PreK Paraeducator

• Works under the direction of a classroom teacher or service provider to provide instructional support for students individually and in small groups.
• Assists classroom teachers or service providers with implementing content-area instruction and lesson plans to reinforce learning in various subject areas and motor activities (e.g., reading, telling stories, spelling, games, art, writing, music, physical education, mathematics, social/communication, community, recreation/leisure, physical activities, etc.).
• Reviews and reinforces classroom lessons and learning experiences by monitoring and providing support to students engaged in independent work or similar activities in academic and non-academic classes.
• In collaboration with the classroom teacher or service provider, implements consistent reinforcement of appropriate student behaviors, proactive strategies to support social-emotional needs of all students, and implements behavior intervention plans (BIPs) to address target behaviors of individual students.
• Supports classroom/ behavior management strategies to help students remain engaged and attentive during activities.
• Provides specified prompts for student engagement and participation during large group activities.
• Informs classroom teacher or service provider to individual student learning needs and progress by data collection and documentation.
• Supports the implementation of Individual Education Programs (IEPs) by collecting data and documentation related to student IEP goals/objectives and academic needs.
• Provides information to assist the teacher in evaluation of the learning process, behavior management programs, individual student needs and progress.
• Assists classroom teacher or service provider in carrying out activities by preparing instructional materials (e.g., manipulatives, making copies, filing, etc.).
• Assists with the set up and operation of assistive technology to support student learning and communication (electronic communicators, switches, pointers, feeders, etc.).
• Attends meetings and professional learning sessions (e.g., first aid, CPR, emergency procedures, behavior management, etc.) for the purpose of acquiring and/or conveying information relative to job functions.
• Assist students with mobility needs (e.g., equipment is properly used and secured, including wheelchairs, seat belts or other safety restraints).
• Maintains confidentiality as it relates to student information and records (e.g., IEPs, student files, health information, etc.).
• Monitors students during assigned periods within a variety of school environments (e.g., bus, playground, classroom, field trips, transportation, assemblies, etc.).
• May assist with lunch activities (e.g., collecting lunch money, feeding, etc.) for the purpose of helping students with routines and fostering independence as appropriate.
• Assist students who require support with feeding, toileting, health protocols, etc.
• Monitors/assists students between classrooms, during lunch period and recess, during playground activities, bus loading/unloading, and during restroom usage.
• Continues planned instructional activities during teacher’s temporary absence from the classroom.
• Attends training opportunities provided by HCPSS.

• Knowledge of child development, instructional strategies and practices, instructional goals, and policies specifically in pre-school aged children
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, including student progress and concerns.
• Requires sufficient human relations skills to work cooperatively, effectively, and exercise patience and sensitivity when interacting with students, parents, school-based staff, administrators, colleagues, central office and school-based staff, and community members.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in both written and oral form.
• Ability to remain calm under trying circumstances.
• Ability to work with students with and without IEPs in an inclusive classroom setting.
• Demonstrated aptitude for work to be performed, such as, but not limited to positive work ethic, well organized, strong communication skills, basic technology skills, and flexibility to work with diverse students and staff.
• Basic knowledge of child development, arithmetic, spelling, language and reading sufficient to assist and motivate prekindergarten students with individual and group activities.
• Ability to perform the essential responsibilities and work tasks of the position.
• Ability to understand and interpret an instructor's instructions to work with small groups of children, including those with special needs.
• Ability to balance emotional support and discipline to support classroom management strategies.
• Ability to perform clerical and classroom support duties with minimum supervision.
• Assists with recording attendance, obtaining parent signatures, and scheduling parent-teacher meetings.
• Performs other duties as assigned that support the overall objective of the position.

• School buildings, classrooms, community, and/or outdoor setting under a variety of weather conditions.
• Exposure to high pitched/louder verbalizations by students, bodily fluids, students with more challenging behavior, etc.

• Associate degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
• One (1) year experience working with students ages 0-5 in a licensed childcare, family childcare, or elementary (PK-5) setting is desired but not required.
• Child Development Associate® (CDA) credential or an AA degree to work in Pre-K classrooms. *Per Blueprint this certification will be required beginning with the 2027-2028 school year.

• May be required to assist with students exhibiting challenging behaviors including implementing a continuum of positive behavior supports.
• Must be able to accommodate a flexible schedule and change of location, as needed.
• May require customized training to accommodate the special needs of students.

• Must be able to frequently lift and/or carry 50-75 pounds with assistance.
• Physical ability to work around children including standing and sitting, in a chair and/or on the floor, for extended periods of time.
• Physical ability to complete bending, pushing/pulling, walking, running, kneeling, twisting, squatting, crouching, overhead and above shoulder reaching movements (e.g., push/move wheelchairs, walkers, wagons, etc.).
• Must be able to use hands and fingers to operate standard office as well as student devices/equipment or classroom equipment.
• Must be able to actively monitor and respond to students who elope from the classroom, school building, or other emergency situations. Including the ability to move quickly towards students who may elope from an assigned area.

• A complete listing of employment locations with dates of employment and names of direct supervisors.
• All related experience
• All supplemental materials (e.g., high school diploma/transcript, college diploma/transcript, etc.) required to verify that you meet the minimum qualifications.

Howard County Public School System