Terms of Employment: 11 months/ 204 days per year.  Salary is at Pay Grade IS2 on the EISD Instructional Support Pay Compensation Plan. Entry level rate of pay is $11.99/hour with additional consideration based upon directly related experience.

This position is grant-funded; therefore, continuation of employment is contingent upon available grant funds.

Primary Purpose:

Under immediate supervision, is responsible for assisting a classroom teacher in planning and implementing learning experiences that advance the intellectual, emotional, social, and physical development of four year old students enrolled in the City’s Pre-K4SA program at the Education Centers. Assists the teacher with classroom preparation and daily growth and development of students. Assist in supporting the afterschool extended program. Exercises no supervision.

NOTE: Applicant must have satisfactory outcome of fingerprinting background check. Non-refundable fee (approximately $50.00) paid by the applicant, before continuing within the process towards possible employment. 

Qualifications:

Education/Certifications

• High school diploma or GED equivalent (recognized by the Texas Education Agency or regional accrediting agency)
• Hold Child Development Associate Certification (CDA) or ability to obtain within six (6) months of employment
• Associates degree or higher from an accredited college/university or

Must meet one of the following:

• Minimum of forty-eight (48) semester college hours from an accredited college/university
• Twelve (12) of the forty-eight (48) hours of college credit in Education or Early Childhood Development from an accredited college or university.
• Hold No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Region XX certificate

Standard Requirements:

• Eligible to obtain a Paraprofessional certificate issued by the State Board of Educator Certification

Experience:

• Work related experience with students (church-related schools, private schools, day camps, youth groups, licensed day care centers or similar experiences). 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of principles, practices, and methods of early childhood education.
• Knowledge of child development.
• Knowledge of child behavior management.
• Knowledge of safe and appropriate activities for students.
• Skill in operating a personal computer and utilizing associated software.
• Skill in use of classroom and instructional equipment.
• Skill in organizing, planning and prioritizing work.
• Skill in resolving conflicts and negotiating with others.
• Ability to interpret and apply Federal, State, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.
• Ability to participate in current or long-range planning projects.
• Ability to analyze information and evaluate results to choose best solution and solve problems.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of information.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships both internally and externally.
• Ability to perform all the physical requirements of the position.

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

1. Assists teacher with implementation of high quality early childhood curriculum.
2. Assists in planning and preparing learning environment and preparing needed materials and supplies.
3. Observes student’s process and communicates with classroom teacher.
4. Participates in ongoing professional and staff development activities.
5. Prepares, adapts and delivers instruction to students in groups and individually.
6. Actively interacts with children, engaging in powerful interactions, participating as partners in play, supporting and extending learning.
7. Assists in maintaining a clean and organized learning environment.
8. Assists teacher in maintaining discipline, supervision of students, and uses guidance strategies appropriate for young children.
9. Assists with duties and supervision on the bus.
10. Assist with supporting the afterschool extended program.
11. Maintains open communication with parents.
12. Builds relationship with students to create a positive, safe, and welcoming school culture.
13. Perform related duties and fulfills responsibilities as required.

 Other

1. Maintain confidentiality.
2. Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.

Physical Requirements:

Physical requirements include occasional lifting/carrying of 35 pounds, visual acuity, speech and hearing; hand and eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate computer keyboard and basic office equipment. Subject to sitting on the floor, standing, bending, reaching stooping and engaging in movement activities to perform the essential functions. Working conditions are in a classroom environment. May be required to lift and position students with physical disabilities; control behavior through physical restraint; and assist non-ambulatory students.