Classroom Assistant K-4 (Self-Contained)

POSITION SUMMARY

Classroom Assistants provide support to classroom teachers by helping to supervise activities in the classroom and working with children on an individual, small group or whole class basis. Depending on the specific assignment, Classroom Assistants may also work on a one-to-one basis with children with special educational needs.

MACS has a culture of respect and kindness. The Classroom Assistant is expected to exhibit respect and kindness for all staff, students and families while maintaining both classroom and school expectations both behaviorally and academically. The Classroom Assistant serves as a partner with the teacher to work in support of the benefit of assigned students.  Regular and predictable attendance are essential functions of this position.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

The duties of the Classroom Assistant include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Supports children across the curriculum, often with a particular focus on math, reading and writing
• Provides additional support to children with special needs or those for whom English is not their first language
• Works with small groups of students to enhance the learning process
• Motivates and encourages students using positive reinforcement and kindness
• Implements and supports the positive behavior systems and restorative practices used at MACS
• helping with classroom activities
• Assists with distribution of materials
• Maintains a positive, supportive partnership with the classroom teacher
• Reports behavioral or student concerns to classroom teacher
• Maintains confidentiality at all times
• Ensures consistent and daily supports are provided to assigned students by promptly arriving in the classroom at scheduled start time and having an excellent attendance record
• Performs other duties, as needed and as assigned by supervisors

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• An associate’s degree (or higher) OR completion of at least two years of study at an institution of higher learning OR a qualifying score on the ParaPro exam, or other similar assessment
• Previous experience working as a classroom assistant, providing direct instructional support to students, in an urban school setting is required
• Experience working with special needs students is preferred
• Current and acceptable FBI, PA Criminal, and PA Child Abuse clearances
• A flexible personality that demonstrates enthusiasm, celebrates success, and responds positively to adversity, with interpersonal skills that relate well with students, staff, administration, parents
• A strong work ethic and an excellent attendance record
• Strong communication skills

WORKING CONDITIONS

The working conditions of Classroom Assistants include:

• Very high levels of social interaction, with daily and consistent work with children and teachers.
• Communicating with people face-to-face on a daily basis, as well as communication through phone and handheld transceiver.
• Working very near others, within a few feet or less, which may result in exposure to diseases and infections, such as colds and influenza.
• Working with cleaning solutions and hazardous chemicals.
• Exposure to loud sounds and high noise levels on a regular basis.
• Responsibility for the health and safety of the children in their school.
• Being placed in conflict situations where students might become angry or unpleasant.
• Working as part of a team of educators.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Classroom Assistants are regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, hear, operate a computer, hand-held learning devices and other office equipment, reach with hands and arms, and must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.