Paraeducator - Pre-K

Polk County Public Schools; Eloise (FL); On-site; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Polk County Public Schools seeks a Paraeducator - Pre-K at Wahneta Elementary in Winter Haven, FL. The role supports preschool classrooms, assists teachers, and helps care for students in a structured setting.

Minimum requirements include a high school diploma or GED, 60 college credits (Associate degree) or completion of the Para Pro test; background in early childhood programs is preferred. Strong teamwork, communication with staff and parents, and dedication to student well-being are

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited high school or GED completion.
• Associate degree with 60 college credit hours or Para Pro test required.
• Background in early childhood programs preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Assist classroom staff; help with outdoor classroom setup and health and hygiene tasks.
• Support arrival/dismissal, sign-in, food service delivery, and instructional materials prep.
• Reinforce instruction and maintain records and reports as directed by supervisors/teachers.
• Attend in-service trainings and coordinate with parents and school personnel.

Skills

Bilingual/biliterate

Education

High school diploma / GED

Associate degree 60 college credits

Para Pro test

Job description

Paraeducator - Pre-K

Polk County Public Schools Wahneta Elem, Winter Haven, FL, USA, 33880 - Eloise, Florida Open in Google Maps

This job is also posted in Florida Department of Education

Job Details

Job ID: 5928720

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

Posted: Sep 16, 2026 5:09 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: To Be Determined

Job Description

Position Title

Para - Pre-K

Custom Job Purpose

This position exists to perform specialized work in assisting with preschool classrooms. Provides for the care and well-being of students. Duties are performed under the general supervision of supervisors/teachers. Performance is evaluated through observation of work, and/or periodic conferences, critiques, records and reports. Complies with federal, state, and local standards.

Essential Functions of this Job

Assisting classroom staff is required. Duties may require: set up of outdoor classroom space, arrival/dismissal duties, late student sign-in, food service delivery support, health and hygiene care to students, operation of adaptive equipment, and physical assistance to impaired students. Professional duties will involve attending meetings as necessary, attending in-service provided, and becoming acquainted with philosophies, policies, procedures, equipment, and the work site where assigned. Clerical assistance will be performed when needed to assist the supervisor to which one is assigned. Reinforcement of instruction of students in various situations and programs as needed. Preparation of instructional or other support materials will be assigned as needed.

Non-Essential Functions of this Job

Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited high school or completion of GED. Associate's degree of 60 college credit hours, or passing of the Para Pro test required. Background and actual work experience with early chidhood programs is preferred, not required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of Head Start Administration or preschool standards, purpose, and procedures is preferred. Sincerely interested in educating and working with young children. Ability to understand written and oral instructions, to speak and write coherently, to keep records, and make simple reports, and to work cooperatively and act professionally with other school personnel and parents. Special abilities may be required for specialized paraprofessional positions. Bilingual/biliterate preferred.

Work Context

Requires sitting, standing, walking and moving about to coordinate work. Requires face-to-face discussions and contact with individuals and/or teams. Requires the use of alternative communication systems, such as electronic mail, telephones and computers. Requires coordination of work tasks to establish priorities, set goals and meet deadlines. Requires work with students, parents, internal and external contacts, and with the public.

Physical Environment

Requires working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions. May require working outdoors as well with exposure to outdoor elements including weather changes, foliage, insects, etc. Requires sitting, standing, walking, and the ability to lift, carry, move and/or position objects frequently weighing up to 20 pounds, and infrequently weighing 40 pounds or more, with help as necessary.

Collective Bargaining Agreement

3 - Para Union - E1 - Aide

Salary Grade

N/A

Pay Grade

PA03

FLSA Status

Non-Exempt

Local Code

0114

EEO5

48

Approval Date

11/13/2012

Date Last Revised

9/25/2013

Position Type: Full-time

Job Categories

• Classroom Teacher > Preschool
• Instructional Support > Paraprofessional / IA

Contact Information

• Polk County Public Schools
• 1907 South Floral Ave.
• Bartow, Florida 33830
• Phone: [phone]
• Email: [e-mail]