Special Education Paraprofessional

• Offering rate will vary within the listed hourly range above. *Supported by the Department budget & related experience/education*
• Preference in employment actions exercised in accordance with applicable law. Applicants must provide proof of eligibility for preference.

• Plans and conducts daily experiences for children based on the objectives of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Early childhood education Center
• Plans and maintains a physical environment that is conducive to meeting the objectives of the program
• Plans and participates in activities that are designed to include parents in the education of their children
• Participates in training activities that can bring about increased professional competence
• Attends and participates in all staff meetings as required
• Performs other responsibilities as assigned by the program manager/director
• Provides a safe environment for children
• Prepares copies and performs filing for efficient record-keeping
• Assists children in daily class work and play
• Redirects children's behavior
• Stresses a germ-free environment
• Maintains newsletter and parental updates
• Submits orders for supplies and materials to the Administrative Assistant/ Early Head Start/Head start program
• Aids in communication between parents, families and staff
• Supports social-emotional development such as talking, holding, singing, comforting and playing with children
• Will engage with young children; provides physical comfort & emotional support to children during moments of distress, transition, and learning. Will redirect children when appropriate.
• Participate in planning and implementation of group socializations.
• Establishes and maintains positive relationships with parents and community volunteers.
• Report suspected instances of child abuse/neglect to the proper authorities &/or the Management Team
• All other duties as assigned

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• High school diploma or GED
• One year of working experience in Early childhood development; specializing in Special Education/Special needs children.
• Valid Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) & First Aide certifications or willingness to acquire within 30 days of hire
• Must possess a caring and responsible nature with a high degree of sensitivity to children and families on and near the Potawatomi Reservation
• Must be willing to participate in continued training to improve abilities
• Must be able to positively influence the learning, emotions and behaviors of children
• Must possess the ability to operate general office equipment
• Must possess professional work ethics, manner, and appearance
• Must possess a high-level of interpersonal skills to handle sensitive and confidential situation and documentation
• Must possess ability to communicate professionally; both orally and in writing a service-orientated approach, sometimes in stressful circumstances
• Must be available to work a 40-hour week within the operating hours: M-F, 7:00A-5:30P and flexible as needed to meet the demands of this position.
• Must be reliable, punctual and dependable in order to meet the needs of the department and Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation
• A record of satisfactory attendance and performance in all prior and current employment

• Associate Degree in Early Childhood Development or Child Development Associate (CDA)
• Valid CPR & First Aide certifications
• Three years of working experience in early childhood development; specializing in Special Education/Special needs children.
• Prior experience with young children and families

• Ability to develop positive working relationships with others, including members of the public
• Ability to maintain high level of privacy and confidentiality of individuals and families
• Ability to operate general office equipment, including but not limited to: 10-key calculator, telephone, computer and operating systems, computer software programs (Microsoft Office programs), and fax/copier machines.
• Able to read, write and speak English
• Ability to work efficiently in a highly team-team oriented environment
• Ability to work in a high-stress, deadline oriented environment
• Attend out-of-state/out-of-town training periodically to enhance job performance and knowledge.
• Safety Hazards: Exposure to childhood illness and diseases
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to have full range of mobility in upper and lower body; be able to reach overhead; be able to work in various positions, including stooping, standing, bending over, sitting, kneeling and squatting for extended periods of time; be able to lift, pull and push materials and equipment to complete assigned job tasks; and be able to frequently lift 20 pounds of weight throughout the assigned workday

• Background Investigation with adjudication
• Pre-employment Drug Screening
• Tuberculosis Screening (TB)

Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation