PREP Program Paraprofessional (18-21 Transition Program)

SUMMARY: To work under the direction of the classroom teacher or principal in achieving the educational goals and objectives of all qualifying students through individual, small group, or whole group instruction., * Prepare and organize materials for small group and individual instruction under the direction of the classroom teacher

• Provide tutorial help to students following lessons prescribed by the teacher and reinforce material and skills using a variety of methods as directed by certified staff
• Provide immediate feedback on student performance
• Respond to students’ questions and requests for assistance
• Observe students’ work and study habits
• Observe and record students’ time on task when needed
• Assist students in locating prescribed instructional and functional materials and starting their assignments
• Assist the classroom teacher in the delivery of an effective instructional program
• Work with individual students or small groups of students to reinforce learning of material and skills introduced by the teacher
• Help students master equipment or functional materials assigned by teacher
• Provide individualized instruction activities using materials and sequences selected by the classroom teacher
• Assist in identifying pupil needs and supporting instruction appropriate to those needs
• Follow modifications and accommodations as specified in Individual Education Plans (IEPs)
• Accompany the student in and around the building and community as needed
• Establish a supportive relationship with the students to provide a positive experience
• Serves as a resource person to the special education team as needed
• Provide assistance with personal care of students as needed
• Assist in the collection of daily data for federal programming requirements
• Assist in teaching classroom and community rules and encourage students to set and maintain standards of behavior
• Alert the supervising teacher to any problem or special information about an individual student as needed
• Keep the supervising teacher informed of activities and any issues that may arise
• Operate and care for equipment used in the classroom for instructional purposes
• Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities
• Keep accurate records and maintain individual records for each student as directed by the teacher
• Attend faculty meetings as required
• Assume responsibility for his or her continuing professional growth and development
• Seek assistance should emergencies arise
• Represent the school district in a positive manner
• Know and follow school district policy and chain of command
• Perform other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions., * High School Diploma or GED required

• Must meet Para Professional requirements
• Bachelors Degree or
• 32 core academic credits from an accredited university (with a passing grade of “C” of better) or
• Pass the Para Pro assessment with a score of 460 or higher
• Para Professional experience preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Demonstrate aptitude for working with adolescents
• Works well with students, staff, and the public
• Excellent organizational skills
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Able to work under pressures and deadlines
• Able to work as part of team
• Able to work with students who have behavior needs
• Maintain confidentiality of staff and students
• Maintain high academic standards and expectations

COMMUNICATION SKILLS: Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals. Ability to read, analyze and interpret governmental regulations and legal documents. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from employees and/or the general public. Ability to communicate in English and Spanish is preferred.

PROBLEM SOLVING SKILLS:

Demonstrate sound judgment by taking appropriate actions regarding questionable findings or concerns.

PRODUCTIVITY/EFFICIENCY SKILLS: Consistently demonstrate ability to respond to changing situations in a flexible manner in order to meet current needs, such as reprioritizing work as necessary; organize job functions and work area to be able to effectively complete varied assignments within established time frame.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:

Ability to conduct basic math functions, as well as manipulate formulas in spreadsheets.

REASONING ABILITY:

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral and diagram form. Ability to define problems collects data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of a variety of computer software applications in word processing (Microsoft Office), spreadsheets (Excel), database (Access), presentation software and accounting/financial software.

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. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is continuously required to sit; walk, stand and reach with hands and arms; occasionally lift and carry up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job includes close vision; very good depth perception; and the ability to communicate through speech. May be required to block or redirect students during negative behavior. May be required to engage in physical restraint of student in crisis situations.