Paraeducator - Early Childhood Education Preschool

Salary Range: $54,262.00 To $63,838.00 Annually

Bright Beginnings, Inc. is a non‑profit organization that operates early childhood and family learning centers for families in Washington, DC. Using a two‑generation approach, Bright Beginnings Inc. works to ensure every child experiencing housing instability is healthy, safe, engaged, supported, and challenged; develop school‑ready and kindergarten‑prepared children; support families in breaking the cycle of inter‑generational poverty; and partner intentionally to eradicate disparities and remove obstacles to economic mobility.

Summary: Responsible for developing and implementing an ongoing program of activities that promote the social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development of each child enrolled in preschool. Programming, in accordance with Head Start Performance Standards and Title 29 of the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations (DCMR).

Responsibilities

Support team meetings with lead teacher, child development assistant, and parent aide to develop weekly lesson plans and activities that address the individual goals of children.

Support the day‑to‑day supervision and support of child development assistants, substitutes, parent aides, and volunteers, which includes sharing daily lesson plans and discussing goals for children.

Meet regularly with the Lead Teacher, Master Teacher/Instructional Coach, and Education Director to review curriculum plans and activities, improve classroom instructional practice, and assess program effectiveness.

Support the implementation of Head Start Performance Standards, National Association of the Education of Young Children’s (NAEYC) Accreditation Standards, and Title 29: DCMR performance standards, policies and procedures, regulations and guidelines in the day‑to‑day operation of a prekindergarten program (ages 3‑5), including the implementation of developmentally appropriate practices.

Support the implementation of the evidenced‑based curriculum, High Scope, with fidelity and according to BBI policies and procedures.

Collaborate with classroom staff to plan and implement the daily program of activities based on principles of child development and under the High Scope curriculum.

Support the implementation of the Bright Beginnings’ Closing the Word Gap Initiative with regular use of LENA devices.

Work with classroom staff to create daily open‑ended small groups for children to encourage questioning, problem‑solving, language, creativity, and concept forming in young children.

Support the implementation of developmental, behavioral, and sensory screenings as mandated by Head Start, OSSE, and NAEYC regulations and performance standards.

Collect relevant data to support a referral to the Multidisciplinary Team Coordinator for children suspected of delays or disabilities.

Assure parents or designees sign in and out daily by greeting each child and parent individually at the time of arrival and departure.

Support the maintenance of the portfolio and record of each child’s progress and development to demonstrate student learning, plan individual instruction, and comply with Head Start Standards.

Collaborate with a multi‑disciplinary team to fully implement an Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) or Individual Education Plan (IEP) for children with disabilities.

Attend all staff meetings and professional learning provided by Bright Beginnings.

Observe each child daily to assess skills, interests, and needs and use this information to facilitate learning and growth. Document daily observations in the child’s portfolio, which is used to inform the quarterly assessments.

Support the administration of the Child Observation Record (COR) three times per year (Fall, Winter, and Spring); enter observations into the COR database system and utilize the results of the COR to personalize and individualize weekly lesson plans.

Establish a positive relationship with each child’s family and share information about the child’s day at school with the child’s parent(s).

Inform and facilitate parent understanding of the child’s progress toward meeting developmental objectives determined by the COR and develop individual lesson plans to promote each child’s growth and development.

Provide home‑to‑school activities to reinforce the center’s lesson plans in the home setting.

Ensure universal precautions are kept at all times, including washing of hands upon entering the classroom, after diapering, toileting, before and after meals, and after contact with bodily fluids.

Support the maintenance of classroom and facility, in a safe and sanitary condition by completing daily health and safety checklists of classrooms and playground.

Implement health procedures daily, including following medication administration procedures, tooth brushing, sanitation, and administering First Aid/CPR.

Assist with evacuation of children during fire drills, natural disasters, and any other emergencies, which may occur.

Set up and maintain a well‑organized, safe, and attractive classroom environment conducive to the optimal growth and development of children.

Develop a positive relationship with each child and promote the development of self‑esteem and self‑discipline.

Interact and closely supervise children outdoors.

Conduct parent‑teacher conferences and home visits with parents and children in the assigned classroom to discuss each child’s growth and development.

Attend all staff meetings and professional learning provided by Bright Beginnings.

Keep abreast of current knowledge in the field of Early Childhood Education.

Maintains confidentiality of children and families at all times.

Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Mission and culture alignment.

Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education or associate’s degree in a related field with 15 credits in Early Childhood Education. At least one year of teaching experience.

Ability to relate positively to young children, parents, and staff.

Strong working knowledge of Head Start Program Performance Standards and NAEYC guidelines and regulations.

Prefer knowledge of High Scope curriculum or other evidenced‑based early childhood education curricula.

Demonstrate success in working as a member of a team.

Effective and strong communication skills (orally and written).

Strong computer skills with expertise in Windows‑based programs, such as the Microsoft Office Suite.

Must have DC local and Federal criminal record clearance, Child Protective Register check status, and substance abuse testing; and

Documentation of Tuberculin‑free condition and health screening on an annual basis.

Physical Demands

Be able to lift 25‑50 lbs.

Be able to walk, squat/kneel, sit on the floor, see, hear, and speak.

Be able to raise objects from a lower to a higher location or move objects horizontally from one location to another.

Be able to sit for extended periods in front of a computer.

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