Paraeducator (Pre-K)

Duties & Responsibilities

• Assists the teacher in establishing and maintaining a safe, nurturing and developmentally appropriate classroom environment.
• Consults with teacher on plans and curriculum activities.
• Aids the teacher in preparing and maintaining classroom materials and supplies.
• Participates in all planned school activities, Staff meetings, Workshops, etc., and takes responsibility for own personal growth.
• Observes the strengths and needs of each child and helps establish individual goals for each child.
• Works with teacher to ensure that the classroom environment supports and respects the cultural backgrounds, languages, individual interests and learning styles of each child.
• Aids the teacher in planning, implementing and documenting curriculum activities in all developmental areas: physical, emotional, cognitive and social.
• Works closely with teacher to provide experiences and an atmosphere that encourages each child's self-concept.
• Attends all parent meetings as required.
• Collaborates with teacher and other staff to ensure that parents are involved in the classroom and other areas of the program.
• Provides for students' physical needs, including diapering.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate Degree or 60 college credits or receive a qualifying score on the ParaPro Assessment.

Special Requirements

• Physical Demands of the Job:
  • Adheres to federal, state and municipal physical health guidelines including immunization, employment physical and required health and safety training.
  • The physical ability to frequently lift, move or hold children with a range of weight from 10-60 pounds (occasionally the job will require lifting, moving or holding children more than 60 pounds).
  • The physical ability to participate in activities that may require lifting, reaching, squatting, climbing and sitting on the floor.
  • The physical ability to respond quickly to emergencies or unexpected situations.
  • The ability to maintain mental and physical alertness and the appropriate level of energy during the entire day.

Terms Of Employment

• 10-Month work year.
• Local 3429, Group I.
• The New Haven Board of Education must approve all recommendations for employment of Assistant Teachers.

Evaluation

• Performance of this job will be evaluated by provisions of the Board of Education's policy on evaluating personnel.