Neil Armstrong Elementary School

Paraprofessional

Assist in providing a learning environment that is safe and nurturing for young children.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of forty eight (48) semester college hours from an accredited college or university and,
• High school diploma or GED equivalent (recognized by the Texas Education Agency or a regional accrediting agency) and passed the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) test; and
• Be eligible to obtain a paraprofessional certificate issued by the State Board of Educator Certification
• Candidates must have a satisfactory outcome of fingerprinting background check. Non-refundable fee (approximately $50.00) paid by the employee.

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Ability to communicate well with others.
• Fluent bilingual (English and Spanish) preferred.
• Current or former Head Start parent preferred.
• Proficiency with standard functions within electronic applications such as MS Office (e.g. word processing, electronic spreadsheets) and e-mail.
• Exceptions to these requirements will be considered based on exemplary skills, training, and a record of success.

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

1. Be present in classes as assigned and in accordance with daily schedules as designed with classroom teachers.
2. Assist in maintaining adult/child ratio in the classroom and on the playground (2:20 or 1:10).
3. Maintain a safe and orderly classroom environment while actively monitoring children.
4. Carefully monitor the children to prevent accidents or injuries.
5. Use positive guidance when redirecting children.
6. Demonstrate respect for each child and accept differences in children.
7. Conduct a professional, respectful working relationship with the classroom teacher and assistant, volunteers, family services associates, and SSAISD staff.
8. Demonstrate the use of sound judgment in resolving problems.
9. Self-starter individual with a desire to work with children and Head Start staff.
10. Willingness to work as a team to provide excellent care of children assigned to monitor.
11. Carry out assigned duties under minimal supervision.
12. Participate in learning experiences to enhance knowledge and skills related to all job functions.
13. Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability to new situations and assignments.
14. Establish and maintain an effective system of communication with classroom teachers and SSAISD Early Childhood/Head Start staff members.
15. Communication will be limited to areas of assigned responsibility.
16. Adhere to the operational policies of the school district.
17. Maintain confidentiality of all child and family information, including medical or health information and suspected child abuse or neglect.
18. Keep in close contact with the supervisor of another designated person and classroom teacher concerning personal absences or other events that relate to the duties of the classroom.
19. Keep supervisors informed.
20. Demonstrate self-confidence and poise in representing the district.
21. Work collaboratively in a team setting.
22. Communicate effectively and interact professionally and courteously.
23. Function within the policies and administrative procedures of South San Antonio ISD.
24. Accept other responsibilities as assigned.
25. Dress and groom appropriately for the Early Childhood/Head Start work setting.
26. Travel independently to fulfill the responsibilities of the position.
27. Serve at the will of the Early Childhood/Head Start Director and campus principal.
28. Maintain a good attendance record.
29. Annually complete online training modules to fulfill program requirements.
30. Complete a minimum of 15 clock hours of professional development per year.
31. Adhere to the Standards of Conduct as detailed in Performance Standard 1302.90(c)(1)(i-v).
32. Adhere to the Confidentiality Agreement regarding information about children and families enrolled in the Head Start program.
33. Complete an initial health examination that includes screening for tuberculosis.
34. Complete a health re-examination and tuberculosis screening every five years.
35. Follow program procedures that ensure compliance with the Head Start Performance Standards.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Budget Responsibility: None

Working Conditions:

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including personal computer and peripherals. Posture: Prolonged sitting; occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting. Motion: Repetitive hand motions including frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching. Lifting: Occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds). Environment: May work prolonged or irregular hours; occasional travel. Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress.

The SSAISD Head Start Program is federally funded out of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Head Start, and is implemented in compliance with all applicable statutory and regulatory provisions.

This position is federally funded out of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Head Start, and all duties with this position are allowable and allocable to the grant. Time and effort records for this position are in accordance with the requirements in the applicable Office of Management and Budget (OMB) cost principles.