Paraeducator - Academic Support - Kindergarten

About the Role

This position supports kindergarten scholars in literacy and mathematics under the direction of a certified kindergarten teacher. The paraeducator assists with instructional tasks and supervision of scholars, focusing on academic support 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 pertinent classroom information.

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 trained 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 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 attendance record and punctuality.
• Enthusiasm, flexibility, and commitment to students.
• Effective safety and security practices.
• Ability to develop and maintain positive relations with staff and service providers.
• Ability to follow written and verbal directions with minimal supervision.
• 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.
• Adherence to ethical and professional standards of conduct, including confidentiality requirements.
• Effective communication with staff, students, parents/guardians, and the public in a multicultural and multiracial community.
• Positive interaction with students, parents, and staff in a professional manner, demonstrating commitment to student success.
• Commitment to ongoing professional growth.
• Ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodations.

Cultural Competence and Equity

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

Physical Demands

The physical demands described are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

• 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 a maximum of 50 lbs (with assistance or mechanical device for weights over 50 lbs).
• Occasionally push/pull a maximum force of 200 lbs.

Work Conditions

The work environment characteristics described are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

• 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.

Reporting Relationships

This position reports to the classroom teacher and/or department head and building principal. Evaluations are conducted by the building principal or designee.