Preschool Associate Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Paraeducator Pre-K

Position Function: Assists the prekindergarten teacher in educating students and supporting a safe and engaging environment that promotes childrens social, cognitive, physical, and emotional development.

Essential Performance Responsibilities:

• Supervises students across school settings as directed by the teacher or other staff.
• Engages in positive interactions with students.
• Interacts with children during snacks and meals to encourage good eating habits and nutritional education.
• Assists students with basic needs including but not limited to self-care, feeding, toileting, diapering, and physical transfers.
• Assists the teacher by school activities on and off campus during the instructional day.
• Communicates with parents as requested.
• Assists with general classroom management and positive reinforcement.
• Completes administrative responsibilities such as district-required forms for snack and toileting.
• Prepares instructional materials and learning centers with direction from the PreK teacher.
• Collaborates with PreK team to promote developmentally appropriate practice.
• Assists in managing classroom routines and procedures.
• Assists in the implementation of student behavior plans.
• Actively participates in team responsibilities and communicates with team members.
• Promotes student engagement within activities.
• Provides accommodations and modifications to meet individual student needs under the direction of the PreK teacher.
• Supports staff in data collection for individual and group activities.

Additional Duties: Performs additional duties as assigned.

Equipment: May require use of Clear Touch interactive displays, SMART Boards, iPads, and other instructional technology in addition to standard office equipment (computers, copiers, scanners). Must always comply with WPS technology use guidelines.

Travel: Limited travel between schools and district offices may be required.

Physical and Mental Demands:

• Be able to work in various weather conditions.
• Be able to react immediately to an emergency situation for the safety and welfare of the students and staff, which may include the use of physical restraint techniques.
• Be able to walk long distances, stand for long periods, bend, twist, balance, stoop, climb steps, and reach overhead.
• Possess the manual dexterity, physical ability, and stamina for a full day of physical activity
• Be able to see and hear well.
• Be able to lift, carry, push and pull up to 50 pounds; be able to lift and carry up to 100 pounds with assistance.
• Be able to demonstrate good finger dexterity.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to work with a diverse population.
• Ability to communicate both verbally and in writing with others inside and outside of the organization for the purpose of giving and obtaining information as instructed.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a supervisor when their discretion is needed.
• Ability to perform as an effective team player.
• Exhibit a calm, professional demeanor and a positive attitude.
• Use good judgment to make decisions on recurring assignments.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to conform to proper standards of professional dress and appearance.
• Knowledge of the company's mission, purpose, goals and the role of every employee in achieving each of them.

Interrelations:

• Will work under the direct supervision of building administrators to complete daily tasks.
• Will work with a diverse population requiring the ability to handle all situations with tact and diplomacy.
• Must understand and respond appropriately to customer needs and maintain a positive attitude with all customers and colleagues.
• Expected to interact with all internal and external customers in a friendly, professional manner and provide quick, responsive customer service.

Employee Punctuality and Appearance:

• In order for schools to operate effectively, employees are expected to perform all assigned duties and work all scheduled hours during each designated workday, unless the employee has received approved leave.
• Any deviation from assigned hours must have prior approval from the employee's supervisor or building administrator.
• All employees are required to report to work dressed in a manner that reflects a positive image of USD 259 and is appropriate for their position.

Qualification Profile:

• HS diploma or GED equivalent required.
• Must have a minimum of 48 accredited college credits verifiable with a transcript or pass a state-approved assessment.
• Associate's Degree in Early Childhood preferred.
• Must pass a Physical Capacity Profile (PCP) test.

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt