Paraprofessional

Reports to: Site Director Classification: Non-Exempt

Work Direction: The Paraprofessional shall generally work forty (40) hours each week under the direct supervision of the CEL or 04 Teacher with the schedule personally arranged, and mutually agreed to by the Site Director and Senior Director of Programs.

Basic Function: The Paraprofessional serves as additional support in Head Start classrooms where preschool children with pre-diagnosed moderate to severe disabilities are enrolled. These additional “hands” also assist in meeting the group needs of the other children in the classroom. The Paraprofessional is also responsible for the active participation/contribution in the progress of the Center’s educational philosophy and environmental goals. The incumbent must demonstrate leadership and problem solving skills in and out of the classroom setting.

JOB DESCRIPTION

· Serves as support staff in classrooms where children with diagnosed disabilities are enrolled: assisting in critical daily activities such as classroom transition times, mealtimes, toileting, field trips and activities away from the sites.

· Assists with safety drills and emergencies.

· Participates in the recommendation and referral process for children with special learning needs or other issues.

· Responsible for maintaining a safe environment in the classroom, on the playground and in other outdoor environments.

· Ensure compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, federal, state and city regulations and licensing requirements.

· Participate in developmental opportunities including but not limited to staff in service, conferences, specific training sponsored by Department of Family Support Services and Chicago Public Schools and disabilities related training.

· Ensure personal performance evaluations, goal setting and staff development plans are completed.

· Assist in compliance with Head Start Performance Standards, federal, state and city regulations and licensing requirements.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge and Skills

· Ability to work with individual and groups of children ages 0-5, supporting social emotional, physical and cognitive growth.

· Ability to work with others in supporting a positive work environment.

· Ability to write reports and correspondence, and read and interpret documents.

Education

This position requires an Associate’s Degree in Social Work, Early Childhood or related field.

Training and Experience

The incumbent must be familiar with social service related issues and possess the knowledge of child development, licensing, and funding standards. The incumbent must be familiar with legislation and advocacy of childcare services in the State of Illinois; this includes best practices in Early Childhood Development standards. Additionally, the incumbent must possess the ability to relate and develop a mutual respect for the families and children served and must possess the ability to get along with diverse personalities, demonstrate tact, and maturity.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distant vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. This position requires the Teacher to work in a clean, well-lit area. Additionally, the incumbent must be able to lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. The incumbent must possess the ability to stand, stoop, bend, and carry children, sit without back support for 15-20 minutes at a time. The incumbent will be required to work in or visit other Trinity UCC Child Care Centers and/or other offices/sites in the Chicagoland area responsible for administering Early Childhood Development services and/or activities and must be able to travel to these various locations. The incumbent must have experience working on computers and have some knowledge of Creative Curriculum approaches to Early Childhood Education.

The statements in this job description are intended to describe the essential/non-essential nature and level of work performed by Child Care staff assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities, as other duties and responsibilities may be assigned. Created: April 11, 2017

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $17.14 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Referral program
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person