Paraeducator - Transitional Kindergarten/ ECEAP

Position: Para-TK/ECEAP

Location: Wallace Elementary School

Position Details: 7.0 hrs/day, 8:15am to 3:45pm; 190 days/year.

Potential reduction hours due to Wednesday early release, early dismissals for parent conferences, holidays, and last day of school; reduction hours subject to change. Job assignment and/or building assignment are subject to change based on program needs determined by the district.

Pay Range: PSE 1 Salary Schedule

Benefits: This position is eligible for medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance in accordance with the School Employee Benefits Board rules and regulations. Information about benefits offered can be found HERE. Paid time off and other benefits are offered in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement with the Public School Employees of Kelso Chapter #1 found HERE.

School employees | Washington State Health Care Authority

Position Summary

The ECEAP/Transition to Kindergarten (TK) Paraeducator assists in providing a safe, engaging, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate learning environment for preschool-aged children participating in the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) and Transition to Kindergarten (TK) programs. Under the supervision of the classroom teacher, the paraeducator supports students' academic, social-emotional, behavioral, physical, and developmental growth while fostering positive relationships with families and staff.

Essential Functions

Instructional Support

• Assist individual students and small groups in early literacy, language development, mathematics, social-emotional learning, and school readiness activities.
• Support implementation of developmentally appropriate instructional activities and learning centers.
• Assist students in learning English and accessing classroom instruction.
• Reinforce teacher-directed lessons, interventions, and individualized learning goals.
• Assist with developmental screenings, assessments, observations, and documentation as directed.
• Support implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), Individual Care Plans, and behavior support plans as directed by certificated staff.
• Prepare and organize instructional materials and classroom resources.
  
  

Student Support and Supervision

• Maintain active supervision of students in classrooms, playgrounds, cafeterias, buses, and community-based learning activities.
• Support positive behavior interventions and social-emotional skill development using trauma-informed and developmentally appropriate practices.
• Assist students with daily living skills, hygiene routines, toileting, handwashing, dressing, feeding, and other personal care needs as required.
• Ensure student safety by following all district, ECEAP, and licensing health and safety requirements.
• Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
  
  

Family and Program Support

• Assist with family engagement activities and classroom events as directed.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding students, families, and program records.
• Support communication between school and families as directed by the teacher.
• Assist in maintaining accurate student records and documentation required by ECEAP and district programs.
  
  

Classroom and Team Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with teachers, special education staff, therapists, administrators, and support personnel.
• Participate in team meetings, professional development activities, and required trainings.
• Assist in maintaining a clean, organized, welcoming, and developmentally appropriate classroom environment.
• Support transitions into ECEAP/TK programs and into kindergarten.
  
  

Qualifications

• Demonstrated awareness and appreciation of diversity among students and families.
• Previous experience working with preschool-aged children or early childhood programs preferred.
• Demonstrated understanding of child development and developmentally appropriate practices preferred.
• Ability to establish positive relationships with young children, families, and staff.
• Ability to work cooperatively as a member of a collaborative team.
• Ability to work independently under teacher direction while accepting supervision and constructive feedback.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately.
• Ability to effectively supervise students in all learning environments.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to utilize technology including email, computers, tablets, student information systems, and classroom technology.
• Ability to lift, position, and/or transfer students as necessary, with assistance when required.
• Must maintain regular and consistent attendance.
  
  

Education

Be at least eighteen years of age, hold a high school diploma and/or equivalent, AND must meet at least one of the following options:

• hold an AA degree or higher from an accredited college or university; OR
• have earned 72 quarter credits or 48 semester credits – all at a 100 level or above at an accredited college or university; OR
• received a qualifying score on the Education Testing Service (ETS) paraeducator assessment OR
• have completed an apprenticeship as a paraeducator, in a program registered with the Washington State Apprenticeship and Training Council
  
  

Must complete training on the Fundamental Course of Study within the timelines described in RCW 28A.413.070 in years that the program is funded by the legislature

Required Certifications And Program Requirements

• Must successfully complete and maintain a portable background check through the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF).
• Must complete a TB blood test prior to hire and meet applicable program requirements.
• Must provide documentation of required MMR vaccination prior to hire.
• Must obtain and maintain a valid Washington State Food Worker Card.
• Must obtain and maintain current CPR/First Aid certification.
  
  

Other Functions

• Perform all other duties as assigned
  
  

Bargaining Unit Affiliation

• Public School Employees of Kelso Chapter #1 (PSE 1)
  
  

Responsible To

School Principal and/or Program Administrator

Kelso School District #458 complies with all federal rules and regulations and 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 or 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 listed in Title 36 of the United States Code. Kelso School District offers classes in many Career and Technical Education (CTE) program areas, such as Agriculture Sciences, Business & Marketing, Family Consumer Sciences, Health Sciences, Skilled & Technical Sciences, and STEM under its open admissions policy. Lack of English language proficiency will not be a barrier to admission and participation in career and technical education programs.

The following people have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies: Holly Budge, Director of Human Resources, Title VII Officer, ADA Coordinator; 601 Crawford Street, Kelso, WA 98626; holly.budge@kelsosd.org, 360.501.1918; and Gunnar Guttormsen, Director of Student Services/Assessment, Title IX & Section 504 Coordinator; 601 Crawford Street, Kelso, WA 98626; gunnar.guttormsen@kelsosd.org, 360.501.1905

For more information about CTE course offerings and admissions criteria, contact: Melissa Boudreau, CTE Director; Kelso High School, 1904 Allen Street, Kelso, WA 98626; melissa.boudreau@kelsosd.org, 360-501-1800; or Mara Rinker, Registrar; Kelso High School, 1904 Allen Street, Kelso, WA 98626; mara.rinker@kelsosd.org, 360-501-1800.

KELSO SCHOOL DISTRICT IS A DRUG AND TOBACCO-FREE WORKPLACE