Paraeducator - Preschool (45mins/day)

Job Goal

To provide preschool-aged students (ages 3 to 5) with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to become lifelong learners and responsible citizens. This is achieved by implementing high-quality practices and instructional support in a special education and/or general education environment, ensuring a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate learning atmosphere.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Associate's degree or 60 semester hours from an accredited university, or satisfactory results on an AZ state-approved competency exam
• CPR/First Aid certification (provided by district)
• Ability to operate standard office equipment, including a computer and related software
• Satisfactory criminal background check
• Valid DPS IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card
• Ability to meet physical demands as described below

Core Job Functions

• Student Supervision & Support:
• Supervise students during all program activities.
• Reinforce material by providing one-on-one or small-group instruction.
• Aid in academic, physical, and emotional needs as directed by the classroom teacher and following Individualized Education Program (IEP) guidelines where applicable.
• Personal Care & Medical Assistance:
• Maintain health and safety throughout the day.
• Support with personal care needs (e.g., toileting, feeding, dressing, etc.).
• Administer basic first aid and emergency rescue medications to ill, medically fragile, or injured students.
• Social-Emotional Development:
• Assist students with their social and emotional needs.
• Help them build positive behaviors and navigate social situations through modeling and/or implementation of behavior plans and strategies.
• Safety & Reporting:
• Be alert to and report any potential issues, including substance use, child abuse, or other dangerous situations, based on daily observations.
• Immediately alert the teacher or administrator to any student problems or dangerous situations.
• Documentation & Training:
• Assist with progress monitoring, assessments, and data collection under the supervision of the certified teacher.
• Participate in required meetings and training to improve your knowledge and skills.
• General Operations:
• Maintain an orderly classroom environment.
• Properly operate and care for instructional equipment.
• Perform all duties safely and prudently, following DHS regulations, district policies, and supervisor directives.
• Remain flexible and perform other duties as assigned.

Core Values

• Excellence: We value excellence in all parts of this organization as our most important product.
• Equity: Providing all students and staff the opportunity, tools, and ability to succeed and excel.
• Collaboration: An effective decision-making and morale-enhancing model.
• Integrity: Honesty, integrity, and reliability are non-negotiable foundations.
• Efficiency: Being a good steward of public trust and community resources.

Professional Qualities

• Respond to all customers, as it relates to position, in a prompt, efficient, friendly and patient manner.
• Function effectively as a team member.
• Be responsible, reliable and punctual.
• Be flexible and adaptable to change.
• Be positive and maintain courteous, cooperative working relationships with students, staff and parents.
• Exercise positive problem-solving behavior and conflict resolution skills.
• Adhere to the dress code appropriate to the site and job.
• Share sensitive student and staff information on a need-to-know basis.
• Be a positive role model for students.
• Work with a large cross-section of people in a professional and non-judgmental manner.

Physical Requirements

• Mobility: Ability to stoop, kneel, crouch, stand, walk, and sit; repetitive finger and manual dexterity.
• Sensory: Ability to speak, hear, and see (with correction) for essential job functions.
• Exertion: Occasionally: Lift or move objects up to 50 pounds; Frequently: Lift or move objects up to 20 pounds; Constantly: Lift or move objects up to 10 pounds.
• Environment: Potential exposure to odors, dust, bloodborne pathogens, and loud noises.
• General: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.