GSRP Associate Teacher

To perform this job successfully an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description.

GRPS MISSION: Our mission is to ensure that all students are educated self-directed and productive members of society.

GSRP Associate (formerly PreK Paraprofessional)

Department: Early Childhood

Bargaining Unit: Grand Rapids Public Schools Paraprofessional Association (GRPSPA)

Hourly Rate: Based on the collective bargaining agreement (starting rate is fixed and non-negotiable)

JOB SUMMARY

The GSRP Associate is responsible for working as an instructional team member in providing world-class educational activities for young children. Also position is responsible for certain non-instructional and concept/skill reinforcement tasks and providing children the opportunity for additional professional adult/student relationships.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Essential functions under the Americans with Disabilities Act may include any of the following duties knowledge and skills. This list is illustrative only and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by employees in this position. Regular on time and in person attendance is an essential function of this job. Other essential functions may include but are not limited to the following:

• Responsible for actively participating in school building activities meetings parent conferences staffing training IEP when appropriate as determined by the building administration or the assigned certified teacher
• Present lessons to individual children or small groups assisting in all introductions of information and concepts selection and preparation of materials consistently messaging behavior expectations as set by the certified teacher
• Assist with loading and unloading of children from the buses
• Responsible for informing the certified teacher of any specific needs or concerns regarding children
• Responsible for carrying through on suggestions as communicated by the teacher admin or KISD ECS
• When needed assist with the medical needs of students
• Assist with the grooming needs of students self-care
• Assist in preparing displays of student learning
• Secure set up and operate classrooms technology and hands-on teaching materials and equipment
• Perform clerical tasks such as taking attendance documenting student learning filling out payroll forms etc.
• Assist teacher in maintaining an orderly clean and organized classroom physical environment
• Assist teacher in maintaining a positive classroom climate using GRPS Pre-K PBIS expectations
• Supervise children during daily outdoor activities to meet childcare licensing requirements
• Interact with co-workers administration children and parents in positive supportive and cooperative ways
• Perform other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

Must have one of the following educational requirements:

• Obtained an associate degree (AA) in early childhood education child development or the equivalent; OR
• A valid classroom CDA credential; OR
• Completed at least a High School diploma/GED and must be willing to obtain a CDA or associate degree in early childhood education child development or the equivalent within two years from date of hire

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with students with disabilities preferred

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated ability to interact with children parents staff and community in a contractual and courteous manner
• Experience working with children
• Demonstrated good attendance and punctuality
• Demonstrated respect for the confidentiality requirements of information
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) and organizational skills
• Valid CPR and First Aid certification or be willing to acquire
• Be willing to actively participate in 16 hours of on-going training yearly to meet childcare licensing regulations
• Demonstrated ability to participate as a member of the team in a diverse school environment
• Must pass any health requirements of the position including obtaining a physical that ensures ability to perform duties of Pre-K with negative TB results (licensing requirement)

ADA REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands work environment factors and mental functions described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job the employee is required to stand walk sit use hands to finger handle or feel reach with hands and arms climb or balance stoop kneel crouch or crawl talk hear (in a quiet or noisy environment). Candidate must have ability to physically lift students up and down from the floor on a continual basis. Candidate must be able to work in all outdoor environments; hot cold snow or rain. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision distance vision and ability to adjust/focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The noise level in the work environment is usually loud to moderate. Work is performed indoors although there will be required outdoor employee is directly responsible for the safety well-being and work output of students.

MENTAL FUNCTIONS

While performing the duties of this job the employee is required to compare analyze communicate both orally and in writing copy coordinate instruct compute synthesize evaluate use interpersonal skills compile and negotiate.

Non-Discrimination

The Grand Rapids Public Schools will not discriminate against any person based on race sex sexual orientation gender gender identity and expression height weight color religion national origin age marital status pregnancy disability veteran or military status.

Americans with Disabilities Act accommodations: Assistance with the application process may be requested through the Human Resources Department at ( or

Required Experience:

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