Department: Early Childhood

Reports: Teachers and Principal

Exempt Status: Non-Exempt

Pay Grade: 1

No of Days: 184

Position Function/Purpose

Guides the children to their fullest potential and assist the teacher in meeting the needs of the families. 

Major Responsibilities

1. Assist the teacher in preparing and serving snacks.
2. Help the teacher in maintaining acceptable behavior in the classroom, cafeteria, and on the playground.
3. With guidance from the teacher, conduct small-group experiences in:
   1. language development
   2. interest centers
   3. art activities
   4. motor skills
4. Assist the teacher in observation of students and their individual needs.
5. Help in planning instructional activities in the classroom and on the playground.
6. Assist the teacher in making two home visits per year and conducting one parent conference.
7. Follow safety and medical emergency procedures.
8. Help teacher in making games, putting up bulletin boards, and operating audio-visual equipment.
9. Be in attendance at all staff meetings, parent meetings, in service workshops, and specified professional-growth training.
10. Be responsible for bus supervision at designated target school and on the bus to and from school.
11. Responsible for notifying the teacher and designated staff no later than 6:45 a.m. If absent.
12. Demonstrate professionalism by keeping information confidential between teacher and appropriate staff personnel.
13. Perform such other duties as assigned by the principal/director.

Qualification Requirements

1. High school diploma or GED.  48 semester hours of college coursework from a regionally accredited college or university OR meets NCLB requirements for Highly Qualified Paraprofessionals.
2. The ability to speak and write English
3. The ability to speak and write Spanish
4. The ability to work with students and parents
5.  Possess, or  be willing to apply for, a TEA Paraprofessional Certificate (personal Expense)
6. Actively involved in obtaining a child development associate certificate
7. Acceptable verbal communication in Spanish and in English

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. 

1. Standing
2. Walking
3. Bending
4. Use of fingers
5. Lifting
6. Regular attendance required

Equipment used

1. Telephone
2. Bulletin board equipment
3. Laminator
4. Copy machine
5. Audio-visual equipment

Work Environment

The environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

1. Normal classroom environment
2. Outside and Inside

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job.  They are not intended to be an exhaustive description of all work requirements and responsibilities.  Additionally, the minimum level of education noted as a requirement could be supplemented by commensurate experience and/or certification(s) as determined by the hiring manager.