Paraprofessional

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF POSITION

The Preschool Paraprofessional plays a crucial role in fostering a positive and enriching learning environment for our children. They are responsible for:Ensuring the well-being and safety of children: This includes providing attentive supervision care and guidance to meet the individual needs of each positive relationships: Building strong relationships with children families and staff is essential for creating a supportive and collaborative curriculum and schedules: Effectively delivering daily lessons and activities aligned with program goals and ensuring smooth execution of the daily a stimulating classroom environment: Cultivating a space that encourages learning creativity inclusiveness and the growth of each child and the to reporting requirements: Demonstrating meticulous compliance with all regulations and standards set by reporting agencies such as: DFPS Texas Rising Star CACFP SA Metro Health and up as needed: In a Teachers absence the Paraprofessional is prepared to take on full responsibility and ensure the continued smooth operation of the Preschool at either location (Higgins or Lullwood).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

This position requires face to face interactions with staff board vendors and the general public on a daily basis to accomplish all essential functions of the position.

• CHILDCARE AND SUPERVISOR:Direct and Active Supervision: Ensure the safety and well-being of children at all times through attentive and adaptable Learning: Assist with the implementation of developmentally appropriate lesson plans tailored to individual childrens and Safe Environment: Create and maintain a nurturing clean inclusive and stimulating classroom that fosters exploration and Activities: Prepare and implement daily indoor and outdoor activities aligned with the curriculum encouraging all childrens participation. Developmental Records: Track and document childrens skills using Teaching Strategies Gold assessment tool and maintain individual portfolios showcasing progress to include photographs samples of artwork writing benchmarks etc.; and is responsible for the health welfare and safety of the children always.
• COMMUNICATION AND COLLABORATION:Positive Interactions: Maintain positive and professional communication with children parents and staff through face-to-face verbal and ProCare system interactions. Teamwork: Collaborate effectively with team members to create a supportive and positive team environment. Confidentiality: Ensure confidentiality of sensitive : Be receptive to and incorporate feedback from lead teaching staff.
• ADMINISTRATIVE TASKS:Maintain Reports: Assist with maintaining necessary reports for class and individual children including developmental assessments checklists and observational : Maintain and contribute to Teaching Strategies Gold functions including parent-teacher conferences.

OTHER FUNCTIONS

• Professional Development (5%):Stay current on program guidelines and requirements through workshop conference and in-service training required in-service training hours and develop an annual Individual Professional
• Meetings and Collaboration (5%): Attends all scheduled staff supervisory team planning and curriculum meetings as required by the Program Director.
• Additional Responsibilities (5%):Contribute to a high-quality learning environment by maintaining cleanliness following safety procedures and adhering to health and COVID-19 other duties as assigned ensuring deadlines are met and contributing to the programs overall success.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Required: Must be 18 years of age or older and have a High School Diploma or equivalent. Must be meet all mental and physical demands listed with or without reasonable Development Associate (CDA) credential or enrolled in a program leading to a one year certificate to be completed within the first 6-12 months of : Two years experience working with individuals with special needs delays and/or vulnerable populations who have chronic or complex : Two (2) or more years of experience working in a licensed and/or accredited childcare center special and/or early child education or other experience working with children 0-5 years of age. Associates or bachelors degree. (May be in progress).

NECESSARY SKILLS

• Exemplify our organizations Core Values in all daily interactions and tasks.
• Maintain high standards of work demonstrating strong organization planning and problem-solving skills.
• Be self -motivated and proactive exhibiting adaptability flexibility and initiative.
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with team families and the community.
• Demonstrate professionalism ethical conduct and responsible behavior.
• Implement developmentally appropriate practices aligned with the programs curriculum.
• Build positive and responsive relationships with children honoring individual differences and needs.
• Use positive guidance techniques and model desired behaviors effectively.
• Be actively engaged in learning and personal growth within the field of Early Childhood Education.
• Work effectively with team members in a supportive professional and cooperative manner.
• Be open to sharing ideas collaborating on projects and compromising when necessary.
• Possess strong computer skills proficient in spreadsheets and word processing programs.
• Demonstrate the ability to learn interpret and apply rules and regulations.

