PreSchool Paraprofessional II-A (SPED)

About the role

To insure the successful learning of exceptional students by providing and facilitating quality support to programs and personnel.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalency
• 48 hrs college credit or pass state-mandated paraprofessional assessments
• Ability to successfully accomplish/complete the annual in-service training
• Conscientiously accept and follow directions
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Exhibit sound judgment
• Adapt to a variety of situations
• Fundamental understanding of students and the learning process
• Some positions may require specialized qualifications such as expertise with the piano, skill in physical education, knowledge of the outdoors/nature and hiking, and non-English language fluency

Physical/Emotional Requirements

• Speaking, hearing, manual dexterity (coordination of eye/hand for such activities as typing, calculating, word processing, and the like)
• Bending/stooping, sitting, walking, standing, lifting (up to 50lbs.)
• Some positions may require the ability to provide physical assistance and personal care for students with various disabilities

Performance Responsibilities

• Assignments vary by location, programs, and students served.
• The position requires the ability and willingness to work with students having disabilities ranging from mild to severe.
• Each para will be assigned to work in one or more of the following environments:
• Work with an individual professional and/or student throughout the day
• Work as a team member (composed of paras and certified professionals).
• Under the direction of a certified faculty member, work individually with varied students throughout the day
• Work as a team with varied groups of students throughout the day
• Listed below are a variety of expectations which may be assigned by the certified supervisor. This is a representative list and is not meant to be all inclusive. As assigned:
• Assist in daily instruction and training
• Aid students in achieving their individual objectives
• Provide assistance and care in such activities as dressing, eating, drinking, toileting and grooming
• Record/chart student data
• Aid in restraining students
• Monitor students for changes which require medication
• Tutor children individually and in groups
• Set up equipment for testing and learning
• Communicate effectively with patrons and students
• Aid students with therapy procedures initiated by the certified supervisor
• Perform liaison duties between staff and parents
• Conduct home visits
• Aid families in accessing available community resources
• Aid in obtaining emergency services such as clothing, food, medical services, etc
• Monitor students and provide assistance for in-school suspension, lunchroom, recess, field trip and hall supervision
• Under the direction of a certified staff member, monitor library/learning centers, laboratories and equipment
• Aid students with therapy procedures initiated by the certified supervisor
• Administer, score and record achievement and diagnostic tests under the supervision of a certified faculty member
• Type, organize, duplicate, distribute/file correspondence, reports, tests, testing materials
• Prepare and maintain records and reports
• Transcribe taped information
• Complete record forms including histories, needs, and problems and recommended action
• Operate and care for assigned equipment
• Perform general bookkeeping tasks including the collection and recording of collected money
• Answer phone, provide information when appropriate, relay messages, set up appointments
• Absorb school personnel, parents and students in the successful transition and integration of students into the proper learning environment(s)
• Organize and/or schedule conferences
• Absorb implementation plans by notifying, scheduling, coordinating, and presenting information
• Absorb behavior control as needed
• Absorb attendance, data collection and graphing
• Receive, sort, process and distributes equipment, materials and mail
• Attend professional development meetings, and other meetings as assigned

Terms of Employment

• 9 months
• Salary and work year to be determined by the Board of Education.

Evaluation

Performance of this position will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the board policy on evaluation of Paraprofessional Personnel

Significant Associations

The performance responsibilities are not limited to those outlined in this description and may include any other responsibilities as assigned by the administrator/supervisor

About Topeka Public Schools

Our Vision: Topeka Public Schools is recognized nationally for:

• Academic excellence
• Post-secondary and career success
• Achievement in arts, athletics and extracurricular activities

Strengthened by diversity and a welcoming and inclusive environment, our district will cultivate partnerships with staff, families, businesses, and the greater community to develop students' educational, physical, and social-emotional well being.

Our Mission: Engage students in the highest quality learning. Prepare students for responsible and productive citizenship. Inspire excellence for a lifetime.