Instructional Paraprofessional- Kindergarten

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 written out in this job description.

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

Paraprofessional - Instructional

Department: Instruction

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

Wage: According to the collective bargaining agreement

Direct Supervisor: Principal

JOB SUMMARY

The Classroom Paraprofessional is responsible for working as a team member in providing a quality educational program for assigned scholars by providing additional time for the teacher to plan. The Classroom Paraprofessional is also responsible for certain non-instructional and concept/skill reinforcement tasks and providing scholars the opportunity for additional adult/scholar 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 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 scholars or small groups assisting in all introductions of information and concepts selection and preparation of materials establishment of reward systems as determined by the certified teacher. This includes work outdoors all year round (all seasons).
• Assist with loading and unloading of buses and recess duty when necessary.
• Responsible for informing the certified teacher of any specific needs or concerns regarding the scholars.
• Responsible for carrying through on suggestions as directed by the teacher.
• When needed assist with medical and grooming needs of scholars.
• Assist in preparing displays of scholar work.
• Secure set up and operate materials and equipment.
• Assist teacher in maintaining a positive classroom climate.
• Interact with co-workers administration scholars parents & the community in positive supportive and cooperative ways.
• Work outside each day for extended periods of time.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Education and Experience:

Must have:

• completed at least two years of study at an institution of higher education (60 credits); or
• obtained an associates or higher degree; or
• achieved a passing score on a MDE approved ETS paraprofessional assessment.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to deal with scholars parents staff and community in a tactful and courteous manner.
• Experience working with children.
• Demonstrates strong written and verbal communication skills with exceptional organizational abilities.
• Ability to work with computers.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to information security protocols.
• Ability to work in a diverse environment.
• Ability to participate as a member of the team.

• Consistently demonstrate dependable attendance and punctuality.

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). The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision distance vision and ability to adjust/focus. Must be able to work in all outdoor environments hot cold snow rain. Must be able to withstand exposure to all types of weather.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

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

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:

Unclear Seniority