Paraeducator, Special Education - Self Contained (K-3)

Paraeducator (Local Union 3429)

Salary: $23,524 - $31,271

Reports To: Principal/Supervisor/Director

Position Summary: The Assistant Teacher will assist in maintaining and facilitating a learning environment that supports each child's emotional, physical, and intellectual development.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Assists the teacher in establishing and maintaining a safe, nurturing and developmentally appropriate classroom environment.
• Consults with teacher on plans and curriculum activities.
• Assists the teacher in preparing and maintaining classroom materials and supplies.
• Participates in all planned school activities, Staff meetings, Work Shops, etc. and takes responsibility for own personal growth.
• Observes the strengths and needs of each child and helps establish individual goals for each child.
• Works with teacher to ensure that the classroom environment supports and respects the cultural backgrounds, languages, individual interest and learning style of each child.
• Assists teacher in planning, implementing and documenting curriculum activities in all developmental areas: physical, emotional, cognitive and social.
• Works closely with teacher to provide experiences and an atmosphere that encourages each child's self-concept.
• Attends all parent meetings as required.
• Collaborates with teacher and other staff to ensure that parents are involved in the classroom and other areas of the program.
• Provide for students' physical needs, including diapering

Minimum Qualifications: Associate Degree or 60 college credits or receive a qualifying score on the ParaPro Assessment

Special Requirements:

• Adheres to federal, state and municipal physical health guidelines including immunization, employment physical and required health and safety training.
• The physical ability to frequently lift, move or hold children with a range of weight from 10-60 pounds (occasionally the job will require lifting, moving or holding children more than 60 pounds).
• The physical ability to participate in activities that may require lifting, reaching, squatting, climbing and sitting on the floor.
• The physical ability to respond quickly to emergencies or unexpected situations.
• The ability to maintain mental and physical alertness and the appropriate level of energy during the entire day.

Terms of Employment: 10-Month work year. Local 3429, Group I. The New Haven Board of Education must approve all recommendations for employment of Assistant Teachers.

Evaluation: Performance of this job will be evaluated by provisions of the Board of Education's policy on evaluating personnel.