Early Childhood Paraprofessional

Qualifications

• Hold a valid Illinois Paraprofessional Certification.
• Classroom assistance experience preferred.
• Demonstrated success and understanding of working with young children from diverse backgrounds and with diverse learning needs.
• Ability to build positive professional relationships, solve problems, and collaborate effectively with teachers, families, and support staff.

Reports To

Building Administrator

Position Goal

To support the lead teacher in fostering a safe, inclusive, and engaging learning environment that promotes the developmental, social, and academic growth of preschool children. This includes assisting in implementing instructional activities, managing classroom routines, and addressing the diverse needs of young learners with care and professionalism.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of a licensed teacher, the Early Childhood Paraprofessional will:

• Support the lead teacher in creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging classroom environment that promotes the developmental, social-emotional, and academic growth of preschool children.
• Assist with the implementation of daily classroom routines, learning centers, and developmentally appropriate instructional activities.
• Work with individual children and small groups to reinforce learning through play-based, hands-on experiences and teacher-directed instruction.
• Support children in developing independence, self-help skills, positive social interactions, and appropriate classroom behaviors.
• Assist in implementing accommodations and interventions for children with identified needs under the direction of the classroom teacher and related service providers.
• Prepare instructional materials, learning centers, and classroom resources as directed by the teacher.
• Supervise children during classroom activities, meals, outdoor play, transitions, rest time, field trips, and other school-sponsored activities to ensure their safety and well-being.
• Assist children with daily routines, including dressing, toileting, handwashing, meals, snacks, and clean-up, which may include diapering when necessary.
• Observe and share information regarding student progress, behavior, and developmental milestones with the classroom teacher.
• Help maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming classroom environment that supports learning and complies with health and safety standards.
• Foster positive relationships with children, families, and staff while maintaining professionalism and confidentiality.
• Participate in professional development, staff meetings, and required training opportunities.
• Maintain required certifications, including crisis intervention training, when assigned.
• Maintain the same level of confidentiality regarding student information as is expected of certified teachers.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Building Administrator to support the effective operation of the early childhood program.

Terms of Employment

• Work days mirror the teacher work calendar, including all student attendance days and five (5) Staff Institute Days.
• Building and classroom assignments may vary based on student needs but will remain consistent on a day-to-day basis once assigned.
• Salary: $16.00 per hour.
• Competitive benefits package available in accordance with district policy and applicable eligibility requirements.