Head Start Assistant Teacher (Para-Educator)

PURPOSE STATEMENT

This position is responsible for assisting the Head Start Lead Teacher by performing support tasks related to early childhood education. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Work with English and non-English speaking students under the direction of classroom teachers to facilitate academic skills and oral language development.
• Supervise children inside and outside the building in a variety of situations.
• Provide instructional assistance such as, but not limited to, facilitating learning centers; individual and small group instruction; facilitating and modeling play.
• Assist in the preparation of materials needed for classroom instruction.
• Meet the needs of young children by performing duties as requested by the supervising teacher, including social skills and behavioral/emotional needs.
• Perform basic clerical tasks in the development of teaching materials.
• Assist with maintaining records on a weekly basis.
• Assist with personal hygiene needs of students.
• Assist with cleaning and disinfecting of classroom equipment and materials.

OTHER FUNCTIONS

• May serve on various district committees and/or departmental work teams.
• Perform related duties consistent with the scope and intent of the position.
• Promote positive public relations when communicating with the public.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

• Reports to the Head Start Education Manager.
• Receives direction and guidance from other designated staff to include classroom teacher(s).

MENTAL DEMANDS

• Required to handle a wide range of student, staff, and public behaviors and needs in a positive and service oriented manner.
• May experience shifts in work schedule or work site according to district needs.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• The employee will frequently be required to stand, walk, and occasionally run.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

• High School diploma or GED.
• AA Degree, 72 college level credits, or ability to pass the Federal Para-Educator test.
• Preschool Child Development Associate Certificate (CDA) or a state-awarded certificate that meets or exceeds the requirements for a CDA credential, or enrolled in a program that will lead to an associate or baccalaureate degree or, enrolled in a CDA credential program to be completed within two years of the time of hire.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.
• Knowledge/awareness of own cultural identity and how this influences behavior, and desire to learn about the cultural identity of others.
• Ability to establish and nurture an environment that promotes cultural competence and equitable treatment of staff, students, and patrons of the district.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students, staff, and parents – including phone and email communication.
• Possess the desire to be a role model for students and to interact positively with students.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, staff and the public.
• Understanding of early childhood development.

Licenses/Special Requirements

• Must be willing to acquire a health examination that includes screening for tuberculosis.
• Requires fingerprinting and background check to determine that there have been no convictions involving physical molestation, abuse, injury or neglect of a minor.
• Must complete Walla Walla Public Schools Risk Management and Bloodborne Pathogens Training upon hire.
• Must have or ability to obtain a CPR/First Aid card.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Para Educator on the PSE Classified Salary Schedule A
• 7 hours per day, 5 days per week, 189 days per school year; district may revise assignment and job location as needed.

CONDITIONS

The preceding list of essential functions is not exhaustive and may be supplemented as necessary.

The Walla Walla School District does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups.  The Walla Walla School District will also take steps to assure that national origin persons who lack English language skills can participate in all education programs, services and activities.  For information regarding translation services or transitional bilingual education programs, contact (509) 527-3000.   The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination:

Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator                                                   

Title IX Coordinator                                               

Dr. Mindy Meyer, Director of HR                                 

364 S. Park Street                                                     

Walla Walla, WA 99362                                               

(509) 527-3000                                                          

Section 504/ADA Coordinator

Barb Casey, Director of Special Education

364 S. Park Street

Walla Walla, WA 99362

(509) 527-3000