Preschool Paraeducator (ECEAP)

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• must be legally authorized to work in the US and at least 18 years old at the time of employment
• the equivalent of 12 college quarter credits in Early Childhood Education OR Initial or higher WA State Early Childhood Education Certificate OR a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential awarded by the Council for Early Childhood Professional Recognition OR DCYF equivalent
• if the best candidate for the position is not fully qualified, the newly-hired staff person must be on a Professional Development Plan (PDP) to fully meet the qualifications of their role within five years from the date of hire. Progress monitoring will occur to ensure staff make yearly progress to meet the required qualifications.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• bilingual preferred
• previous experience in the field of Early Childhood Education

REQUIRED BY PROGRAM STANDARDS

• completed Classified Employment Application with resumé and cover letter
• high school and college transcripts
• three (3) verifiable professional references
• valid email address and telephone number
• valid driver’s license
• a passing score of 455 on the ETS© ParaPro Test, or show evidence of college credits (72 quarter credits/48 semester credits)
• completion of the FCS (Fundamental Course of Study, a 28-hour required training) within the first year of employment
• earn the General Paraeducator Certificate (an additional 70-hour training) within three years of completing the FCS
• 30 hours Child Care Basics Initial STARS Certificate
• WA State Food Worker Card
• First Aid/CPR Certification
• proof of negative TB test
• proof of MMR immunization
• MERIT Portable Background Check/Fingerprints
• DCYF Bloodborne Pathogens Training
• DCYF Disaster Plans and Emergency Procedures Training
• DCYF Mandatory Reporter Training
• DCYF Safe Sleep Training

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• completion of a minimum of 15 Professional Development hours (STARS hours or college credit equivalents) per program year in Early Childhood topics
• documentation of all training hours must be entered into the DCYF/MERIT database and verification provided to the Director in a timely manner

THE EMPLOYEE FULFILLING THIS JOB MUST BE ABLE TO:

• sit on the floor
• lift 50 pounds
• pick things up off the floor
• bend, twist, crouch, and reach
• work some evenings, weekends, and occasional overnights
• work an extended schedule beyond the school calendar

JOB SUMMARY

The Early Learning Programs ECEAP Paraeducator is responsible for demonstrating competency in implementing program activities under the instruction of the Director, Lead Teacher, specialists, and Early Learning staff in preparing and maintaining classroom operations, tracking and maintenance of building organization and inventory, supervision, and data collection, in order to provide quality early learning services that meet or exceed the standard of the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF), ECEAP, and Early Achievers. The Paraeducator participates in presenting a developmentally appropriate and comprehensive child development program under the direction of the Lead Teacher, including supporting the children in their learning experiences through play, and welcoming and supporting parents in the classroom. The Paraeducator is instrumental in setting the stage for a positive building and program culture. The Paraeducator must be present and engaged during all hours per year of child direct service whenever there are more than ten children present or as needed to ensure a safe learning environment.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

A. Building/Classroom

• The Paraeducator is responsible for assisting the Director and Lead Teacher in ensuring the understanding and implementation of all:

• Raymond School District policies
• childcare licensing rules
• ECEAP Performance Standards
• Early Achievers Quality Standards
• WA State Early Learning and Development Guidelines
• CACFP Food Program Guidelines

• Greet parents and visitors. Communicate information changes (address, phone number, etc.) to front office and classroom staff
• Assist parent helpers by welcoming and providing suggestions on how to help/engage in classroom activities. Encourage parents to participate with all the children.
• Maintain safety precautions and building security; monitor visitor access to the lobby and classrooms, ensure doors and windows remain closed and locked, and ensure that children are accounted for at all times.
• Supervise children both indoors and outdoors; follow zoning protocol.
• Maintain an approachable, consistent, nurturing demeanor.
• Participate in creating and maintaining a classroom environment that is developmentally appropriate and conducive to learning. Encourage children to participate.
• Engage with the children; be on the floor or at their eye level as much as possible. Be informed of and participate in implementing developmentally appropriate practices for an early childhood setting.
• Duties may include leading small groups, reading out loud, singing/dancing and engaging in gross motor activities, eating meals with students, speaking in front of groups, making cold calls, and engaging with students, parents, staff, and other professionals including licensors on a daily basis.
• Participate in data collection efforts under the direction of the Lead Teacher.
• Support the Lead Teacher in distributing flyers, memos, newsletters, menus, and the daily bulletin.
• Engage in positive communication and collaboration with the specialists, family support, transportation, cook, and front office staff.
• Participate in planning, setting up, and implementing family nights and other Center activities.
• Identify and contact families to gain participation in District and program functions.
• Keep the classroom and storage spaces neat, orderly, and welcoming.
• Maintain organization in the work environment and in required tasks.
• Maintain and replenish inventory of supplies.
• Inform the Director of any concerns that can affect students, families, or general program operations.

