Purpose Statement

The job of PARA I -Head Start is done for the purpose/s of The job of PARA I -Head Start is done for the purpose/s of assisting the teacher in providing comprehensive Head Start services to children and their families; assisting in planning and conducting individual and group activities to meet the social, emotional, physical and educational needs of preschool children; assists in maintaining a classroom conducive to learning and development of preschool children; establishes and maintains good staff/parent relationships; and serves as transportation aide as required.

Essential Functions

Assists preschool students (e.g. diapering, toilet training, brushing teeth, washing hands, rest periods, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring that basic and personal care needs are addressed.

Assists teacher by administering assessments for the purpose of ensuring required and accurate data is obtained.

Attends meetings and in-service presentations for the purpose of acquiring and/or conveying information relative to job functions.

Communicates with internal and external personnel (e.g. teachers, parents, other school and outside agency personnel, etc.) for the purpose of conveying and/or receiving information required to perform job functions.

Establishes positive individual relationships for the purpose of understanding each student's unique needs, interests, and learning styles to tailor support and activities accordingly.

Guides students academic and behavioral progress for the purpose of providing appropriate role modeling, emotional support, patience, and engaging attitude to support the educational goals and objectives.

Implements under the supervision of assigned teacher, instructional programs and lesson plans with individual or small groups of children (e.g. games, art, music, science, language, nutrition, playground, etc.) for the purpose of presenting and/or reinforcing learning concepts.

Maintains classroom, classroom equipment, work area and manual electronic files and records for the purpose of ensuring availability of items; providing written reference; and creating a clean, comfortable, supportive and organized learning environment.

Monitors individual and/or groups of students in a variety of settings (e.g. snack time, group or individual games, playground activities, quiet time, field trips, classroom, etc.) for the purpose of providing a safe and positive learning environment, and complying with health and safety regulations.

Organizes quiet or active, age appropriate indoor and/or outdoor activities (e.g. naps, walking, separate activity groups, letters, numbers, etc.) for the purpose of actively participating in the learning activities with children.

Performs clerical tasks (e.g. logging children activities, answering telephones, receiving visitors, handling mail, etc.) for the purpose of providing effective and efficient service to the site and disseminating information to appropriate parties.

Prepares a variety of written documents and/or materials (e.g. correspondence, program descriptions, parent notices, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities, providing written reference, and/or conveying information.

Provides nutritional snacks, lunches, serving items and cleaning up after meal service for the purpose of meeting nutrition requirements and maintaining sanitation and safety requirements.

Provides ongoing feedback for the purpose of informing supervisor, teacher, and parents of students' progress.

Transfers children directly from/to parents or designee for the purpose of ensuring the safety of children.

Visits families and students in their homes for the purpose of assessing situations, improving communication, providing information regarding school policies and programs, and/or providing referrals.

Other Functions

Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit

Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

KNOWLEDGE is required to perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percents, and/or ratios; read a variety of manuals, write documents following prescribed formats, and/or present information to others; and understand complex, multi-step written and oral instructions. Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: stages of child development; family systems; familiar with community resources available to address the needs of low-income families; understand the needs of low-income families; methods of motivating and controlling children; appropriate behavior management techniques; safety rules and habits; school security practices; codes, regulations and laws; age-appropriate activities/behaviors; and health standards.

SKILLS are required to perform multiple tasks with a potential need to upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: preparing and maintaining accurate records; using pertinent software applications; providing direction and leadership; handle sensitive family situations in a non-threatening and professional manner; set and maintain professional boundaries with families; and working with groups if children and individuals in basic instruction.

ABILITY is required to schedule activities; gather and/or collate data; and use basic, job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to work with others; work with data utilizing defined and similar processes; and operate equipment using standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a wide diversity of individuals; work with similar types of data; and utilize job-related equipment. Problem solving is required to identify issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data requires independent interpretation of guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is limited to moderate. Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: understanding, implementing, and giving oral and written directions in English; work a flexible schedule; communicating with persons of varied backgrounds; maintaining confidentiality; significant decision and problem solving abilities; work independently without intensive supervision; respond appropriately to an emergency or a crisis situation; regular kneeling, bending and sitting on the floor to attend to child's needs; and adapting to changing priorities.

Responsibility

Responsibilities include: working under direct supervision using standardized procedures; leading, guiding, and/or coordinating others; operating within a defined budget. Utilization of some resources from other work units may be required to perform the job's functions. There is a continual opportunity to have some impact on the organization’s services.

Work Environment

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 15% sitting, 15% walking, 70% standing. The job is performed under conditions with some exposure to risk of injury and/or illness and in a clean atmosphere.

Experience: Job related experience is required.

Education: High School diploma or equivalent.

Equivalency: Child Development Associate Certification or must be willing to obtain during school year

Required Testing: None Specified

Certificates and Licenses: None Specified

Continuing Educ./Training: None Specified

Clearances: None Specified

FLSA Status: Non Exempt