Shining Stars Montessori Academy Paraprofessional (Dedicated Aide) SY 24-25

1:1 Paraprofessional (Dedicated Aide/Education Assistant)

Shining Stars Montessori Academy PCS (SSMA) seeks experienced individuals as 1:1 Paraprofessional (Dedicated Aide/Education Assistant) to support our students from PreK3 through the 6th grade requiring his support to better access the curriculum. The person in this position is responsible for assisting with meeting the educational goals of students as outlined in their Individual Education Plan (IEP) and/or 504 Plan.

The Dedicated Aide/Education Assistant will support the Shining Stars Montessori Academy PCS mission by assisting the Director of Student Support Services, Learning Specialists and Guides with ensuring inclusion and educational consistency for identified child(ren) throughout the school day.

Essential Functions & Accountabilities:

• Provides individual academic and behavioral support for a child/children with Individualized Educational Plans (IEP), 504 Plans using intensive, research-based strategies under the direct supervision of the Special Education Coordinator, Learning Specialist and Lead Guide/Teacher.
• Provides 1:1/individualized behavioral supports to improve children's achievement of individual academic and behavioral goals in support of the child's IEP and/or 504 goals;
• Keeps other members of the Montessori classroom teaching team informed of progress and challenges regarding the student;
• Assist the student to participate in lessons, assignments, projects and assessments;
• Assist the child with personal hygiene, meals, transitions through the building, during assemblies, field trips, and other daily indoor and outdoor activities, as required;
• Actively participates in professional development opportunities provided and seeks out additional professional development;
• Assist with the implementation of the students Behavior Intervention Plan, if applicable;
• Maintain record and documentation related to the student as instructed/
• Utilize the school's Restorative Justice Practice model,
• Maintains confidentiality and treats all information about children and their families in the strictest of confidence.
• Assist with supporting the Academic Team with presenting a robust synchronous distant learning program

Key Competencies:

• Familiarity with the standards of professionalism including appropriate dress, attendance and timeliness
• Strong communication skills in order to ensure effective, positive interactions with their teaching team, other staff, parents and children.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of an Associate Degree required; Bachelor's degree preferred
• Prior experience working with children with exceptional needs in a public, public charter setting
• Competent use of technology (computers, tablets, projectors, photocopiers, etc.)
• Experience or familiarity with data driven instruction and use of a data system to record student activity
• Experience or familiarity with the Montessori Grace & Courtesy model as a collaborative member of a high performing public charter school learning community of Montessori teachers, students, staff and parents (preferred but not required)
• Prior or demonstrated experience working with children with exceptional needs ages 3-12 preferred.
• CPI training and certification preferred
• Bilingual and BIPOC candidates encouraged to apply
• A sense of humor and love of children.