Paraprofessional

About the Role

Work closely with a child or children who need extra care and support throughout the day. Compassionately participate in the physical support and care of a child or children, which may include toileting, feeding, positioning, providing behavioral supports, and lifting/transferring on a regular basis. Form interpersonal relationships with children to help them feel more motivated about their activities. Assist Early Childhood Teachers with teaching new concepts, translating information for children, supervising children, and providing a positive, nurturing guide.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a high level of ethical behavior and confidentiality of information about students.
• Establish and maintain a professional and supportive relationship with the children.
• Participate in related meetings as requested.
• Alert the teacher to any problems or special information about an individual child.
• Assist with the supervision of children, classroom activities, meals, snacks, and cleanup routines, including special health, occupational, and physical therapy plans as directed by the teacher.
• Assist teachers in maintaining a safe and organized classroom environment.
• Assist children with activities of daily living and personal care needs when appropriate.
• Assist the teacher in devising special strategies for reinforcing material or skills based on student needs, interests, and abilities.
• Under the supervision of the teacher, work with a child or a small group of children to reinforce material initially introduced by the teacher.
• Operate and care for equipment used in the classroom for instructional purposes.
• Implement programming geared to the needs of individual children's style and pace of learning.
• Complete required training, such as crisis prevention, interventions, and safe restraint techniques on a yearly basis, along with other training as required.
• Carry out proper techniques in de-escalation and child restraint when appropriate.

Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to assist in classroom instruction and learning and work closely with children.
• Great attention to detail, excellent teamwork skills, and ability to remain calm and patient.
• Experience working with children preferred, especially in a paraprofessional role.
• Knowledge of Conscious Discipline preferred.
• This position is subject to testing for drugs (THC included) and alcohol in accordance with Federal Department of Transportation Regulations and the SMSC’s Drug/THC and Alcohol Policy.
• Ability to move in a variety of motions including bending, squatting, crawling, kneeling, twisting, pulling, and/or pushing.
• Capacity to handle and lift up to 50 lbs. as needed.
• Physical ability to perform required job duties with or without accommodations, including being on feet 80% of the time.

Benefits

• Competitive weekly pay.
• Medical, dental, life, and disability insurance.
• Onsite medical clinics and pharmacy.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Paid time off and wellness programs.
• Discounts on childcare, fuel, bus passes, and fitness memberships.
• Free uniforms and free uniform cleaning.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Paid volunteer hours through SMSC Gives for community outreach.