Early Childhood Paraprofessional in Inclusive PreK Classroom

General Description:

The Public Schools of Brookline seek a paraprofessional to work in an inclusive preschool/prekindergarten classroom sponsored by the Brookline Early Education Program (BEEP).  Primary job responsibilities include planning and assisting with daily learning activities, and supporting special education students to successfully access/participate in all classroom activities. The ideal candidate will be reliable, positive, flexible, and motivated to work with young children. In addition, the candidate should demonstrate a collaborative team spirit/attitude with BEEP staff while working under the direction of the classroom teacher.  

This position is a program wide position: Hours and BEEP Location/Site are TBD.

The hours of the position may be either 7:30am to 3pm, or 10am to 5:30pm. 

Duties include but are not limited to:

• 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.
• Manage and instruct small and large groups, and support of the classroom teacher throughout the school day.
• 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.
• Attend therapy sessions at discretion of the teacher, with children receiving speech and language, OT or PT during the day to review with students throughout the week.
• 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.
• Document student language and learning samples, skills demonstrated and issues of concern to share with teaching team.
• 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. Participate in the IEP process as required.
• Thorough knowledge and competent implementation of student educational programs and behavior management guidelines.
• Provide positive and supportive learning experience for the students; and set and maintain consistent and constructive limits.
• Support in the development and implementation of behavior intervention plans, as well as positive classroom management and reinforcement systems.
• Participate in data collection and data analysis as requested including IEP goals/objectives data, behavior and other daily data.
• If requested, maintaining student’s program book (including accurate completion of item lists)
• Participates in weekly school meetings for the purpose of helping to plan for and support students within the program
• Other duties as assigned by the classroom teacher

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; some positions require experience in, or an interest in being trained in, the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis.
• Diligent implementation of all medical, safety, and emergency procedures.
• Communicate effectively-both in written and oral form
• 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.
• Staff members who work with students with behavioral and social-emotional needs and disabilities may be subjected to student behaviors that include, but are not limited to, hitting, biting, kicking, scratching, hair pulling.

 Qualifications:

• Relevant work experience (1 year) with young children preferred
• Bachelor degree 
• College level course in Child Growth and Development (grant requirement)

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.