Kids Club Paraprofessional - Before and After School Program

South Washington County Schools; Cottage Grove (MN); On-site; USD 24,923 - 35,497; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Retirement plans

Disability coverage

EAP

Job summary

South Washington County Schools seeks a Kids Club Paraprofessional to support one or more after-school and before-school programs across multiple elementary sites. You will assist Supervisors, implement activities, help with setup and clean-up, and build positive relationships with students, staff and families.

Responsibilities include carrying out lesson plans, ensuring safety, assisting with meals, maintaining attendance, and supporting program goals throughout the school calendar.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Competencies as required by State of Minnesota, Federal government, and/or District 833.
• Proven teamwork, confidentiality, professionalism and communication skills.
• Positive respect for the dignity and basic rights of children.
• Ability to use email and basic computer functions.

Responsibilities

• Assist KC Supervisors with lesson plans and lead program activities.
• Support children’s mental, physical, social, and emotional development.
• Maintain safety and attendance counts; monitor environment and document issues.
• Model positive behavior and guide social relationships using SEL strategies.
• Comply with policies, confidentially and accommodations; assist with setup and meals.

Skills

Teamwork

Confidentiality

Communication

Professionalism

Microsoft Word

Email

Internet navigation

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Word

Email

Internet navigation

Job description

Position: Kids Club Paraprofessional – Before and/or After School Positions

Location: Varies – 16 Elementary Buildings

Hours per Day: Start and End Times Monday – Friday. Daily work hours vary based on program sites and shifts.

Before School (AM) Shifts: Average 1–2 hours (between 6:30 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.). After School (PM) Shifts: Average 1.5–3 hours (between 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.). All Kids Club Paraprofessionals are required to be available to work on select Non‑School Days. Schedules are based upon seniority bidding with options to bid to be off. Summer hours are also available.

Starting Base Pay: $21.93 per hour. Anticipated Start Date: Will vary based on available positions. First duty day of the school year is September 2, 2026.

Available for Application: This pool posting will remain open through April 1, 2027.

Highly Qualified Information: Eligible for an additional $0.50 per hour once Highly Qualified status is achieved (approved 2 or 4‑year degree, OR 60 semester post‑secondary credits OR successful completion of the Para Pro which is offered by the district regularly).

Notes: Eligible for a retention bonus based on grant availability. Successful candidates can combine other before school, after school or midday paraprofessional positions to increase daily work hours. Position follows school calendar.

Benefits

SoWashCo Schools offers a comprehensive benefits program designed to support our employees. Our benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as life insurance, supplemental life insurance, dependent life insurance, and long‑term disability coverage. We also offer voluntary plans such as accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and identity protection, along with flexible spending accounts, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and retirement plans. These benefits reflect our commitment to supporting your health and well‑being. Visit our benefits page for more detailed information.

Position Summary

This position is responsible for assisting one or more Kids Club (KC) Supervisors in providing instructional and supervisory support to students enrolled in the School Age Child Care program and other Out‑of‑School Time (OST) programs. This position also assists with implementing lesson plans, set‑up and all prep work for activities, participates in activities and develops positive relationships with children, staff, and parents within the program.

Primary Job Functions

• Facilitate and assist Kids Club (KC) Supervisors with the implementation of lesson plans as outlined in state and program guidelines including physical activity, the arts, literacy, STEM, cultural/language, life skills, and social emotional learning. Independently and actively lead and participate in all program activities and in all program events.
• Work with team to develop the mental, physical, social, and emotional abilities of all children. Promptly address any student needs, intervening with positive behavior intervention strategies and inform KC Supervisor of any observations regarding difficulties in adjustment, learning, social interaction, behavior, and/or the physical functioning of individual children. All staff are expected to work with all students and meet the diverse needs of our students and families.
• Support and maintain the safety and security of the children in the School Age Child Care Program and other Out‑of‑School Time (OST) programs. Accountable for regular, timely and accurate attendance counts and continual monitoring of the environment to ensure safety, completing all necessary documentation.
• Model appropriate behavior, and implement program strategies to guide children in developing positive social relationships. Intervene, as appropriate, using strategies such as peer mediation, conflict resolution, problem solving, and/or other behavioral management techniques such as Social Emotional Learning strategies and Positive Behavior Intervention Strategies.
• Comply with district and KC policies and procedures, including but not limited to: emergency procedures, building orientation and practices, confidentiality, student vulnerability, reporting (including injuries, behavioral issues and suspected abuse or neglect), classroom management and all inclusion practices. Actively support reasonable accommodations as established by the program.
• Prepare equipment and materials for activities and arrange the program areas as necessary. This includes set‑up and clean‑up of the supplies, equipment, and program areas, as well as the preparation and serving of meals and snacks gaining support of the students to do these tasks as appropriate. Notify Site Supervisor about equipment that needs repair or replacement, or supplies that need purchasing.
• Understand and maintain boundaries and confidentiality with students, families, and staff.
• Participate in staff development activities, and site and staff meetings, as required.
• Maintain a high level of professionalism, confidentiality, respect and equity for all students, staff and families.
• Other duties as assigned.

Job Specifications (Education, License, Experience, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Competencies as required by State of Minnesota, Federal government, and/or District 833.
• Proven teamwork, confidentiality, professionalism and communication skills.
• Proven ability to provide services to students as directed by supervisor in a manner that demonstrates a positive respect for the dignity and basic rights of children. Accepts work direction willingly and shifts work assignments and/or accepts new job responsibilities as needed.
• Models appropriate behavior, neat appearance, and proper grammar usage for all students. Helps provide a positive learning environment.
• Actively participates in district-sponsored training when offered.
• Ability to perform routine computer functions, including the use of email, Microsoft Word and navigating on the internet.
• Ability to pass Paraprofessional fitness for duty tests.
• Ability to lift and transfer up to 50 pounds.
• Prompt, regular and reliable attendance.
• Communicates with students, parents, co-workers, supervisors, and the community in a positive and responsive way that is consistently welcoming and enhances effective work relationships.
• Demonstrates an appreciation of diversity in all interactions and job functions.

Desired

• Trained in and experience utilizing behavioral management techniques.
• First Aid CPR certified (current or within 3 months of hire).
• Sixty hours of relevant training in childcare.
• 1040 hours of previous experience working with children or in a childcare setting.
• Demonstrates knowledge of basic academics and behavior characteristics of elementary students.

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