Paraeducator - Bridge Program at Elkhorn Elementary

About the role

The mission of the Bridge Program is to provide a safe after school program for students in Lodi Unified School District who attend schools funded by the After School Education and Safety (ASES) Proposition 49 Grant. The requirements of the Grant include an academic hour focusing on Literacy and Mathematics, an hour of enrichment, and an hour of recreation. It is the goal of the Bridge Program to make each site a powerful, fun learning environment for all students. Paraeducators for the Bridge Program provide academic and enrichment support to individuals or small groups of elementary or middle school students participating in the after school Bridge Program at an assigned site. They are under the supervision of Lodi Unified School District Bridge Program Administrators.

Responsibilities

• Work with students alone or with another staff member in accordance with the guidelines of the After School Education and Safety (ASES) Grant.
• Provide homework tutoring in academic subjects, including checking for homework completion; read with students; play academic games and activities; utilize Black Line Masters for student support.
• Lead students in academic enrichment areas, such as art, science, traditional sports, nontraditional sports, drama, and dance.
• Provide support during snack and attendance time at the beginning of the daily program.
• Supervise, observe and control behavior of students according to Bridge Program Rules of Conduct.
• Assure the health and safety of students by following health and safety rules; assist students regarding the building of self-esteem and development of a value system; provide proper examples, emotional support, friendly attitude and general guidance.
• Interact positively with site leader, teachers, Parks and Recreation and Boys and Girls Club staff, and other paraeducators.
• Work successfully with multiple grade levels throughout the Bridge Program.
• Help maintain a clean, orderly work area.
• Maintain daily records, turning in a monthly calendar, and notifying the site leader when an absence will occur.
• Participate in meetings and in-service training as necessary.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent and increasingly responsible experience working with school‑aged children in an organized setting.
• High School Diploma or Equivalent AND Proficiency Exam Certificate (Basic Skills Assessment Test) – or an Associate’s/Bachelor’s degree or higher.
• Proficiency Exam (Basic Skills Assessment Test) administered by Lodi Unified School District; candidates must RSVP to schedule.
• If selected, out‑of‑district applicants must undergo TB testing and fingerprinting.
• A practical skills test may be administered at the time of interview.

Skills

• Knowledge of basic aspects of the physical and emotional care of children.
• Knowledge of basic subjects taught in District schools, including arithmetic, grammar, spelling, language and reading.
• Knowledge of safe practices in classroom and playground activities.
• Knowledge of indoor and outdoor recreational and educational activities for school‑aged children.
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
• Proper English usage, grammar, vocabulary, spelling and punctuation.
• Positive behavior management techniques and discipline of children.
• Effective record‑keeping practices and procedures.
• Ability to tutor individual or small groups of students in a variety of academic subjects.
• Ability to demonstrate an understanding, patient, respectful and receptive attitude toward students of all ages.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with children and adults.
• Ability to monitor and discipline students according to approved policies and procedures.
• Ability to effectively supervise and care for children with varying degrees of development and needs in various activities.
• Ability to analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.
• Ability to understand and follow the curriculum guide for enrichment.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality in all matters related to students.