Paraeducator - Transitional Kindergarten/ ECEAP

Position Summary

The ECEAP/Transition to Kindergarten (TK) Paraeducator assists in providing a safe, engaging, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for preschool-aged children participating in the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) and Transition to Kindergarten (TK) programs. Under the supervision of the classroom teacher, the paraeducator supports students' academic, social-emotional, behavioral, physical, and developmental growth while fostering positive relationships with families and staff.

Essential Functions

• Instructional Support:
  • Aid individual students and small groups in early literacy, language development, mathematics, social-emotional learning, and school readiness activities.
  • Support implementation of developmentally appropriate instructional activities and learning centers.
  • Aid students in learning English and accessing classroom instruction.
  • Reinforce teacher-directed lessons, interventions, and individualized learning goals.
  • Assist with developmental screenings, assessments, observations, and documentation as directed.
  • Support implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), Individual Care Plans, and behavior support plans as directed by certificated staff.
  • Prepare and organize instructional materials and classroom resources.
• Student Support and Supervision:
  • Maintain active supervision of students in classrooms, playgrounds, cafeterias, buses, and community-based learning activities.
  • Support positive behavior interventions and social-emotional skill development using trauma-informed and developmentally appropriate practices.
  • Aid students with daily living skills, hygiene routines, toileting, handwashing, dressing, feeding, and other personal care needs as required.
  • Ensure student safety by following all district, ECEAP, and licensing health and safety requirements.
  • Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
• Family and Program Support:
  • Assist with family engagement activities and classroom events as directed.
  • Maintain confidentiality regarding students, families, and program records.
  • Support communication between school and families as directed by the teacher.
  • Aid in maintaining accurate student records and documentation required by ECEAP and district programs.
• Classroom and Team Collaboration:
  • Work collaboratively with teachers, special education staff, therapists, administrators, and support personnel.
  • Participate in team meetings, professional development activities, and required trainings.
  • Aid in maintaining a clean, organized, welcoming, and developmentally appropriate classroom environment.
  • Support transitions into ECEAP/TK programs and into kindergarten.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated awareness and appreciation of diversity among students and families.
• Previous experience working with preschool-aged children or early childhood programs preferred.
• Demonstrated understanding of child development and developmentally appropriate practices preferred.
• Ability to establish positive relationships with young children, families, and staff.
• Ability to work cooperatively as a member of a collaborative team.
• Ability to work independently under teacher direction while accepting supervision and constructive feedback.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately.
• Ability to effectively supervise students in all learning environments.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to utilize technology including email, computers, tablets, student information systems, and classroom technology.
• Ability to lift, position, and/or transfer students as necessary, with assistance when required.
• Must maintain regular and consistent attendance.

Education

• Be at least eighteen years of age, hold a high school diploma and/or equivalent, AND must meet at least one of the following options:
• Hold an AA degree or higher from an accredited college or university;
• Hold a certificate of completion from a program approved by the Office of Vocational and Adult Education;
• Have earned 72 quarter credits or 48 semester credits – all at a 100 level or above at an accredited college or university;
• Received a qualifying score on the Education Testing Service (ETS) paraeducator assessment;
• Have completed an apprenticeship as a paraeducator, in a program registered with the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council.

Required Certifications and Program Requirements

• Complete training on the Fundamental Course of Study within the timelines described in RCW 28A.413.070 in years that the program is funded by the legislature.
• Successfully complete and maintain a portable background check through the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF).
• Complete a TB blood test prior to hire and meet applicable program requirements.
• Provide documentation of required MMR vaccination prior to hire.
• Obtain and maintain a valid Washington State Food Worker Card.
• Obtain and maintain current CPR/First Aid certification.