Paraeducator for Early Childhood

nelsonmandelaelementary; Omaha (NE); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Nelson Mandela Elementary is seeking an Early Childhood Paraprofessional to support the teacher in delivering developmentally appropriate activities and to assist in planning the daily educational program. Under supervision, the paraprofessional helps with individual plans and classroom management to ensure safety and inclusion.

The role requires a high school diploma or GED and CDA or progress toward 12 college credits in early childhood education, with strong teamwork and communication skills

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required.
• CDA certification or willingness to pursue 12 college credits in early childhood education or a related field.
• Knowledge of child development and early childhood curricula.

Responsibilities

• Provide opportunities for children to develop positive self-images and experience success.
• Assist in developing an individualized educational plan for each child.
• Maintain an attractive and stimulating learning environment and encourage child’s independence and self-selection of activities.
• Assist in planning and implementing developmentally appropriate activities to support social-emotional, physical, language, and cognitive development.
• Write anecdotal observations for developing individualized plans and measuring child progress.
• Encourage parent participation in program activities and at home.
• Perform other duties as assigned within the scope of the job description.

Skills

Child development

Team player

Licensing standards

Communication

First aid CPR

Physical ability

Safety compliance

Education

High School diploma/GED

CDA or 12 college credits in ECE

Job description

Job Description

The Early Childhood Paraprofessional works cooperatively with the Early Childhood Development Teacher to plan and implement the daily education program for the children. Under the supervision of the teacher and director, the paraprofessional ensures that the program is developmentally appropriate and meets the individual needs of children. In the absence of the Early Childhood Development Teacher, the Early Childhood Paraprofessional takes responsibility for the management of the classroom.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND KEY TASKS:

Child Development

• Provide opportunities for children to develop positive self-images and experience success.


• Assist in the development of an individualized educational plan for each child.

Classroom Management

• Maintain an attractive and stimulating learning environment and encourage child’s independence and self-selection of activities.


• Ensure that all children are under appropriate supervision and guidance at all times.


• Maintain a clean, safe and healthy classroom environment.

Curriculum

• Assist in planning and implementing developmentally appropriate classroom activities that will enhance the social-emotional, physical, language, and cognitive development of each child.


• Assist in the development of lesson plans with goals, objectives, activities, and outcomes for children.


• Write anecdotal observations for the development of individualized plans for children and for measuring and evaluating child progress.

Parent Involvement

• Encourage parent participation in program activities and in implementing educational activities for their children at home.

Other

• Perform other duties as assigned within the scope of the job description.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• High School diploma or GED


• CDA certification or willingness to work towards a minimum or 12 hours of college credit in early childhood education or a related field.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS / ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Knowledge of child development and early childhood principles, practices, and curricula.


• Ability and willingness to remain abreast of developments in the child development field to enhance professional growth and development.


• Knowledge of state childcare licensing standards.


• Ability to work as a cooperative and supportive team member.


• Ability to physically interact with children, including bending, kneeling, sitting on the floor, lifting, climbing, and walking.


• Ability to obtain First Aid and CPR certification.


• Ability to communicate with others both verbally and in writing.


• Ability to lift, carry and move center/classroom equipment and supplies.

REPORTS TO: Early Childhood Development Teacher/ Director