PK Paraprofessional (Sp Ed)
On-siteDes Moines, Iowa, United States
Job Summary
Assist with small groups and individual student instruction while maintaining a safe, orderly learning environment across classrooms, lunchrooms, and field trips. Support students with diverse needs by addressing physical or behavioral requirements, preparing classroom materials, and implementing daily activities like crafts and board games. Operate standard school equipment, complete assigned clerical tasks, and accurately record behavioral incidents and academic data. Serve as a positive role model, participate in home visits with teachers, and assist with meal preparation and cleanup as needed. Maintain confidentiality, follow IEP directives, and complete all required training and background checks. Work under the supervision of licensed personnel to contribute to the social, emotional, and intellectual growth of Pre-K through 12th-grade students.
Required Qualifications
- High School Diploma or GED
- Paraeducator Certificate from the Iowa Department of Education
- Demonstrated ability to successfully work with the needs of all Pre-K thru 12th Grade students
- Successful completion of physical, criminal background and child abuse registry check, and pre-work screening at time of hire
- Experience working in an educational setting
- Ability to obtain required training, including but not limited to the following: certification to administer medication to students, American Heart or Red Cross First Aid/CPR certification, Crisis Prevention Institute Training (CPI)
- Ability to work with all students with diverse needs
- Must be capable of standing throughout the work day
- Must present appropriate appearance and personal cleanliness suited to working in close proximity to school age children and adults
- Must be able to work with interruptions during a work shift
- Must be capable of working with students with different personalities, capabilities, and physical and mental limitations
- Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds to waist level
- Must be capable of carrying equipment or supplies weighing up to 25 pounds for a distance of 50 feet
- Must be capable of standing, walking (at variable speeds and duration to include running) and changing positions quickly throughout the workday (to include sitting on and getting up from the floor, sitting at different levels when using adult or various child height chairs (ranging from 12" seat height and above and getting up from these chairs); maintaining sustained kneeling, crouching, bending, leaning down and leaning over postures up to 40 minutes at a time
- Must be willing to come into contact with body fluids such as urine and feces, blood and nasal secretions and contagious diseases such as flu and the common cold
- Must be capable of using cleaning and sanitizing chemicals with appropriate PPE
- Must be capable of working in broad range of temperatures, humidity and other winter and summer environments
- Must be capable of working in a noisy environment
- Must have physical dexterity in limbs and digits necessary to physically interact with children in a playground and classroom environment
- Must be able to obtain required training, including but not limited to the following: certification to administer medication to students, American Heart or Red Cross First Aid/CPR certification, Crisis Prevention Institute Training (CPI)
Desired Qualifications
- Successful work or volunteer experience with disabled population
- Supervisory experience with school age children
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