PREK Parafrofessional

JOB DESCRIPTION – PREK PARAPROFESSIONAL

The PreK Paraprofessional will assist the PreK teacher in supporting the teaching and learning of at-risk young children who are four years old in an inclusion classroom setting.

Qualifications:

• Have a high school diploma, GED or higher

• At least 21 years of age

• Have one of the following credentials:

Level 1:  taken and passed the paraprofessional tests *

Level 2:  possess a current CDA credential or state-awarded certification in Career         Studies

Level 3:  hold an associate’s degree

Level 4:  hold a bachelor’s degree

• Possess good physical and emotional health

• Experience in working with children of the above age group preferred

*Candidates chosen with a Level 1 status will be asked to complete the state certification in Career Studies within one year of his/her employment to have sufficient knowledge and training when working with this age group and to ensure a high-quality PreK program under the guidance of VSQI and Head Start Standards.  Financial assistance will be provided through our agreement with Virginia Western Community College, along with weekly release time to ensure successful completion of the coursework.

Reports to:  Elementary Principal; works under the direction of the PreK classroom teacher

Performance Qualities:

• Enjoy interacting with children.

• Possess the desire and patience to see that children are successful with coming to school for the first time.

• Assist children foremost with their social and emotional development.

• Build a positive and supportive community of learners.

• Ensure that each child has a sense of belonging, engagement, and confidence.

• Develop meaningful and long-lasting family engagement.

• Work collaboratively with the teacher partner and other PreK and school staff.

• Willingness to continue growing and learning.

Performance Responsibilities:

• Interact with children throughout the day.

• Play with children at center time, following their lead.

• Act as a second set of eyes in the classroom.

• Maintain the classroom as a safe and healthy environment.

• Record what children are doing and saying for data collection.

• Help support and maintain discipline appropriate for the learning.

• Lead a small learning group.

• Go on a home visit with the teacher to each child’s home.

• Accompany children to breakfast, lunch, playground and specials (library, gym, etc.)

• Work under the guidance of the classroom teacher with regard to instruction.

Terms of Employment:  Ten-month year.   Salary to be established by the Franklin County School Board.

Evaluation:  Performance on this job will be evaluated annually in accordance with school board policy and administrative regulations on evaluation of classified personnel.