B. Professional Development

• The Paraeducator must be willing to engage in professional development and continuing education efforts as required by the position and/or requested by the Director, including but not limited to: fall orientation, staff meetings, early release training days, all-staff work days, and mandatory DEL training.
• All ELC staff are required to complete staff development plans.
• Documentation of all training hours must be entered into the DEL/MERIT database and verification provided to the Director in a timely manner.
• Willing to work occasional evenings and to travel overnight on rare occasion; open to working an extended schedule beyond the school calendar

C. Evaluation

Paraeducators will be evaluated by the Director at a minimum of one time per year. Written evaluations will be reviewed with the employee verbally, in private. Each employee will receive a copy of the evaluation and will have the right to provide a written response to an unfavorable evaluation, which will be attached to the original document and placed in the employee’s file. Evaluations will be based on job performance as listed in this document.

D. Other

• Must enjoy working with children and their parents/guardians; creates a pleasant, inviting, and comfortable atmosphere.
• Assists with other duties as defined by the Lead Teacher or Director when additional work is necessary to fulfill the obligations of the Center.
• Demonstrates a nonjudgemental attitude; is open to working with all types of adults and children regardless of age, race, creed, color, sex, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, marital status, or socioeconomic status.
• Expectations include: reliability, self-control, initiative, attention to detail, high quality standards, pleasant demeanor, positive attitude, willing spirit, flexible nature, team player, and a commitment to lifelong learning.
• Makes every effort to communicate with families in their home language. Is diligent and comfortable utilizing a variety of communication modalities, including the use of an interpreter.
• Is able to effectively communicate the philosophy of the Center and its programming.
• Demonstrates loyalty to the mission of the department and its individual programs.
• Maintains a high level of professionalism and ethical behavior; respects confidentiality as required by law regarding enrolled children, their families, program operations, and personnel issues.
• Is team-oriented with excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Must be comfortable with and easily adaptable to unexpected changes.
• Must be able to take direction from the Early Learning Programs Director and Lead Teacher (Certificated and/or Classified) and assist with other duties as needed when such work is necessary to fulfill the obligations of the program.
• Must possess strong organizational skills as well as the ability to handle multiple simultaneous demands with professionalism and patience.
• Must manage time efficiently, meet deadlines, and work well under pressure with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Arrives to work on time; punctually attends and actively participates in all required program activities.
• Must be flexible regarding work schedule, including being available to work the occasional evening or weekend. Time worked beyond the normal daily schedule will be compensated.
• Demonstrates conflict resolution skills and effective problem solving; is able to discuss concerns directly and openly.
• Responds to crisis or emergency situations in a calm and professional manner.
• Demonstrates proficiency in the use of computers, tablets, smartphones, and other technological devices; is comfortable navigating programs such as Microsoft Word, Google Calendar, and Gmail, as well as various forms of social media (i.e. Facebook) when necessary to complete data collection, documentation, and communication requirements.
• Submits leave requests, timesheets, and other staff compensation forms; meets District and program reporting requests and timelines.
• Other duties as assigned

BENEFITS INCLUDE:

• medical/dental/vision insurance
• retirement plan
• 12 days sick leave
• 3 days personal leave

Raymond 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 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. The following employee(s) has been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination: K.C. Johnson, 1016 Commercial Street, 360-942-3415, kcjohnson@raymondk12.org.