Preschool Paraprofessional

 

Dept/Div: Early Childhood                                                                                                              FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

 

General Definition of Work

Under the administration of the Early Childhood Center Principal and supervision of the Preschool Teacher, a Preschool Assistant Teacher is responsible for the supervision and supportive management of a classroom in accordance with the mission, vision, goals, and curricular plans of Creston Community School District’s Panther Pride Preschool program.  A Preschool Assistant Teacher is responsible for assisting in the implementation of activities on a daily basis including leading large or small group activities as directed by the teacher, evaluating the effectiveness of activities through data collection, helping to create and maintain a classroom culture of health and safety, both physical and emotional, maintaining regular communication with supervisors and contributing to the overall effective operation of the preschool program.

 

Essential Functions

• Assist with daily planning and/or creation of learning materials;
• Lead large or small group activities as directed by the classroom teacher;
• Assist with classroom schedule and room arrangement consistent with Environmental Rating Scales;
• Assist in establishing a positive learning environment and respond to the individual needs of students;
• Supervise students in all areas of the classroom, building, and school grounds, including activities as outlined by the instructional staff;
• Assist with family style food service from setup to removal;
• Assist students with toileting needs;
• Maintain positive relationships with families, allowing Teacher to address concerns to parents;
• Promote feelings of trust and security in the program;
• Assist in completion of timely, neat, accurate documentation of assessments, screenings, attendance, inventory, temperature logs and other documentation that may be necessary for quality services;
• Assists with various assignments and tasks associated with student needs including assisting with accommodations and modifications of daily activities for students with individualized education plans;
• Keep classroom and hallway displays looking fresh and inviting;
• Daily cleaning duties in each classroom;
• Check district email daily;
• Understand and apply mission and vision statement of the school district;
• Greet students and guests warmly and enthusiastically each day;
• Maintain safe, clean environment, teaching and modeling good hygiene skills;
• Assist in the implementation and planning of program events;
• Attend all staff meetings and professional development opportunities and trainings scheduled;
• Maintain confidentiality regarding all personal information regarding children, families and staff;
• Follow chain of command, teacher, building principal, superintendent; and
• Perform other duties as assigned.

 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Strong interpersonal skills including the ability to work and communicate effectively and collaboratively with a diverse population. Ability to work cooperatively with other staff members, to accept supervision and to help promote a positive work environment. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including clear speech enunciation, and accurate spoken English grammar that can serve as a good model for children who are developing their language skills. Positive and nurturing attitude. Friendly, inviting, self-motivated, even-tempered and adaptable. Ability to demonstrate and teach self-regulation and problem solving skills.  Solid computer skills and the ability to manage and report data accurately and efficiently

Physical Requirements

This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 10 pounds of force; work frequently standing, walking, speaking or hearing and using hands to finger, handle or feel and requires sitting, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling, reaching with hands and arms, pushing or pulling and lifting; work has standard vision requirements; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, operating machines and observing general surroundings and activities; work occasionally requires exposure to bloodborne pathogens and may be required to wear specialized personal protective equipment; work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, light traffic).

 

Special Requirements

• CDA Credential or higher degree.