Educational Support Professional - Kindergarten

Belcher Elementary School; Chicopee (MA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Belcher Elementary School in Chicopee, MA is seeking an Educational Support Professional (Kindergarten) to assist teachers in delivering curriculum and supporting student learning. The paraprofessional will work with small groups, support social, academic and motor skill development, and help maintain records and progress notes under classroom supervision.

Qualifications include a high school diploma with preferred college coursework; DESE assessments or equivalent; bilingual abilities are a

Qualifications

• Paraprofessional supports classroom instruction under teachers’ guidance.
• Ability to analyze and communicate assessment results.
• Experience with differentiated instruction strategies.
• Maintain records and assist in lesson preparation.

Responsibilities

• Work with small groups of students.
• Assist in implementing district curriculum under supervision.
• Provide support in academic, social, and motor skill development.
• Maintain attendance, records and progress notes as directed.
• Assist in computer lab or other designated areas as assigned.

Skills

Small group instruction

Assessment analysis

Differentiated instruction

Record keeping

Flexibility

Communication

Multitasking

Education

High School Diploma

Associates or Bachelor's degree preferred

Job description

Educational Support Professional - Kindergarten

Job Description

TITLE: EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL (includes General Education, Special Education, ELL, Early Childhood, Computer Lab)

TYPE: Chicopee Education Association (Unit E) Collective Bargaining Agreement
SALARY: Per Unit E Contract
STATUS: Non-Exempt
REPORTS TO: Building Principal for evaluation and classroom teacher for day-to-day assignments

OBJECTIVE: The primary function of a paraprofessional is to perform duties as assigned by the classroom teacher in the delivery of the district curriculum in multiple ways that increase student learning and achievement.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The essential duties and responsibilities listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

Under the direction of the classroom teacher, the Education Support Professional supports student instruction in academic, social, and motor skills through the delivery and assessment of the district curriculum in consultation with the Individual Education Plan (if applicable). This may include, but is not limited to, the following duties:

• Work with small groups of students
• Administer, correct and communicate basic analyze sis of student assessments
• Utilize the conclusions derived from assessment analysis in subsequent instruction
• Instruct students on rules of conduct and expected behaviors
• Bring academic, social and motor issues to the attention of the classroom teacher
• Support class objectives and outlines that align with the district approved curriculum
• Maintain records, attendance and assessments as required by the classroom teacher
• Assist in preparation of classroom materials
• Assist in the delivery of differentiated instruction in an appropriate manner consistent with district curriculum
• Provide timely feedback to the classroom teacher regarding student progress in academic, social and motor skills
• Assist students with activities of daily living, including diapering and toileting needs as necessary
• Is trained or willing to be trained by the Chicopee Public Schools in the knowledge and performance areas identified for the specific assignment (e.g., Responsive Classroom Techniques, Implementation of a Student Behavior Plan, Use of a communication board, Physical Restraint and Verbal De-escalation Techniques, Mathematics supplementary services/programs/support, ELA supplementary services/programs/support, Read Naturally, Linda Mood Bell)

In addition, the Education Support Professional will:

• Work independently by appropriately using the directions given by the classroom teacher.
• Demonstrate the dependability, time management, as well as the receptive and expressive communication skills, to effectively perform the assignment.
• Build on strengths and act on suggestions in areas needing improvement.
• Possess the ability to be flexible and adapt quickly to new situations and an ever-changing educational environment.
• Demonstrate sound judgment.
• Maintain an effective, professional working relationship with others (e.g.,paraprofessionals, teachers, staff, parents, guardians, administrators, etc)
• Resolve conflict well, and seek assistance when appropriate.
• Under the direction of the classroom teacher, strive to maintain a learning environment that is both physically and emotionally safe.
• As appropriate, assist in the communication and enforcement of federal and state laws and regulations, as well as district policies and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned by the principal, school administration or superintendent of schools.
• If primarily assigned to the computer lab, the paraprofessional will be responsible for (1) for the Computer Lab (e.g., equipment, instructional materials, software, hardware, etc), (2) to assist targeted students in running software presenting basic skills, (3) to maintain daily records of student use and progress in programs used, (4) to maintain an inventory of hardware, software, other equipment, instructional materials, etc. in the lab.

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
1. High School Diploma required, as well as additional college level coursework. Associates or Bachelor's degree preferred.
2. Achieve a passing score on the DESE-endorsed assessments (WorkKeys or ParaPro) if no college degree.
3. Bilingual (Spanish/English, Farsi, Russian, etc.) preferred
4. Previous experience preferred.

ADA & MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Physical Requirements: Must be physically able to operate a variety of equipment including, but not limited to: computers, copiers, adding machines, etc. Must be able to exert up to 30 pounds of force occasionally, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to lift, carry, push, and pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Must be able to stand, crouch and bend over for a long period of time at intervals throughout the day.
• Data Conception: Requires the ability to