Pre-K Paraprofessional

FirstLine Schools; New Orleans (LA); On-site; USD 24,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Generous 403b plan

Job summary

FirstLine Schools is seeking a PreK Classroom Paraprofessional to support instruction, supervision, and behavior management in a CLASS-observed early learning environment in New Orleans.

Responsibilities include assisting with lesson planning, small group support, and maintaining organized centers; ensuring safety and adherence to state licensing regulations. Requires ParaPro or equivalent education and strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• Experience with PreK-age or early childhood strongly preferred.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist Lead PreK Teacher with lesson planning, materials prep, and ELDS-aligned activities.
• Provide one-on-one and small group support; help with tutoring and personalized learning plans.
• Support classroom environment with print-rich displays and organized centers.
• Supervise children at all times and maintain safe student-teacher ratios.
• Assist with attendance records and daily reports; participate in meetings and school events.

Skills

PreK experience

Strong communication

Education

ETS ParaPro Assessment or 48 credit hours or Associate’s degree

Job description

FirstLine Schools: SPED PRE-K CLASSROOM PARAPROFESSIONAL

Reports to: School Leadership / Lead PreK Teacher

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Position Type: Full Time

Position Summary: FirstLine Schools is seeking talented, passionate individuals to serve as PreK Classroom Paraprofessionals at our PreK–8 schools. The PreK Paraprofessional is a critical partner to the Lead PreK Teacher — supporting instruction, behavior, and child supervision in a CLASS®-observed early learning environment — while ensuring full compliance with Louisiana BESE Bulletin 137 licensing regulations.

Position Responsibilities:

Instructional Support

• Assists the Lead PreK Teacher with lesson planning, material preparation, and implementation of ELDS-aligned, developmentally appropriate activities
• Provides one-on-one and small group support to individual students as directed; helps implement tutoring and personalized learning plans
• Supports the classroom environment — print-rich displays, organized centers, and materials — that contribute to high CLASS® Classroom Organization scores

Child Supervision & Safety

• Actively supervises children at all times; never leaves children unsupervised (Bulletin 137 §1103)
• Assists in maintaining minimum child-to-staff ratios at all times (Bulletin 137 §1711)
• Supports safe transitions, arrival, dismissal, meals, rest, and outdoor play; responds promptly to health and safety needs and administers first aid as needed

Classroom & Behavior Support

• Invests young learners in achieving their goals through encouragement, positive reinforcement, and consistent routines; helps children connect behavior to expectations and school values
• Supports the Lead Teacher’s CLASS®-aligned behavior management strategies; uses only permitted, developmentally appropriate guidance techniques (Bulletin 137 §1509.A.8)

Records, Compliance & Professional Responsibilities

• Assists with daily attendance records, child files, and written or electronic daily reports (Bulletin 137 §1507, §1515, §1911)
• Completes LDE Key Orientation Training Modules 1–3 and DCFS Mandated Reporter Training within required timelines; maintains current CPR/First Aid certification (Bulletin 137 §1719, §1723, §1727); reports any suspicion of abuse or neglect to the Louisiana Child Protection Statewide Hotline (855) 4LA-KIDS
• Collaborates with teachers and school leadership; participates in duty rotations, staff meetings, professional development, and school events; performs other duties as assigned

Education & Experience:

• Passed the ETS ParaPro Assessment (#0755, passing score 450); OR completed at least 48 semester credit hours from an accredited institution; OR earned an Associate’s degree or higher
• Experience working with PreK-age or early childhood populations strongly preferred; experience in an urban, open-admissions school a plus
• Strong communication, collaboration, and relationship-building skills; demonstrated high expectations for young children

Desired Qualities & Characteristics:

• Believes in every student’s ability to achieve; brings warmth, patience, and high expectations for young learners
• Takes personal responsibility and achieves results based on agreed-upon expectations
• Highly detail-oriented; collaborates effectively with a range of stakeholders
• Shares a commitment to creating great schools in New Orleans
• Models the FirstLine values of Service, Learning, Collaboration, and Results

Physical Requirements:

Frequent standing, walking, bending, and crouching to a child’s level; occasional lifting up to 35 lbs. Reasonable accommodations available.

About FirstLine Schools-

In 1998, FirstLine Schools started the first charter school in New Orleans. FirstLine now operates several (Pre)K–8th grade schools.

Our mission is to create and inspire great, open-admissions public schools in New Orleans.

Our staff is a diverse and talented group dedicated to our students’ success and to their own growth.

Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. FirstLine Schools offers a comprehensive benefits package with a generous 403b plan.

FirstLine Schools provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.