Pre-K-2 Paraprofessional

About the role

The highly qualified educational assistant will assist teachers in developing and implementing learning experiences for students enrolled in various programs. They will also assist in classroom management, monitor student behavior, and perform clerical duties.

Responsibilities

• Assist teachers in the planning and implementation of learning experiences for students.
• Confer with teachers to provide feedback on student performance, progress, and testing activities.
• Devise special strategies for reinforcing material or skills based on a sympathetic understanding of individual students.
• Maintain classroom management in accordance with the district's discipline procedures, including physical restraint and movement of students.
• Supervise students in and outside of the classroom to ensure a safe environment.
• Perform various clerical functions, including student record keeping, monitoring assignments, IEP development, and maintaining accurate files.
• Assist with emergency drills, assemblies, and play periods.
• Read to students, listen to students read, and participate in oral communication with students.
• Correct notebooks, supervise testing, and make-up work as assigned by the teacher.
• Alert the teacher or administrator to any problem or special information about an individual student.
• Serve as a source of information and support to substitute teachers.
• Monitor students' daily and monthly data on instructional and behavioral progress.
• Provide remedial instruction as requested.
• Perform clerical duties such as data entry, copying, filing, and record keeping.
• Supervise students in buildings or other school areas and school-related activities.
• Assist the classroom teacher in maintaining class and student records.
• Maintain a high level of ethical behavior and confidentiality of information about students and staff.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Current Illinois Paraprofessional License or higher Illinois educator license.
• To qualify for Illinois paraprofessional license, must meet Federal NCLB Requirements of at least 60 semester college credits, or an AA degree or higher degree, or passing score on the state paraprofessional exam.

Knowledge and Abilities

• Knowledge of English usage, mathematics, and a basic understanding of the subjects in which this position is to provide assistance.
• Basic child guidance principles and practices.
• Safe practices in classroom and playground activities.
• Reading and writing communication skills.
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy.
• Record-keeping techniques.

• Ability to work harmoniously with others and communicate effectively (both orally and in writing) with students and staff.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Maintain confidentiality of students and their records.
• Supervise individual or groups of students in an instructional setting without constant teacher oversight.
• Work effectively in an environment which can be both physically and emotionally fatiguing.
• Perform physically demanding requirements of the job.
• Demonstrate standards of moral character and behavior to serve as an effective role model for students.
• Demonstrate a positive attitude in working with children with special needs.
• Possess and maintain a valid First Aid card.
• Understand basic provisions of Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
• Understand basic elements of an Individualized Education Plan (IEP).

Physical Abilities

• Standing for extended periods of time.
• Bending at the waist to assist students.
• Reaching overhead, above the shoulders, and horizontally.
• Hearing and speaking to exchange information.
• Sight to monitor student activities and behavior.
• Dexterity of hands and fingers to demonstrate activities and prepare materials.