PRE-K PARAPROFESSIONAL

Paraprofessional Position

Atlanta Public Schools is looking for a self-motivated Paraprofessional to support teachers in meeting the educational, behavioral, and social emotional needs of students in the classroom and community. The Paraprofessional provides assistance to certified teachers with in-person instruction, organization, and management strategies. This position reports to the School Principal and will be assigned to be physically present in the school building location.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• CERTIFICATION: Current GA Paraprofessional Certificate; OR High School Diploma or equivalent GED AND passed GA paraprofessional assessment; OR Associate's degree or completed 2 years of study at an institution of higher education.
• EDUCATION: High School Diploma or equivalent GED required.
• WORK EXPERIENCE: Work experience gained through education and certification/license requirements. Two (2) years of experience with children preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:

• Basic knowledge of childhood growth and development.
• Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively supervise children.
• General knowledge of academic subjects relevant to position assignment.
• Computer proficiency and ability to work effectively in an in-person learning environment.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and follow instructions.
• Demonstrated ability to work well with students, staff, and parents in a professional manner.
• Ability to be flexible and adapt as needed between various in-person learning environments.
• Knowledge of school safety & security procedures.
• Excellent writing and communication skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Provides assistance to teachers with in-person instruction, classroom organization, management and instructional strategies.
• Attends classroom sessions and redirects students who are off task and supports students who need remediation or intervention.
• Works with small groups or individual students in-person to practice skills, read, and ensure each student benefits from the assignment or task.
• Assists teachers with checking in on students that have not accessed classroom resources or completed assignments.
• Communicates proactively with teachers to inform them of student issues and conversations with parents.
• Responds to emails and phone calls from school leaders and teachers in a timely manner.
• Assists during standardized testing to support state and local processes and policies.
• Assists with preparation of daily lesson plan materials and makes copies of materials for students (print or electronic).
• Assists with distribution of food, supplies, materials and equipment, including technology.
• Supports teachers with grading assignments and providing students with feedback.
• When in a school-based learning environment, monitors students' movement throughout the building to other classrooms, learning areas and cafeteria.
• Assists students with classroom and cafeteria clean up and wiping down surfaces to uphold sanitation standards as required for safe school environment.
• Assists administrators and other staff members in the orderly, expedient and safe transition of students from one location to another.
• Assists with training volunteers in-person.
• Engages in professional learning opportunities in-person.
• Required to have prompt, regular attendance in-person and be available to work on-site, in-person during regular business hours.
• Performs other duties as assigned by an appropriate administrator or their representative.

PHYSICAL ABILITIES & WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Vision: Ability to read small print and view a computer screen for prolonged periods.
• Hearing: Ability to tolerate exposure to noisy conditions.
• Speech: Ability to be understood in face-to-face communications, to speak with a level of proficiency and volume to be understood over a telephone or computer.
• Upper Body Mobility: Ability to use hands to grasp, and manipulate small objects; manipulate fingers, twist and bend at wrist and elbow; extend arms to reach outward and upward; use hands and arms to lift objects; turn, raise, and lower head.
• Strength: Ability to lift, push, pull and/or carry objects which weigh as much as 5 or more pounds on a frequent basis. Incumbent may be required to physically restrain parties involved in a conflict.
• Environmental Requirements: Ability to encounter constant work interruptions; work cooperatively with others; work independently; work indoors.
• Mental Requirements: Ability to read, write, understand, interpret and apply information at a moderately complex level essential for successful job performance; math skills at a high school proficiency level; judgement and the ability to process information quickly; learn quickly and follow verbal procedures and standards; give verbal instruction; rank tasks in order of importance; copy, compare, compile and coordinate information and records. Understand how to manage stress.
• Additional Work Conditions & Physical Abilities: Ability to be flexible and adapt as needed between in-person and various classroom learning environments.

The Atlanta Public School System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, citizenship, ethnic or national origin, age, disability, medical status, military status, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, ancestry, or any legally protected status in any of its employment practices, educational programs, services or activities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential duties.

COMPENSATION: Salary Grade: Paraprofessional and Special Education Paraprofessional Salary Range: Paraprofessional and Special Education Paraprofessional Work Year: 202 Days