Head Start Paraprofessional

FLSA:Non-Exempt

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential

• Required by Head Start Performance Standards; CDA Credential not required by RPSB; current Head Start or RPSB staff have 2 years from the time of hire to complete CDA credential

REPORTS TO:Principal or Site-Based Center Administrator

SUPERVISES:Students

JOB GOAL:To assist teachers with both teaching-related and non-teaching activities and

assignments

TERM:Nine (9) months

SALARY:Head Start Paraprofessional Salary Schedule

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

The assignment of duties of paraprofessionals is the responsibility of the principal or site-basedadministrator of the school; consistent with Head Start and RPSB guidelines.

The paraprofessional's schedule MUST be written, definite, and flexible

1.Paraprofessionals are to report to work as assigned by the principal or site-based center

administrator.

2.The school day is consistent with that of the teachers. They take the same breaks as the teachers.

3.Any scheduled in-service training activities which concern paraprofessionals are to be considered a part of the work day.

4.Paraprofessionals are to work with assigned teachers according to their plans and under direct supervision of the teacher(s).

5.Assist with classroom management such as:

• Supervising lessons

• Reading stories

• Listening to oral reading

• Participating in class activities

• Relieving teachers for conferences or emergencies.

6.Assist with classroom instructions such as:

• Helping children who have been absent

• Supervising individualized programs.

Only the teacher diagnoses and prescribes-the aides assist in the treatment prescribed by:

• Working on a one to one basis with children

• Working with groups of children

• Assisting teachers with responsibilities as they work with

activities.

7.Paraprofessionals are to be involved in activities such as:

• Studying and becoming familiar with all materials to be used in activities to insure their

effective use

• Learning use and care of audio-visual equipment and materials

• Reproducing materials provided by teacher coordinators and supervisors for the use of

activities

• Organizing and filing all pertinent materials according to skills.

8.Paraprofessionals are to assist with routine classroom behavior but are not to be responsible for discipline of students.

9.If duties are assigned for the supervision of children outside the classroom, these must be under the direction of a teacher or professional staff member. Examples: hall, breakfast, bus, etc.

10. Understands the principles of child growth and development.

11. Perform any other duties assigned by evaluator.