Paraprofessional North Oakview

Job Summary:

The Elementary Paraprofessional provides essential academic, behavioral, and social-emotional support to students under the direct supervision of a certified teacher. The role is designed to assist in the delivery of instructional programs, facilitate student engagement, and ensure a safe, inclusive learning environment for all children, including those with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).

Qualifications

• Education: A high school diploma or equivalent is required. Associate's degree or college coursework in education or a related field, preferred.
• Experience: Prior experience working with children, such as in a daycare, camp, or volunteer setting, is often preferred. Experience in a school environment is advantageous.
• Interpersonal Skills: Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential for effectively interacting with students, teachers, parents, and other school staff.
• Patience and Empathy: The ability to work patiently with students of different abilities and backgrounds, and to empathize with their challenges, is crucial for building a positive learning environment.
• Organization and Multitasking: Paraprofessionals must be well-organized, able to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, and adapt to changing needs in the classroom.
• Collaboration: A willingness to work collaboratively with teachers and other educational professionals to support student success is important.
• Clearances: Ability to pass a criminal background check and fingerprinting (as required by state law).

Physical Demands

• Ability to sit, stand, and walk (both indoors and outdoors) for extended periods.
• Occasional lifting or positioning of students (depending on specific assignment).
• Ability to move quickly to intervene in safety-related situations.
• Ability to lift up to 30 pounds.

Key Responsibilities:

Instructional Support

• Small Group Facilitation: Lead small groups or one-on-one sessions to reinforce lessons initiated by the classroom teacher (e.g., literacy circles, math fact fluency).
• Material Preparation: Adapt and prepare instructional materials, such as visual schedules or modified assignments, to meet the specific needs of students.
• Progress Monitoring: Assist the teacher in collecting data on student progress and recording observations for academic or behavioral assessments.
• All other duties as assigned

Behavioral & Social Support

• Behavior Intervention: Implement Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) and use positive reinforcement strategies to manage classroom conduct.
• Social Modeling: Guide students in developing appropriate social skills, conflict resolution, and peer interactions during unstructured times like recess or lunch.
• Redirecting: Use de-escalation techniques to support students experiencing emotional dysregulation.
• All other duties as assigned

Student Care & Supervision

• Transitions: Supervise students during arrivals, departures, hallway transitions, and lunch/recess (indoor and outdoor) periods.
• Daily Living Assistance: (If assigned to specific students) Assist with personal care needs, which may include toileting, feeding, or mobility assistance.
• Safety Enforcement: Maintain a vigilant eye on student safety and ensure all school-wide safety protocols are followed.
• All other duties as assigned

Terms:

• Building assignment: Elementary (Grades DK-4).
• This position follows the terms and benefits outlined in the Paraprofessional Agreement and evaluated annually by the building administration.
• Compensation includes an hourly wage for 15-20 hours per week following the Northview Public Schools academic calendar.