Paraeducator - Transition to Kindergarten

About the Role

This position supports kindergarten scholars in literacy and mathematics under the direction of the certified kindergarten teacher. The paraeducator assists with 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 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 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 and providing excellent customer service.
• Ability to maintain a good work attendance record, be punctual, and follow district procedures for reporting absences.
• Enthusiasm, flexibility, and commitment to students.
• Ability to develop and maintain positive relations with staff and service providers.
• Ability to follow written and verbal directions with minimal supervision.
• Ability to speak, read, and follow written communications in English.
• 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.
• Good judgment in knowing when to act independently and when to refer to higher authority.
• Adherence to ethical and professional standards of conduct, including strict confidentiality.
• 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 continued 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 hold self and others accountable for promoting the district’s commitment to “Each Scholar: A Voice. A Dream. A Bright Future.”
• Ability to recognize that each person is 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 (lifting over 50 lbs should be done with two people or a mechanical device).
• Occasionally push/pull a maximum force of 200 lbs.

Work Environment

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 works in indoor and outdoor conditions.
• Intermittently works near a video display.
• Moderate noise level in the work environment.
• Occasionally exposed 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 (prorated based on FTE).
• Life insurance.
• Retirement benefits.

Pay

Paraeducator position on the PSE Salary Schedule.