2025-2026 Paraprofessional II - Early Childhood, Gray Elementary

Springfield Public Schools; Springfield (MO); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A local educational institution is seeking a Paraprofessional II for early childhood education at Gray Elementary in Springfield, Missouri. The role involves supporting the instructional program for children, including assisting with academic and behavioral goals. Candidates must have at least 60 completed college hours or a Substitute Training program, along with a Missouri Substitute Teaching Certificate. Strong skills in child guidance and supportive interaction are critical for this position. Competitive pay and a meaningful role in the education of young children are offered.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of basic math, especially calculations using fractions and percentages.
• Ability to work with a significant diversity of individuals and groups.
• Must obtain and maintain a Missouri Substitute Teaching Certificate.

Responsibilities

• Assist certified staff in implementing educational plans.
• Monitor, document, and report on student behavior.
• Supervise and escort students for safety.

Skills

Child guidance principles

Basic math

Record keeping techniques

Communication skills

Instructional support

Education

60 college hours completed or DESE approved Substitute Training program

Job description

Overview

Job Title: Paraprofessional II - Early Childhood, Gray Elementary

Department: Early Childhood Department (ECSE, Wonder Years, Study Nursery)

Pay Grade: H160/H162

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Reports to: Principal

General Purpose

Supports the instructional program by assisting students from infants to preschool in meeting developmental, academic, and behavioral goals, including self-help skills in the general and/or special education setting; provides instructional support to individuals or small groups across developmental areas; collects data on student behavior and academic performance; and assists the classroom lead with all center and classroom-related duties.

Essential Job Functions

• Assist certified staff as they implement educational plans, curriculum, and lesson plans.
• Prepare instructional materials and support classroom organization.
• Provide academic and developmental support to individuals or small groups across cognitive, social-emotional, physical, and language domains.
• Reinforce learning concepts and help students achieve academic, behavioral, and self-help goals.
• Implement behavior support strategies and interventions as directed.
• Monitor, document, and report on student behavior and performance.
• Communicate regularly with instructional staff about student progress and needs.
• Collaborate with the classroom lead, service providers, and team members to support student success.
• Model and promote respectful, positive interactions with students and families.
• Supervise and escort students to ensure safety during transitions and activities.
• Assist with personal care routines, including feeding, toileting, and hygiene.
• Report safety concerns to appropriate personnel and help maintain a safe, clean, and developmentally appropriate classroom environment.
• Maintain confidentiality of student records and information.
• Participate in staff planning meetings, trainings, and professional development.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the center leader or certified staff.

Qualifications and Requirements

Education and Experience

• Minimum of 60 college hours completedORcompletion from a DESE approved Substitute Training program.
• Job related experience preferred.

Certificates, Licenses and Other Special Requirements

• Must obtain and maintain Missouri Substitute Teaching Certificate.
• Obtain and maintain physical intervention training.
• CPR and First Aid certification preferred.
• Must pass a Criminal Background Clearance, the results of which must be satisfactory to the District, required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of basic math, including calculations using fractions, percentages, and/or ratios; read a variety of manuals, write documents following prescribed formats, and/or present information to others; and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions.
• Knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: child guidance principles and practices, especially as they relate to students with learning disabilities; instructional materials and techniques used in Special Education; safe practices in classroom and other activities; correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary; reading and writing communication skills; and record keeping techniques.
• Skill to perform multiple, technical tasks with a need to routinely upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions.
• Skill-based competencies required to perform the functions of the job, including operating standard office equipment including using pertinent software applications; and preparing and maintaining accurate records.
• Ability to work with a significant diversity of individuals and/or groups.
• Ability to adhere to safety practices; meet deadlines and schedules; work under time constraints; and communicate with diverse groups.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

• Work environment is primarily inside, where the noise and temperature levels are moderate.
• The work is medium work that requires exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
• Must possess the physical ability to perceive the nature of sounds, make rational decisions through sound logic and deductive processes, express or exchange ideas by the spoken word, substantial movements (motions) with the hands, wrists, and/or fingers, and discern letters or numbers at a given distance.
• Additionally, the following physical abilities are required: balancing, climbing, crawling, crouching, feeling, grasping, handling, hearing, kneeling, manual dexterity, mental acuity, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, standing, stooping, talking, visual acuity and walking.