Pre-Kindergarten Paraprofessional

Highlands School District; Brackenridge (PA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Highlands School District in Pennsylvania is looking for a dedicated Paraprofessional to assist certified staff in meeting instructional goals. Responsibilities include guiding students in various subjects, supporting IEP objectives, and ensuring a safe classroom environment.

The ideal candidate should have at least two years of secondary education or an associate's degree and must be committed to ongoing professional development. This position is vital in fostering an effective learning atmosphere.

Qualifications

• Completion of at least two years of full-time secondary study or possession of an associate's degree.
• Must complete a minimum of twenty-four hours of continuous professional development each year.

Responsibilities

• Assists and guides students to reinforce learning.
• Administers and corrects classroom exercises and assessments.
• Works with students to meet IEP objectives and supports special needs.
• Manages classroom behavior to ensure a safe learning environment.

Skills

Communication skills

Ability to work with special needs

Instructional support

Time management

Education

Two years of secondary study or an associate's degree

CDA certificate

Tools

Personal computers

Standard office equipment

Job description

Position Purpose

Under the direct supervision of a certified staff member, the paraprofessional assists certified professional staff with students in the classroom to meet instructional goals and objectives, and frees certified professional employees from non‑professional duties such as proctoring study halls so they can contribute to other aspects of the educational program, such as curriculum development.

Qualifications Profile

• Completion of at least two (2) years of full‑time secondary study or possession of an associate's degree, or obtaining a CDA certificate.
• Must complete a minimum of twenty‑four (24) hours of continuous professional development each year, as specified by PDE.

Essential Job Functions

• Assists and guides students to reinforce reading, language arts, mathematics, computer instruction, and other skills.
• Works with students individually and in small groups to reinforce basic learning and implement assigned programs.
• Assists professional staff in the administration and correction of classroom exercises, tests and assessments.
• Assists in classroom preparations and strategies for reinforcing instructional materials and skills according to individual student needs.
• Assists with record‑keeping procedures to document student learning and performance.
• Assists with classroom behavioral management to minimize disruptions, ensure a safe and orderly classroom, and ensure students are on task.
• Assists students in non‑instructional areas, such as supervising the student lunch programs, bus duty, playground duty, corridor, study hall, and other related non‑instructional areas.
• Accompanies students on field trips for the purpose of assisting with supervision.
• Constructs, copies and distributes educational materials as needed.
• Assists teacher with parent contact as requested to foster effective and participatory parent involvement in student education.
• Assists students with special needs in all aspects of classroom instruction to maximize inclusion, learning, achievement​ in IEP objectives, etc.
• Participates in IEP process and serves as resource for the student personnel evaluation team as needed.
• Assists students with physical or mental disabilities with activities of daily living for the purpose of maximizing their ability to participate in school or learning activities.
• Follows all applicable safety rules, procedures and regulations governing the proper manner of assistance for all students, including those with disabilities or other special needs.

Additional Duties

• Assist guidance, pupil services staff or building administration, as needed.
• Perform any other related duties as assigned.

Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.

Equipment

• Use standard office equipment, such as personal computers and copiers.

Travel Requirements

• Travel between schools, or between schools and central offices, may be required for certain positions.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide, and perform arithmetic operations as needed to assist students.
• Ability to understand, apply and use personal computers and software applications (e.g., Word, Excel).
• Ability to work with a diverse group of individuals.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of information regarding students, employees and others.
• Ability to establish a supportive and compassionate relationship with students with special needs.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with students, staff and others contacted in the course of work.
• Ability to report work orally or in writing to supervisor as required.
• Effective writing and verbal communication skills.

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards

• Works in standard office and school building environments.
• Ability to work outdoors during outdoor student activities.

FLSA Status

Non‑exempt

EEO Statement

Highlands is an EOE