Paraeducator - Academic Support - Kindergarten

Federal Way Public Schools; Federal Way (WA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Part time

Job summary

Federal Way Public Schools seeks a paraeducator to support kindergarten scholars in literacy and mathematics under the direction of the certified kindergarten teacher. You will assist with one-on-one and small group instruction and help track progress toward learning goals.

Collaborate with certificated staff to support student learning, maintain accurate records, and help supervise students during lunch and transitions.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; one of the listed paths to paraeducator eligibility.
• Experience or training in reading instruction and remediation is preferred.
• Proficient spelling, math and grammar skills; solid basic literacy competencies.
• Willingness to participate in district trainings and maintain PBIS requirements.

Responsibilities

• Assist students with meeting academic goals in literacy and numeracy.
• Facilitate one-on-one and small group learning under the teacher's direction.
• Collaborate with certificated staff on scholar learning goals.
• Maintain records of scholar progress toward goals.
• Assist with supervision during lunch, recess, and transitions.
• Prepare the classroom for academics and support daily routines.

Skills

Reading instruction familiarity

Numeracy support

Team collaboration

Technology basics

Attendance & reliability

Early learning support

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

AA degree

48 college-level credits

Pass paraeducator assessment

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

This position supports kindergarten scholars in literacy and mathematics and is under the direction of the certified kindergarten teacher. The employee will assist with a variety of instructional tasks and supervision of scholars. The major aspect of the paraeducator's duties will include assisting with students with reading, mathematics, and other academic support, ranging from one-on-one to small group activities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Under the direction of the certified teacher, the paraeducator will assist students with meeting their academic goals/objectives.


• Facilitate one on one and small group learning to support literacy and numeracy.


• Collaborate with certificated staff around scholar learning goals.


• Maintain and share accurate records of scholar learning and progress towards goals.


• Develop and maintain a positive rapport with students and staff.


• Assist the teacher in preparing the classroom for academics.


• Report and direct any questions or concerns made by parents or support staff to the immediate supervisor.


• Practice effective safety and security within individual work routines.


• Assist with supervision of scholars during lunch, recess, and transitional periods during their school day.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Annually attend 4-5 district trainings regarding academic support


• Work collaboratively with District staff and promote teamwork with co-workers.


• Assist substitute teacher with helpful information pertinent to the classroom.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High School Diploma or Equivalent


• And one of the following:




• AA degree, OR


• High school diploma (or equivalent) and 48 college-level semester credits or 72 college-level quarter credits, OR


• High school diploma (or equivalent) and pass the state approved paraeducator assessment test

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Proficient in basic spelling, math and grammar skills


• Experienced and/or training in reading instruction, remediation, and assessment

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Training in early childhood education


• Training in literacy


• Experience working with student in early learning

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT

• Pass a criminal background check


• Complete the district's paraeducator core competency requirements


• Possess and maintain Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) certificated course


• Successfully complete the FWPS district-approved Right Response training at the advanced level at the next available time; maintain current certification at the advanced level through an annual recertification class


• Possess and maintain American Heart Association or American Red Cross CPR and first aid training


• Work scheduled hours on a consistent basis

KNOWLEDGE OF

• English grammar and spelling


• Basic math


• Positive behavior interventions


• Right Response and de-escalation techniques


• School Board Policies

ABILITY TO

• Demonstrate basic knowledge of modern technology and willingness and ability to increase knowledge to proficiency


• Work independently and work collaboratively with others fostering a team approach whenever appropriate.


• Maintain a good work attendance record, be punctual, and follow District procedures for reporting all absences.


• Demonstrate enthusiasm, flexibility and a commitment to students.


• Practice effective safety and security within individual work routines.


• Develop and maintain positive relations with staff and service providers


• Follow written and verbal directions with minimal supervision


• Speak, read and follow written communications in English


• Perform basic spelling, math and grammar skills


• Demonstrate the desire, skill and patience to work with students with special emotional, academic and social needs, which may include violent behavior


• Demonstrate a caring attitude and establish an environment that encourages appropriate behavior and successful learning


• Exercise judgment as to when to act independently and when to refer to higher authority


• Practice ethical and professional standards of conduct including the requirements of confidentiality


• Communicate effectively with staff, students, parents/guardians, and the public in a multicultural and multiracial community


• Interact positively with students, parents and staff in a professional manner and demonstrate a commitment for students and their success


• Continue professional growth


• Perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES RELATED TO CULTURAL COMPETENCE AND EQUITY

Knowledge/awareness of own cultural identity and how this influences behavior, and desire to learn about the cultural identity of others.

Ability to establish and nurture an environment that promotes cultural competence and equitable treatment of staff, students, and patrons of the District.

Ability to understand and hold self and others accountable for promoting the Federal Way Public Schools' commitment to "Each Scholar: A Voice. A Dream. A Bright Future."\

Ability to recognize that each person is a unique individual even as we celebrate their group cultural heritage.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee will constantly sit, stand and walk, bend neck and back, use hands for repetitive grasping and pushing/pulling. The employee is frequently required to squat, kneel, and use hands for fine manipulation. The employee will occasionally be required to climb stairs/ladder, lift and reach overhead, crawl, and lift/carry. The employee must constantly lift/carry up to 10 lbs and must frequently lift/carry up to 25 lbs. The employee will occasionally lift/carry a maximum of 50 lbs. Any lifting over 50 lbs should be done with two people or a mechanical device. The employee is occasionally required to push/pull a maximum force of 200 lbs.

WORK CONDITIONS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in indoor and outdoor conditions. This position intermittently works near a video display. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Position occasionally exposed to angry, frustrated, or aggressive individuals, typically in a school classroom environment. Potential exposure to infectious diseases.

WORK SCHEDULE

This is a school year assignment. Hours and days will vary slightly from school to school.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

Position reports to classroom teacher and/or department head and building principal. Position is evaluated by the building principal or designee.

REPRESENTATION

Public School Employees Union (PSE) SEIU Local 1948

LEVEL OF COMPENSATION

Paraeducator position on the PSE Salary Schedule.

This position includes the following benefits prorated based on FTE Medical, dental vision; sick and vacation leave; life insurance; retirement.

CLASSIFICATION HISTORY

Update 01/2019

DISCLAIMER

The preceding list is not exhaustive and may be supplemented as necessary. The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the scope of responsibility and the level of knowledge and skills typically required, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements, skills or duties so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside their normal responsibilities from time to time as needed.

All employment open positions are made available on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender, age, disability or veteran status.

Job descriptions are written as a representative list of the ADA essential duties performed by the entire classification. They cannot include, and are not intended to include, every possible activity and task performed by every specific employee.