Preschool Paraprofessional - Muskingum Valley Education Service

Reports to:  Early Childhood Teacher, Early Childhood Coordinator

Employment Status: As assigned on board-approved contract

FLSA Status:  Non-Exempt

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. High school diploma, AA degree in child development, CDA or vocational child care education and/or one year teaching experience preferred
2. Valid Ohio Educational Aide Permit
3. Successful completion of BCI/FBI background checks and medical examination requirement upon employment
4. Valid Ohio driver’s license or ability to secure transportation arrangements for completion of essential job functions
5. Meet NCLB requirements for paraprofessional status

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

Ability to demonstrate a commitment to assisting students to achieve their greatest potential, while reinforcing elements that support a safe, healthy, and effective teaching and learning environment under the general supervision of the teacher

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:  (The below list is not ranked in order of importance.)

1. Ensures safety of students, taking all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials and facilities
2. Ability to carry out responsibilities in a manner that demonstrates knowledge of and a positive respect for the distinctions between the roles and responsibilities of paraprofessionals, professionals and other support personnel
3. Become proficient in anticipating the teacher’s wants and needs
4. Knowledge of differences and similarities of students and the factors that influence different needs of children
5. Ability to collect and record performance data on students under the direction of a licensed teacher, while respecting student confidentiality and the laws regarding ethical practices of assessment
6. Ability to assist in adapting instructional strategies and materials according to the needs of the students, under the direction of a licensed teacher
7. Ability to follow oral and written direction of licensed teacher, seeking clarification as needed
8. Ability to use strategies that promote the students’ independence
9. Understanding of the district/building behavior management plans for students and be able to collect objective and accurate information on student behavior
10. Keep confidential information confidential
11. Ability to demonstrate a commitment to assisting students in reaching their highest potential, including the modeling of positive behavior
12. Ability to access and effectively use available resources (including technology) for supporting teacher instruction, and be able to gather and record student data regarding student performance
13. Demonstrate skill in prevention, redirection and crisis management
14. Demonstrate regular and predictable attendance
15. Maintain required license(s)
16. The employee shall remain free of any alcohol or non-prescribed controlled substance abuse in the workplace throughout his/her employment at the Center.
17. Serve as a role model for students in how to conduct themselves as citizens and as responsible, intelligent human beings
18. Help instill in students the belief in and practice of ethical principles and democratic values

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Staff members without an Associate Degree: 45 hours of inservice training is required (15 hours each year commencing upon the first year of employment). The training must be in one or more of the following areas, such as child development/early childhood education, child abuse recognition and prevention, first-aid and communicable diseases. Upon completion of the 45 hours, the employee is required to have 10 hours of training annually. Staff members with an Associate Degree or higher level: 10 hours of inservice training is required annually in the one or more of the following areas, such as child development/early childhood education, child abuse recognition and prevention, first-aid and communicable diseases.
2. Participate in crisis management training as arranged, and assumes responsibility for periodic updates
3. Participate in departmental meetings and inservice trainings as requested by the Early Childhood Director/Coordinator or designee
4. Perform other duties as required or requested by the Superintendent or Early Childhood Director

ADDITIONAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

1. Typical school and classroom settings
2. The employee is determined to be Category 1 regarding exposure to bodily fluids including blood, human tissue, or bodily fluids and must make “universal precautions” a standard operating procedure
3. Occasional requirement to travel to sites/field trips
4. Possible interaction with unruly children

ABILITY TO:

Ability to anticipate the teacher’s wants and needs, effectively “read” social situations, practice positive communication strategies, demonstrate ability in constructing options and planning environments, and assume an active role as a team member. Have the ability to maintain good physical and mental health and practice positive stress management

EQUIPMENT OPERATED:

Typical school technology as well as assistive technology (e.g., communication devices, etc.)

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

Dates of the work period will be stated in the employment contract

PERFORMANCE EVALUATION:

The Early Childhood Paraprofessional will be evaluated by the Early Childhood Teacher or Early Childhood Coordinator or their designee in accordance with the procedures identified by law and including the standards established by the organization. The employee will be given a copy of the evaluation instrument and standards in advance and he or she will be expected to conduct a self-evaluation and establish a minimum of one goal annually to advance knowledge, skill and/or ability in a job related area.

 The Muskingum Valley ESC Governing Board is an equal opportunity employer offering employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, or disability. This job description identifies general responsibilities and is not intended to be a complete list of all duties performed. The incumbent will be required to follow the instructions and perform the duties required by the Service Center.  This document is subject to change in response to student demographics, staffing factors, funding variables, modified operating procedures, program/curriculum changes, and unforeseen events.