Strong Beginnings PreK Paraeducator (3-4 years old)

About the Role

The Strong Beginnings PreK Paraeducator provides in-classroom assistance to both students and the teacher to help facilitate student learning in the school environment. Strong Beginnings Paraeducators play a key role in helping teachers deliver high-quality student instruction.

Location

Bennett Elementary

Pay

$17.85 per hour

Schedule

School-based. Not eligible for telecommuting.

Benefits

Benefits eligible. Represented by the Detroit Federation of Paraprofessionals (DFP).

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED certification.
• 60 credit hours from an accredited institution; or passing scores on the WorkKeys basic skills or para pro assessment tests.
• Child Development Associate credential (CDA) or Associate Degree in Early Childhood/Preschool Education or Child Development; or at least 2 college credits in Child Development along with a plan of work to complete the course requirements to earn an Associate Degree or CDA within two years.
• Experience working with children, especially 3–5-year-olds or 6–12-year-olds, is helpful.
• Demonstrated ability to work well with students, families, and staff.

Responsibilities

• Provide excellent customer service to students, staff, parents, visitors, and the community to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all.
• Engage respectfully in tone, body language, and verbal communication with students, staff, parents, families, visitors, and the community.
• Maintain professionalism in conversations about children and families, preserving confidentiality and privacy.
• Actively engage and provide instructional support for students during all parts of the classroom daily routine and schedule, under the direction of the teacher:
  • Facilitate small groups of students for activities such as reading aloud, direct instruction in core content areas, planning and recall time, and other learning opportunities directed by the teacher.
  • Facilitate and support whole-class activities and large group meetings.
  • Remain alert to children experiencing academic, social-emotional, or behavioral challenges and provide proactive and reactive support as needed.
  • Engage in active supervision strategies as outlined by Michigan Child Care Licensing, GSRP, and Creative Curriculum.
• Understand the goals of the PreK Strong Beginnings program and collaborate with teachers to meet specific safety requirements and learning expectations established for students.
• Consult regularly with the teacher to implement lesson plans and share observations of student progress.
• Meet with the teacher, daily or weekly, to review lessons, plan, and prepare daily activities.
• Collect and record anecdotal notes on students daily and assist teachers with entering data into Teaching Strategies GOLD (3 times per year).
• Assist the classroom teacher with maintaining accurate documentation of Child Care Licensing requirements.
• Complete a portion of home visits alongside or on behalf of the lead teacher, support field trips, and any other out-of-classroom learning opportunities.
• Actively engage and lead students during all daily interactions, including:
  • Observing students during choice time and offering redirection or logistical support as needed.
  • Supervising student outside time per Strong Beginnings and LARA Childcare Licensing guidelines.
  • Engaging in children’s play and conversations.
  • Engaging in active supervision practices as outlined by Michigan Childcare Licensing.
• Assist with program implementation including needed accommodations to the daily routine, behavior challenges, and family communication for children with IEPs when special education staff are not present.
• Follow up with children’s individual plans, scaffold, and extend children’s learning as needed.
• Work alongside the classroom Teacher and Classroom Aide in providing Strong Beginnings student toileting support. If no Classroom Aide support is available, manage toileting responsibilities and support for students, including following Child Care Licensing diapering procedures.
• Assist students with any additional rest time preparation as needed.
• Assist with, and participate in, family-style meal service:
  • Supervise students for safety.
  • Model healthy eating habits.
  • Engage in conversations with children throughout mealtimes.
• Clean and sanitize toys and materials as needed using the 3-step process.
• Support enrollment process as needed.
• Complete mandatory LARA Child Care Licensing training within the required time frame upon hire, including:
  • Strong Beginnings Orientation
  • Infant, Adult, Child CPR
  • Prevention of Infectious Diseases
  • SIDS & Safe Sleep
  • Shaken Baby/Abusive Head Trauma/Child Maltreatment/Reporting Abuse & Neglect
• Complete 90-day trainings:
  • Administration of medication
  • Prevention of and response to emergencies due to food and allergic reactions
  • Building and physical premises safety
  • Emergency preparedness and response planning
  • Handling and storage of hazardous materials and appropriate disposal of bio-contaminants
  • Precautions in transporting children, if applicable
  • Child development
• Obtain 24 hours of Professional Development and training per school year (LARA Child Care Licensing trainings above count towards Professional Development hours).
• Create and maintain a current and accurate MiRegistry profile.
• Obtain a foundational understanding of Creative Curriculum and its implementation through participation in available district-wide professional development opportunities related to job description.
• In the event a District sub is unavailable, provide sub coverage for teachers (and receive substitute compensation).
• Perform all other assignments as requested by the classroom teacher, school administrator, and as outlined by the PreK curriculum, Strong Beginnings Implementation Manual, and District processes and procedures.

Security Clearance

External applicants will be required to submit to a Detroit Public Schools Community District criminal background check in alignment with Michigan law. Current DPSCD employees do not need to submit to a new security clearance unless the new role requires a different type of criminal background check.