Developmental Paraprofessional Jobs in California

Class Title: Paraprofessional I - Child Development Center

Reports to: Classroom Teacher

South San Francisco Unified School District

The South San Francisco Unified School District (SSFUSD) community includes 15 schools supporting 8,000 students in Daly City, San Bruno, and South San Francisco.

Our mission is that in partnership with our community, SSFUSD will provide exceptional instruction, engaging experiences, and equitable and accessible opportunities and resources to further support our diverse student body so that students are equipped to learn, thrive, navigate their future with purpose, and impact their community.

In February 2024, the School Board for SSFUSD adopted our new Vision and Five-Year Strategic Plan. Educators are at the heart of our priorities - exceptional instruction, engaged students, purposeful partnerships, empowered educators, and equity-centered systems.

The Role

SSFUSD is seeking a dynamic, equity-focused, and inclusive classroom paraprofessional to join our school community. SSFUSD refuses to accept that the educational outcomes of students in our district are overwhelmingly predictable based on students’ race, socioeconomics, ethnicity or learning differences. We remain committed to working each day to examine systemic, institutional, and individual biases in order to dismantle systems of inequities that will enable all students to thrive.

Under the direction of the classroom teacher/ assigned supervisor, the Paraprofessional I - Child Development Program will provide instruction and support to individuals, small groups or large groups of students in a Child Development classroom; provide a safe and loving environment for children in a Child Development classroom or program; assist with planning and implementing a variety of activities to meet the needs and interests of the children; monitor and report student progress, assist in the preparation of instructional materials and provide routine clerical support in the classroom or other learning environment.

As a paraprofessional in SSFUSD, responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Providing quality child care and a safe and loving environment for the children in an assigned child care center or program; providing student assistance in areas of hygiene, nutrition and general care of students
• Be able to o Organizing groups and leading learning activities for students
• Performing a variety of clerical duties such as preparation of instructional materials, typing and duplicating materials, taking rolle and maintaining records for meals, attendance and files; collecting and accounting for monies received
• Assisting in monitoring rest and nap periods; cleaning children, clothes and linens as necessary; assisting children in toileting as appropriate; responding to a child's needs and problems in a patient, caring and sensitive manner
• Guiding students’ learning and problem solving abilities, through a variety of activities according to the current standards
• Participating in activities for students; assuring that children are interacting in age-appropriate activities; escorting children outside for various activities; overseeing groups of students in games and play activities; assuring safe outdoor play; monitoring and reporting progress regarding student performance and behavior
• Assisting with maintenance of student files, attendance information and records, students’ assessments and progress reports
• Assisting students regarding the building of self-esteem; assisting students by providing proper examples, emotional support, friendly attitude and general guidance
• Operating a variety of classroom and office equipment including a copier, paper cutter, computers/tablets and laminator
• Maintaining learning environment in a safe, orderly and clean manner; cleaning, setting up, and setting out instructional materials and snacks
• Accompanying students on field trips, to bus stops, restrooms, offices and other locations as needed
• Attending meetings and in-services as assigned.
• Additional duties as assigned

Working Conditions

• Environment:
• Classroom and playground environment
• Physical Demands:
• Hearing and speaking to exchange information
• Dexterity of hands and fingers to hold children and manipulate objects used in play activities
• Bending at the waist, kneeling, crawling or crouching to assist children
• Sitting or standing for extended periods of time
• Seeing to read a variety of materials and monitor student activities
• Reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally
• Lifting and carrying moderately heavy children and objects

Requirements

• Education And Experience:
• Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) compliance requires that paraprofessionals in a Child Development setting meet the following criteria:
• A high school diploma or the equivalent; AND
• Two years of college (48 units); OR
• An A.A. degree (or higher), OR
• Pass a local assessment of knowledge or skills that demonstrates the equivalent of the above requirements.
• Licenses and Other Requirements:
• A minimum of an Associate Teacher permit/credential on the Child Development Matrix from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, and
• Once employed, maintain and meet all renewal requirements on the Child Development Matrix with the goal of obtaining the appropriate permit/credential.
• Valid First Aid and CPR certification within a probationary period.
• Knowledge Of:
• Basic principles and practices of early child development including proper care and discipline
• Safe practices in classroom and playground activities
• Basic subjects taught in District schools, including arithmetic, grammar, spelling, language and reading
• Basic instructional methods and techniques
• Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary
• Operation of standard office and classroom equipment
• Oral and written communication skills
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy
• Basic record-keeping and filing techniques
• Ability To:
• Provide quality child care and a safe environment for children in an assigned child care center or program
• Learn, apply and explain rules, regulations and procedures of the program
• Provide a proper role model for program children
• Participate in activities with assigned group of children
• Provide patient and sensitive care to infants and toddlers
• Understand and follow oral and written directions
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Organize instructional materials
• Operate a variety of standard office and classroom equipment
• Observe health and safety regulations
• Perform clerical duties related to classroom activities
• Maintain routine records and files
• Administer first aid and CPR.

Application Requirements

• Updated resume
• Transcripts from an institution of higher education that show 48 units or an associate’s or higher degree, if applicable. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable for application purposes only. Official transcripts will be required if you are extended an offer to work in the district.
• Proof of First Aid and CPR certification, if applicable.
• Contact information for three (3) professional references

Please note that if you are extended an offer from SSFUSD, you will also need to complete the following prior to beginning work, including training:

• Provide clearance of TB test, as mandated by California Education code.
• Submit fingerprints for California Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation clearance.

*Please note that this job description is subject to Board review. The details are subject to change upon approval.