26-27 Paraprofessional, Head Start

PLEASE NOTE: Applicants meeting at least one of the following qualifications need only apply:

• Successfully passed Paraprofessional Praxis or completed a minimum 60 college credit hours
• Within the first 2 years of employment must obtain CDA or Associates Degree in Early Childhood Development (Grant for funding of the full CDA/Associates is available though Head Start)

This is a full-time (7 hours/day, 5 days/week/ 188 Days per yr) position.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School Diploma or GED
• Must have CDA credentials and/or minimum Associates Degree in Early Childhood
• Successful experience working with preschool children desired
• Able to lift, carry, and hold children up to 50 pounds
• Ability to stoop, crawl, kneel, bend in order to speak with children a the child's eye level, to play with children and to pick up toys/materials and equipment from floor.

JOB GOAL:

To assist the teacher in the implementation of Head Start Performance Standards.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• To understand components of Head Start and be supportive of the team approach.
• To assist in implementing a program for children that will provide experiences that encourage individual differences of the children regardless of special abilities, talents, ethnic heritage, culture, and language
• Share responsibilities of maintaining the physical environment by assembly materials needed for the daily activities, being responsible for daily sign in/sign out of children, and participating in the daily classroom activities and making suggestions in planning and guiding of the learning activities
• Understand, support, and implement a process oriented curriculum
• Assist in communicating and establishing rapport with families
• Attend and participate in parent and staff meetings and training sessions
• Write personal notes, anecdotal comments, anecdotal records, running records, incident reports, and other correspondence concerning children assigned to his/her care as specified
• Participate in at least two home visits and two parent conferences per year
• Know and use appropriate, positive guidance, and discipline techniques
• Maintain visual and auditory awareness of children at all times to ensure their safety in the classroom, on the playground, and on field trips
• Act as a team member in lesson planning and record keeping
• Maintain client confidentiality according to established policy
• Attend all required meetings including designated evening meetings
• Submit physical examination to include tubercular screening, upon hiring
• Maintain current Food Handler’s Permit
• Follow district policies and procedures
• Perform other related duties as assigned