Preschool Paraeducator
Contract length: 190 days, or as assigned. FLSA status: Non-Exempt.
About the District
In the Fort Dodge Community School District, we are professional, high-performing team players focused on delivering the best possible learning experience for each one of our 3,700 students. We respect diversity, value integrity, reward competitively, celebrate success, and support employee growth and development. We aim to attract, develop, and retain the best people as part of our Dodger family.
Pay
$15.07 per hour, with additional pay of $0.40 per hour for 60+ college credits and $0.30 per hour for Para Certification/Sub Authorization.
Benefits
All positions assigned 30 or more hours weekly (typically 6 hours daily) are eligible for a full benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, and paid leave.
About the Role
Assist teachers in the instruction, supervision, and care of students in a variety of instructional settings, including special education, general education, work/community, early learning, and school bus, as assigned.
Responsibilities
- Assist teachers with educational activities.
- Assist in maintaining a safe and orderly educational environment.
- Assist in implementing consistent behavior management strategies and procedures.
- Supervise lunchroom, recess, halls, classroom, bus loading/unloading, and other assigned areas.
- Clarify and reinforce teachers' instructions and reinforce skills taught by the teacher.
- Chart/graph student performance.
- Assist students with work completion.
- Assist in the implementation and monitoring of students' Individual Education Plans.
- Prepare and organize instructional materials and equipment.
- Assist in meal and snack preparation and clean up, as needed.
- Assist in cleaning and sanitizing the classroom environment.
- Follow students' behavior management plans.
- Perform personal care duties for students with disabilities, as needed.
- Assist with instruction in the community setting, as required.
- Lift, carry, and correctly position students with physical disabilities.
- Prepare instructional materials.
- Complete Medicaid documentation, as necessary.
- Feed, toilet, and diaper students as needed.
- Implement strategies to maintain/increase appropriate behavior and reduce inappropriate behavior.
- Supervise students in community/work settings.
- Follow directions from teachers and administrators.
- Maintain confidentiality.
- Maintain satisfactory and harmonious working relationships with students, parents, and colleagues.
- Provide supervision to students on the school bus, as assigned.
- Attend work on a prompt and reliable basis.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Any combination of education and experience providing the required skill and knowledge for successful performance would be qualifying. Typical qualifications would be equivalent to:
- AA degree or 60 college credits or Para Certification Level I and Level II Early Childhood required.
- Successful completion of college-level coursework or passing of examination as required by the No Child Left Behind Act.
- Prior experience working with special needs children desirable.
Skills
- Ability to engage students with special needs.
- Ability to carry out duties cooperatively with others.
- Ability to follow health, safety, and emergency procedures.
- Well-developed oral and written communication skills.
Physical and Mental Demands
Works in standard office and school building environments. Ability to work outdoors during outdoor student activities.