MENTAL & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Maintain emotional composure and empathy as this role requires the ability to handle challenging situations with children and families while remaining calm and understanding.
• Adaptability and flexibility when unexpected changes in routine or plans and embrace new situations with a positive attitude.
• Personal accountability to take ownership of your actions and responsibilities ensuring tasks are completed accurately and on time.
• Multitasking and prioritization to manage multiple tasks simultaneously prioritize effectively under pressure and meet deadlines consistently.
• Active engagement with children to be prepared for physical activity including bending twisting lifting moving furniture and sitting on the floor while playing or assisting children.
• Stamina and endurance to stand for extended periods work outdoors in various weather conditions and potentially participate in outdoor activities.
• Regular work schedule as this role requires consistent attendance during regular hours with potential for occasional evening or weekend work as needed.
• Moderate physical strength to be able to lift and move objects up to 50lbs. and comfortably navigate stairs.

TOP COMPETENCIES

• Interpersonal Skills
• Comfort Around Authority
• Customer Focus
• Compassion
• Intellectual Acumen & Adaptability (Learning on the Fly)
• Integrity and Trust
• Personal Learning and Development / Technical Learning
• Creativity

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and essential duties and responsibilities of work performed by employees within this classification. It may not contain a comprehensive inventory of all duties responsibilities and qualifications required of employees to do this job. It is not an employment contract. Our organization reserves the right to modify job duties or job descriptions at any time.

Required: Must be 18 years of age or older and have a High School Diploma or equivalent. Must be meet all mental and physical demands listed with or without reasonable Development Associate (CDA) credential or enrolled in a program leading to a one year certificate to be completed within the first 6-12 months of : Two years experience working with individuals with special needs delays and/or vulnerable populations who have chronic or complex : Two (2) or more years of experience working in a licensed and/or accredited childcare center special and/or early child education or other experience working with children 0-5 years of age. Associates or bachelors degree. (May be in progress).

NECESSARY SKILLS

• Exemplify our organizations Core Values in all daily interactions and tasks.
• Maintain high standards of work demonstrating strong organization planning and problem-solving skills.
• Be self -motivated and proactive exhibiting adaptability flexibility and initiative.
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with team families and the community.
• Demonstrate professionalism ethical conduct and responsible behavior.
• Implement developmentally appropriate practices aligned with the programs curriculum.
• Build positive and responsive relationships with children honoring individual differences and needs.
• Use positive guidance techniques and model desired behaviors effectively.
• Be actively engaged in learning and personal growth within the field of Early Childhood Education.
• Work effectively with team members in a supportive professional and cooperative manner.
• Be open to sharing ideas collaborating on projects and compromising when necessary.
• Possess strong computer skills proficient in spreadsheets and word processing programs.
• Demonstrate the ability to learn interpret and apply rules and regulations.

MENTAL & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Maintain emotional composure and empathy as this role requires the ability to handle challenging situations with children and families while remaining calm and understanding.
• Adaptability and flexibility when unexpected changes in routine or plans and embrace new situations with a positive attitude.
• Personal accountability to take ownership of your actions and responsibilities ensuring tasks are completed accurately and on time.
• Multitasking and prioritization to manage multiple tasks simultaneously prioritize effectively under pressure and meet deadlines consistently.
• Active engagement with children to be prepared for physical activity including bending twisting lifting moving furniture and sitting on the floor while playing or assisting children.
• Stamina and endurance to stand for extended periods work outdoors in various weather conditions and potentially participate in outdoor activities.
• Regular work schedule as this role requires consistent attendance during regular hours with potential for occasional evening or weekend work as needed.
• Moderate physical strength to be able to lift and move objects up to 50lbs. and comfortably navigate stairs.

TOP COMPETENCIES

• Interpersonal Skills
• Comfort Around Authority
• Customer Focus
• Compassion
• Intellectual Acumen & Adaptability (Learning on the Fly)
• Integrity and Trust
• Personal Learning and Development / Technical Learning
• Creativity