Special Education Paraprofessional

Signal Centers is seeking a Special Education Paraprofessional to support children with special needs and their IEP goals in our Early Education and Childcare program.

Schedule

Full-time, Monday - Friday. Center hours are 7:30am–5:30pm; schedules are staggered within these times.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• At least one year of experience working with children 6 weeks–5 years old in a professional childcare or educational setting.
• Experience working with children or adults with special needs is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of childcare licensing rules is highly desirable.
• Willingness to obtain a CDA (Child Development Associate) Certificate or Associate degree is highly desirable for advancement.
• Must complete TBI fingerprinting and a health screening with TB skin test.

Responsibilities

• Actively participate in daily developmentally appropriate activities.
• Support the educational and IEP goals of children in the classroom.
• Observe children for signs of illness or sickness.
• Treat children, parents, and staff with respect and maintain harmonious working relationships.
• Refer parent questions, comments, or concerns to the Lead Teacher, Coordinator, or Director/Assistant Director as needed.
• Follow confidentiality standards regarding students and their families.
• Respond quickly to the personal needs of children.
• Follow positive discipline procedures as directed.
• Follow the TN diapering process for students not toilet trained.
• Maintain mealtime health practices by prepping and cleaning tables and supplies for breakfast and lunch.
• Maintain weekly and/or daily rest-time laundry.
• Prepare soap/water cleaning solution and fill sanitizing/disinfecting bleach water solution at the end of each shift for the following day.
• Assist in maintaining equipment, toys, and materials in a clean, safe, organized, and accessible order.
• Assist in preparing supplies and materials for activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Lead Teacher, Coordinator, or Director/Assistant Director.
• Participate in at least 42 hours of continuing education annually, including mandatory in-service training days.

Core Values & Ethical Conduct

• Consistently model core values: Accountability, Community Impact, Compassion, Trustworthiness, and Teamwork.
• Interact respectfully and professionally with staff, clients, management, community partners, and funders.
• Embrace new ideas and utilize creative problem-solving to improve services and delivery methods.
• Work cooperatively with staff, clients, management, funders, and community partners.
• Use resources and time wisely, accountably, and carefully.
• Conduct oneself with honesty, reliability, and fairness, adhering to the organization’s code of ethics.

Benefits

• Competitive benefits package including health, vision, and dental coverage.
• HSA and Dependent Care FSA options.
• Group life insurance, Teladoc (telemedicine), and EAP mental health resources.
• Short- and long-term disability options.
• Up to 4% matching 401(k) employer contribution, plus a 3% base contribution.
• Generous paid time off to support work-life balance.
• Employee discounts on paid services.