Special Education Paraprofessional

Position Summary

Are you an educator looking to contribute to an organization with a mission of serving the needs and well-being of San Francisco's youngest children? We are looking for a full time Special Education Paraprofessional to provide comprehensive assessment and intervention services to children in our infant, toddler and preschool programs at FACES Haight Ashbury location. This staff person is responsible for working with individual students with special needs, assisting in the assessments of special needs, supporting the inclusion specialist and classroom teachers, assisting teachers to make accommodations in their classrooms, and helping to develop supports/accommodations to enable each student to reach their full potential and participate in daily routines.

What You’ll Do

• Supports the implementation of assigned sections of the students Individualized Educational Plan (IEP), Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP), and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP) which may involve use of approved behavior modification, physical management techniques or other skills or knowledge to establish and maintain appropriate behaviors

• Monitors student’s daily schedule and behavior plan (e.g. class schedule, toileting, medication, appetite, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining a safe and positive learning environment.

• Maintains confidentiality regarding all aspects of their work with special education children and other staff

• Implements under the supervision of the inclusion manager, behavioral plans designed by the Inclusion Team in partnership with the teaching team for students with learning differences or other conditions for the purpose of presenting and/or reinforcing learning concepts.

• Communicates with teachers and other FACES staff for the purpose of collaborating in evaluating progress and/or implementing IFSP/IEP objectives.

• Collaborates effectively and appropriately with the inclusion specialist, inclusion manager, teachers, administration, parents and consultants/specialists (including occupational therapy, mental health services, etc.)

• Follows up with the Ages and Stages Questionnaires (ASQ) and Desired Results Developmental Profile (DRDP) areas of growth/concern

• Models developmentally appropriate classroom activities to support children with possible or identified special needs

• Works with teachers to implement the Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning (CSEFEL) strategies in classrooms, including visual schedules and expectations

• Models conversation, appropriate behaviors, clean up activities, listening, and everyday interactions

• Performs other duties as directed by the Inclusion Manager

Commitment

• Full-Time Commitment: Paraprofessionals are expected to work 8 hours per day within our operating hours of 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM. Hours may vary and are based on center needs.
• This position is fully on-site at our Masonic location.

Qualifications

You have a solid mix of the following knowledge, ability, skills and experience:

• 2+ years of experience working with children 2 - 5 years of age

• Current California Child Development Associate permit or above (12+ units)

• Effective and compassionate communication and interpersonal skills; Bilingual is a plus!

• Special Education Certification is a plus!

• Knowledge of child development and children with special needs, including supporting social emotional development

• Commitment to working with families from marginalized communities

• Ability to work cooperatively and independently with initiative and enthusiasm

• Flexibility in schedule and activities

• Ability to handle sensitive information in a confidential manner

• Proficiency with all Microsoft Office applications and electronic client management systems

• Ability to meet required state, federal, local, and CDC standards (including but not limited to fingerprint clearance, negative TB test, First Aid, CPR)

• Able and willing to travel between our centers as needed

• A deep commitment to aligning all program practices to FACES values, especially around equity, inclusion, and belonging for all our stakeholders

• Strong passion for and a desire to humbly reflect, learn, and grow in pursuit of our mission

• A sense of humor- we believe joy and justice go hand in hand!

What We Offer

• Hourly rate is $30.00 - $38.00 based on experience, qualifications, and education

• Healthcare premiums 100% paid for employees and 25% paid for dependents

• Three weeks of vacation, personal and floating holidays, ten sick days, ten paid holidays (including one-week winter closure between Christmas and New Year’s) and a day off for your birthday!

• A retirement plan with employer match up to 7% of your salary

• Ongoing professional development

• A chance to positively impact the lives of young children and their families

• A fun, dynamic and collaborative working environment

• Being part of a movement to achieve educational and economic justice