Paraprofessional

Paraprofessional (Early Childhood Paraeducator)

Opening the Doors

Reports to: Supervisor, Doors to the Future

Job Summary

The Early Childhood Para Educator provides individualized intervention and support to "at-risk" children ages 2–5 within congregational and day school early childhood education programs. Services are typically provided for 6–8 weeks per child, with the possibility of extension based on student need. The Para Educator facilitates the successful inclusion of children with individual needs into a typical classroom setting and works collaboratively with certified staff. Flexibility in scheduling hours and days across assignments is required.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide one on one instruction for children requiring social/emotional and/or academic support. Instruction and/or support will be under the direction of certified staff (classroom teacher, Opening The Doors Special Educator, School director).
• Keep ongoing record of observations.
• Attend required meetings and professional training by Opening The Doors Program.
• Support and assist students in meeting classroom and school expectations of appropriate behavior.
• Help students interact successfully by modeling and prompting appropriate behavior. They may include their assigned students with small groups of children to reinforce social skills learning.
• Provide close supervision and reinforce generalizations of positive behavior. They may gather data, provide immediate prompts and implement previously planned interventions. Interventions may include positive verbal and physical reinforcement, point sheets, time out procedures or token economies.
• Work with a variety of staff including other Para Educators, teachers, and administrators. Contact with extended family members should always be in the company of the classroom teacher and/or director.
• Excellent people and communication skills.
• Para Educators practice standards of ethical conduct and represent the Jewish Community Center in a positive manner to the community and take concerns to the appropriate channels.
• Maintain confidentiality of all information regarding the students, respecting the dignity of every student and family.
• Must engage in play on the floor, outside and in gym areas. The Para Educator will occasionally need to lift a young child.
• Demonstrate mature judgment and sound decision-making abilities.
• Must be willing to travel to all school location sites.

Minimum Qualifications

• Classroom experience in early childhood settings
• Experience working with children receiving special education services
• Associate or bachelor's Degree (preferred)
• Ability to work a flexible schedule
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills

Minimum Competencies

Skills:

• Child-centered instructional support
• Behavior management and positive reinforcement techniques
• Observation, documentation, and data collection
• Collaboration and teamwork

Knowledge:

• Early childhood development
• Social-emotional learning strategies
• Inclusive classroom practices

Professional Behaviors:

• Patience, empathy, and professionalism
• Reliability and flexibility
• Respect for diversity, confidentiality, and ethical standards

Jewish Family Service of Metropolitan Detroit is an Equal Opportunity Employer.