Early Childhood Paraprofessional - Kindergarten/Grade 1

Primary job responsibilities include planning and assisting during daily learning activities, and supporting regular and special education students to successfully access and participate in all classroom activities.  Paraprofessionals will also be able to manage and instruct small and large groups, and support the classroom teacher throughout the school day. It is important for paraprofessionals to be dependable as daily attendance is critical to providing consistent support for our young students.

Classroom experience is preferred, as well as the ability to modify directions and provide prompts to students on an as needed basis to ensure success. The ideal candidate will be flexible, work collaboratively with the classroom teacher and multidisciplinary special education specialists, and possess an enthusiasm for working with early childhood students.

Classroom Responsibilities:

• Support curriculum and instruction under the direction of the teacher
• Prepare and coordinate materials for learning activities at the request of the teacher
• Support students’ ability to follow the classroom routine and assist with student engagement during large and small group instruction.
• Support young children’s social problem solving skills and behavior regulation throughout the school day.
• Greet students each morning and support smooth transition into classroom and between classroom learning activities throughout the school day.
• Scaffold learning for students during instruction times under the supervision of teacher or specialist.
• Follow through on IEP goals as directed by the teacher.
• Support students’ access to the bathroom and bathroom procedures.
• Maintain a safe environment on the playground, observing students and scaffolding playground skills.
• Review classroom environment at the close of the day to ensure all supplies and materials are successfully replaced in preparation for the morning.
• Maintain classroom displays and project work at the request of the teacher. 
• Thorough knowledge and competent implementation of all student educational programs and behavior management guidelines.
• Provide positive and supportive learning experience for the students; and set and maintain consistent/constructive limits
• Support in the development and implementation of behavior intervention plans, classroom management systems, and reinforcement systems
• Participate in data collection and data analysis.
• May include maintaining student’s program book (including accurate completion of item lists)
• Other duties as assigned by the classroom teacher

Additional Requirements

• Arrive promptly and engage independently in the set up of the classroom
• Refer parent concerns directly to the teacher
• Attend all meetings that are scheduled for paraprofessional training to the greatest extent possible
• Applicants must be physically, mentally and emotionally prepared for a challenging career experience.
• Applicants must have positive academic and employment references.
• Applicants must be bright, energetic individuals with a strong desire to work with young children.
• Diligent implementation of all medical, safety, and emergency procedures.
• Communicate effectively- both in written and oral form- using positive interpersonal skills
• Demonstrate ethical behavior and confidentiality of student information
• Provide a safe learning environment for students.
• While performing the duties of this job, the paraprofessional is continually required to stand, walk, sit, run, squat, kneel, crawl, climb, balance, crouch, talk, hear, smell and see. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Qualifications:

• Relevant work experience (1 year) with young children preferred
• Bachelor degree  

The Public Schools of Brookline is especially interested in qualified candidates who can contribute through their teaching or practice to the diversity and excellence of the PSB community. 

The Public Schools of Brookline is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Members of underrepresented groups and all persons committed to diversity and inclusive excellence are strongly encouraged to apply.