Preschool Paraprofessional at District Program Center

Position: Preschool (PreK) Paraprofessional Location: District Program Center Hours per Day: 6.75 hours per day (8:45 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. with ½ hour unpaid lunch) Starting Base Pay: $22.70 per hour Anticipated Start Date: August 31, 2026 Available for Application: July 9, 2026 - July 14, 2026 or until filled Highly Qualified Information: This position is eligible for an additional $.50 per hour once Highly Qualified status is achieved (2 or 4 year degree, OR 60 semester credits OR successful completion of the Para Pro which is offered by the district regularly). External candidates do not need to meet this criteria until after they are hired but are required to meet the requirement no later than March 1st. INTERNAL CANDIDATES MUST MEET THIS CRITERIA AT THE TIME THEIR APPLICATION IS SUBMITTED. Classification: Program Benefits SoWashCo Schools offers a comprehensive benefits program designed to support our employees. Our benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as life insurance, supplemental life insurance, dependent life insurance, and long-term disability coverage. We also offer voluntary plans such as accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and identity protection, along with flexible spending accounts, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and retirement plans. These benefits reflect our commitment to supporting your health and well-being. Visit our benefits page for more detailed information. Position follows school calendar with the option to work in other summer paraprofessional positions if interested. Position Summary This position is responsible for providing instructional and/behavioral support to students under the daily direction of one or more classroom teachers. Primary Job Functions Assist classroom teacher in implementing district policies and procedures, including but not limited to emergency procedures, building orientation, confidentiality, student vulnerability, data collection, and classroom management. Supports and interacts with students during learning activities under the guidance of the classroom teacher. Supports students who may have learning challenges or behavioral issues under the guidance of the classroom teacher. Supports program initiatives and early childhood best practices in the classroom and attends related training as required. Supports student data collection under the guidance of the classroom teacher. Provide services to student as directed by classroom teacher in a manner that demonstrates knowledge of, and a positive respect for, the distinctions between the roles and responsibilities of the teacher, paraprofessional and other staff. Assist with preparation of materials for class and clean up after activities and at the conclusion of the class. Support licensed teacher in utilizing a variety of positive behavior support and social emotional instructional strategies aligned with the Pyramid expectations. Understand and maintain boundaries and confidentiality with students, families, and staff. Accept work direction willingly, shift work assignments and accept changing and new job responsibilities as needed. Maintain a high level of fairness, confidentiality, respect and equity for all students, staff and families. May assist in the duties of position within the same classification on an as needed basis. Duties could include, but are not limited to lifting and toileting. Other duties as assigned. Job Specifications (Education, License, Experience, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities) Required High school diploma or equivalent. Ability to meet District 833 Highly Qualified requirements. Competencies as required by State of Minnesota, Federal government, and/or District 833. Enjoys working in a preschool setting and possess the skills and ability to create positive relationships with children and families. Proven teamwork, confidentiality, and communication skills. Models appropriate behavior, neat appearance, and proper grammar usage for all students. Helps provide a positive learning environment. Self-directed and able to organize small group activities with resources and assessments provided by the classroom teacher. Actively participates in program and district-sponsored training and meetings as required. Ability to perform routine computer functions, including the use of email, Internet navigation and Microsoft Word. Ability to pass Paraprofessional fitness for duty tests. Ability to lift and transfer up to 50 pounds. Prompt, regular and reliable attendance. Communicates with students, parents, co-workers, supervisors, and the community in a positive and responsive way that is consistently welcoming and enhances effective work relationships. Demonstrates an appreciation of diversity in all interactions and job functions. Training or willingness to be trained in Tier II and Tier II social emotional teaching strategies. Desired Experience working with preschool age children in a classroom environment. Possess a basic knowledge of child development and behavior characteristics of 3-5 year old children. Demonstrates knowledge of developmentally appropriate practice with 3-5 year old children. Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) training or willing to be trained. Previous experience utilizing positive behavior management techniques with preschool students. Demonstrates good organizational and time management skills.

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