggressive individuals, typically in a school classroom environment.
• Potential exposure to infectious diseases.

Schedule

This is a school-year assignment. Hours and days may vary slightly from school to school.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits (prorated based on FTE).
• Sick and vacation leave.
• Life insurance.
• Retirement benefits.

Pay

Paraeducator position on the PSE Salary Schedule.