Head Start Instructional Paraprofessional

Applitrack; Ballinger (TX); On-site; USD 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Applitrack is seeking a Head Start Educational Assistant to support certified staff in classrooms, reinforce reading and math, and help with curriculum development. You will work with students individually and in small groups, assist with assessments, and help maintain a safe, organized environment.

The role involves supervision during lunch, bus duty, field trips, and non-instructional activities, plus collaboration with parents and teachers.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required or preferred.
• Pre-School CDA or AA in Early Childhood Education preferred.
• First Aid and CPR certification required.
• Willing to obtain CDA within 18 months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Assist certified staff with students to reinforce reading, language arts, mathematics and other skills.
• Work with students individually and in small groups to reinforce learning and implement programs.
• Assist in administration and correction of classroom exercises, tests and assessments.
• Support instructional material preparation and strategies tailored to individual needs.
• Document student learning and performance through record-keeping procedures.
• Assist with classroom behavior management to maintain a safe, orderly environment.
• Supervise students in non-instructional areas (lunch, bus duty, playground, corridors, study hall).
• Accompany students on field trips for supervision and safety.
• Distribute and use educational materials as needed.
• Support parent contact to encourage involvement in student education.
• Assist students with special needs to maximize inclusion and achievement.
• Participate in IEP processes as needed.

Skills

Instruction following

Arithmetic skills

PC skills (Word, Excel)

Diversity & inclusion

Confidentiality

Student rapport

Teamwork

Oral and written communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Pre-School CDA or AA in ECE (preferred)

First Aid and CPR certification

Willing to obtain CDA within 18 months

NCLB coursework/examination as required

Tools

Word

Excel

Job description

Head Start Instructional Paraprofessional JobID: 780

Date Posted: 9/9/2026

HEAD START EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANT

Position Purpose

Under the direct supervision of a certified staff member, to assist certified professional staff with students in the classroom to meet instructional goals and objectives, and to free certified professional employees from non-professional duties such as proctoring study halls to enable them to make a contribution to other aspects of the educational program, such as curriculum development.

Essential Job Functions

• Assists and guides students to reinforce reading, language arts, mathematics, computer instruction, and other skills.
• Works with students individually and in small groups to reinforce basic learning and implement assigned programs.
• Assists professional staff in the administration and correction of classroom exercises, tests and assessments.
• Assists in classroom preparations and strategies for reinforcing instructional materials and skills according to individual student needs.
• Assists with record-keeping procedures to document student learning and performance.
• Assists with classroom behavioral management to minimize disruptions, ensure a safe and orderly classroom, and ensure students are on task.
• Assists students in non-instructional areas, such as supervising the student lunch programs, bus duty, playground duty, corridor, study hall, and other related non-instructional areas.
• Accompanies students on field trips for the purpose of assisting with supervision.
• Constructs, copies and distribute and use educational materials as needed.
• Assists teacher with parent contact as requested to foster effective and participatory parent involvement in student education.
• Assists students with special needs in all aspects of classroom instruction to maximize inclusion, learning, achievement if IEP objectives, etc.
• Participates in IEP process and serves as resource for the student personnel evaluation team as needed.
• Assist students with physical or mental disabilities with activities of daily living for the purpose of maximizing their ability to participate in school or learning activities.
• Follows all applicable safety rules, procedures and regulations governing the proper manner of assistance for all students, including those with disabilities or other special needs.

Additional Duties:

• Assist guidance, pupil services staff or building administration, as needed.
• Perform any other related duties as assigned.

Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.

Equipment

• Use standard office equipment, such as personal computers and copiers.

Travel Requirements

• Travel between schools, or between schools and central offices, may be required for certain positions.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide, and perform arithmetic operations as needed to assist students.
• Ability to understand, apply and use personal computers and software applications (e.g., Word, Excel).
• Ability to work with a diverse group of individuals.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of information regarding students, employees and others.
• Ability to establish a supportive and compassionate relationship with students with special needs.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with students, staff and others contacted in the course of work.
• Ability to report work orally or in writing to supervisor as required.
• Effective writing and verbal communication skills.

Qualifications Profile

• Any combination of education and experience providing the required skill and knowledge for successful performance would be qualifying. Typical qualifications would be equivalent to:
• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Pre-School Child Development Associate (CDA) or AA in Early Childhood Education (preferred)
• First Aid and CPR cerrtification
• Must be willing to obtain CDA within 18 months of hire.
• Successful completion of college level coursework or passing of examination as required by the No Child Left Behind Act.
• Prior experience working with special needs children desirable.

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards

• Works in standard office and school building environments.
• Ability to work outdoors during outdoor student activities.
• Note: Also see the Summary of Physical, Sensory and Environmental Requirements Needed to Perform Essential Functions for this position.