Paraeducator (Early Care & Education)

Under the supervision of the Disability and Mental Health Manager (DMHM), the Paraeducator will assist in providing instructional support in a classroom setting, assist children with meeting the goals and objectives of their Individualized Education Plan (IEP) , prepares and maintain a variety of records and reports related to assigned activities; assesses and monitors child progress using different data collection methods, ensures quality of intervention, maintains confidentiality of children, families and staff involved in the program, attends and participates in meetings and trainings as assigned. Additionally, the Paraeducator will work 1:1 with each child within the inclusive classroom environment to attain specific development goals and is familiar with and utilizes a range of tools and intervention approaches and ensures compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standards and California Department of Education and California Department of Social Services regulations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS / RESPONSIBILITIES

Inclusive Practices

• Instruct and execute individualized education programs as assigned
• Utilize behavior management strategies, with an emphasis in positive reinforcement and CSEFEL strategies
• Foster a safe and inclusive learning environment that supports the emotional and behavioral development of students
• Supports with completion of the ASQ screening tool and follows-ups as necessary
• Work 1:1 with each child within the inclusive classroom environment to attain specific development goals which are specified in the Child Support Plan, IEP or IFSP
• In conjunction with Social Emotional Specialist, will collaborate to provide training related to child development and positive behavior support topics to classroom staff
• Plans activities in conjunction with classroom staff
• Observes and supports classroom teachers in implementation of individual /group activity plans for children with learning differences, or other children as assigned
• Provide input/suggestions regarding curriculum adaptations to classroom staff
• Provides support and assistance to classroom teaching staff regarding concerns of individual children, (e.g., behavioral support, intervention, use of visual schedules, accommodations etc.)
• Recommend instructional materials, supplies, and support as needed to meet individual needs of children
• Models developmentally appropriate activities/practices and teaching techniques with classroom staff

Other Duties

• Communicate with staff, service providers, and families as needed
• Prepares and provides timely and accurate updates and data as needed
• Protects confidentiality of information
• Attend meetings and trainings documents as needed

Customer Services

• Provide exceptional customer service
• Always representing the company in a professional manner

Safety

• Maintain personal safety, use personal protection equipment (PPE) and follow Company policies

• Report all and any safety issues, accidents or injuries to your manager as a matter of priority

Effective Team Member

• Ability to interact positively with team members

• Ability to facilitate positive change

• Partner with supervisor when necessary to address department issues or concerns

POSITION QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Education: AS/AA Degree, and/or Bachelor’s degree in Education, Psychology, Social Work or in related field preferred.

Experience:

• 1+ years of teaching experience
• 2+ years of working with young children (0-5) with emotional/behavioral challenges and disabilities such as autistic spectrum disorders and speech and language delays
• 3+ years community-based experience in a setting working with families and community organizations who have experienced poverty, crisis, trauma, and other adverse events.
• Understanding of concepts of child growth and development and developmental behavior characteristics
• Expert knowledge of function-based intervention planning for developing behavior change strategies that focus on reducing problem behavior and increasing more appropriate behavior.
• Knowledge of CSEFEL/Teaching Pyramid practices
• Knowledge of ABA practices

Requirements:

• Fingerprinting Clearance (DOJ & FBI)
• Clearance of Child Abuse Index (CACI)
• Current Physical Health Screening (every 2 years thereafter)
• Current Immunizations (TB, Influenza, MMR, Pertussis) (every 2 years thereafter)
• Current CPR & First Aid Certificate (every 2 years thereafter)
• Must be registered with the Early Care & Education Workforce Registry
• Current or Former Head Start parent, preferred

Language(s): Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred

Skills and Abilities:

• Effective communication with children, parents/guardians, staff, and administrators
• The ability to consistently be at work, be on time, follow instructions, respond to management direction and solicit feedback to improve performance
• Excellent interpersonal skills; courteous, professional, and helpful
• Communication - Strong written and verbal communication skills. Must be a well-organized professional who thrives in a team-oriented environment.
• Stress Management - Ability to remain tactful under pressure and present a professional demeanor and communication style with co-workers in a multicultural setting.
• Extremely proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software and multi-line phone system.
• Set priorities and standards of performance; Develop plans by which work can be accomplished.
• General office equipment, fax, copier, printer, phone, and computer.
• Ability to maintain the highest level of confidentiality.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job the employee is required to sit approximately 50% of the time, walk 25% of the time and stand 25% of the time. The employee is frequently required to use hands and fingers to type or handle, feel, and operate objects. The employee is required to occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. While performing the duties of this job the employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to speak and listen. Specific vision abilities of this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

What we offer

• Pay Rate: $33.00 - $35.00 Hourly

• Medical – Kaiser and CCHP / SF MRA / Dental / Vision – Vision Care / Life Insurance - $50,000 / 403b – 3% match / FSA / Pet Care

• 15 paid sick days / 12 paid holidays / 12 paid vacation days

• EAP (Employee Assistance Program) / WADP (Working Advantage Discount Program)

If you are seeking an organization that values, promotes and develops leadership by delivering culturally sensitive, multi-generational, community-based services that empower families to build strong, healthy, and vibrant neighborhoods with the vision of a strong, healthier and more vibrant community that respects and celebrates its many rich, cultural traditions, please apply.

We are an equal-opportunity employer that welcomes diversity in the workplace and has a great company culture. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment.