Paraeducator, Prekindergarten Candidate Pool

Howard County Public School System; Parsons (KS); On-site; USD 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible schedule

Benefits for eligible employees

Additional hourly compensation based on role

Job summary

A school system in Howard County seeks an educational support professional to assist classroom teachers and provide instructional support for students aged 0-5. Responsibilities include reinforcing learning, monitoring student progress, and implementing behavior intervention plans. Ideal candidates will possess at least 48 college credits and demonstrate strong communication skills and knowledge of child development. This is a 10-month position with competitive salary adjustments based on experience.

Qualifications

• Education completed outside the U.S. must be evaluated.
• Ability to work with diverse students and staff.
• Basic technology skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide instructional support for students in various subject areas.
• Assist teachers with implementing lesson plans.
• Support classroom behavior management strategies.

Skills

Knowledge of child development

Instructional strategies

Communication skills

Human relations skills

Education

48 college credits from accredited institution

Associate degree or higher

Child Development Associate (CDA) credential

Job description

DESCRIPTION MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS **Applicants must meet all qualifications below to be considered for the vacancy.****Education** ). Education completed outside the United States must be evaluated by an MSDE approved organization. For a list of approved vendors, please click **Additional Requirements for** **or*** 48 college credits or more from an accredited college or university.* Associate degree or higher from an accredited college or university.* Child Development Associate(R)(CDA) credential or an AA degree to work in Pre-K classrooms. \*PerBlueprint this certification will be required beginning with the 2027-2028 school year.The below list is a summary of the functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties.* Works under the direction of a classroom teacher or service provider to provide instructional support for students individually and in small groups.* Assists classroom teachers or service providers with implementing content-area instruction and lesson plans to reinforce learning in various subject areas and motor activities (e.g., reading, telling stories, spelling, games, art, writing, music, physical education, mathematics, social/communication, community, recreation/leisure, physical activities, etc.).* Reviews and reinforces classroom lessons and learning experiences by monitoring and providing support to students engaged in independent work or similar activities in academic and non-academic classes.* In collaboration with the classroom teacher or service provider, implements consistent reinforcement of appropriate student behaviors, proactive strategies to support social-emotional needs of all students, and implements behavior intervention plans (BIPs) to address target behaviors of individual students.* Supports classroom/ behavior management strategies to help students remain engaged and attentive during activities.PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS The ideal candidate for this role will also possess a combination of the additional qualifications below. If you don’t meet every one of the preferred qualifications, we still encourage you to apply, as we welcome applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences. One (1) year experience working with students ages 0-5 in a licensed childcare, family childcare, or elementary (PK-5) setting is desired but not required.ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES Supports the implementation of Individual Education Programs (IEPs) by collecting data and documentation related to student IEP goals/objectives and academic needs.Attends meetings and professional learning sessions (e.g., first aid, CPR, emergency procedures, behavior management, etc.) for the purpose of acquiring and/or conveying information relative to job functions.May assist with lunch activities (e.g., collecting lunch money, feeding, etc.) for the purpose of helping students with routines and fostering independence as appropriate.ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES The below list is a summary of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for success in this position, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list. Knowledge of child development, instructional strategies and practices, instructional goals, and policies specifically in pre-school aged childrenAbility to maintain confidentiality, including student progress and concerns.Requires sufficient human relations skills to work cooperatively, effectively, and exercise patience and sensitivity when interacting with students, parents, school-based staff, administrators, colleagues, central office and school-based staff, and community members.Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in both written and oral form.Ability to remain calm under trying circumstances.Ability to work with students with and without IEPs in an inclusive classroom setting.Demonstrated aptitude for work to be performed, such as, but not limited to positive work ethic, well organized, strong communication skills, basic technology skills, and flexibility to work with diverse students and staff.Basic knowledge of child development, arithmetic, spelling, language and reading sufficient to assist and motivate prekindergarten students with individual and group activities.Ability to perform the essential responsibilities and work tasks of the position.Ability to understand and interpret an instructor's instructions to work with small groups of children, including those with special needs.Ability to balance emotional support and discipline to support classroom management strategies.Ability to perform clerical and classroom support duties with minimum supervision.Performs other duties as assigned that support the overall objective of the position.ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS**Physical Requirements** Physical ability to work around children including standing and sitting, in a chair and/or on the floor, for extended periods of time. Physical ability to complete bending, pushing/pulling, walking, running, kneeling, twisting, squatting, crouching, overhead and above shoulder reaching movements. Must be able to actively monitor and respond to students who elope from the classroom, school building, or other emergency situations. Including the ability to move quickly towards students who may elope from an assigned area.Ability to hear, with or without use of hearing aid(s), sufficient to hear any conversation with others. The person selected for this position must meet all requirements of the physical examination administered by a medical service selected by the Howard County Department of Education. Must be able to accommodate a flexible schedule and change of location, as needed. APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be included in further evaluation. Interviews will be limited to those applicants who, in addition to meeting the basic requirements, have experience and education which most closely match the position qualifications and the needs of the school system. **Compensation** This is a 10-month per year position in the Howard County Education Association, Educational Support Professionals (HCEA-ESP) employee unit. This position is salary Grade VI on the Paraeducators working in Title I Program Schools will receive an additional $0.50 per hour. General Education Paraeducators will receive an additional $0.30 per hour. Step placement will be in accordance with the salary procedures of the Howard County Public School System and the HCEA-ESP Master Agreement which considers relevant prior experience. Under the Fair Labor Standards Act, this position is **Benefits** for eligible employees. Information about additional benefits such as paid time off can be found in the **Pre-Employment Requirements**All employees, regular and temporary, must be fingerprinted, have a criminal background investigation completed, and successfully complete the Maryland Employment History Review, pursuant to Section 6-113.2 of the Education Article, Annotated Code of Maryland. In addition, some positions will require completion of a physical examination and/or drug testing.