PURPOSE

Assist in providing care, supervision and learning activities to preschool-age children in a classroom environment; assist with planning and implementing a variety of activities to meet the needs and interests of children in special education classroom.

IMPORTANT DETAILS

• Work Schedule: School year
• Work Hours: Shifts for these positions typically occur within the hours of 7:15am and 3:30pm. Exact start and end times may vary based on the needs of the school and the number of hours allocated for the position.
• Benefits Included: Paid Holidays, Paid Time Off, Basic Term Life Insurance, Optional Direct Primary Care Plan, Various Optional Supplemental Benefits
• For positions working more than 6 hours per day, benefits also include an Indiana Public Retirement (INPRS).
• Pre-K: Drug screen required for this position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Candidate must have a high school diploma or GED. Prefer candidate who has previous experience working with students with special needs. Must be flexible to meet the changing needs of students and have strong tutorial skills. Must be able to relate well with students, staff and parents. Candidate must have a strong desire to see young people be successful. Must have a positive attitude and be able to complete tasks independently. Must have strong office, computer, and oral and written communication skills. Incumbents must possess knowledge of child guidance principles and practices, and basic instructional methods and techniques. Must be willing to supervise students in community settings. Must participate in training provided by the Special Education Department.

Prefer candidate to be highly-qualified. The paraprofessional can be determined for highly-qualified if he or she has:

• Two years of college experience from an accredited college
• A two-year college degree from an accredited college
• Passed the Para-Pro Assessment
• One year or 1,000 hours of previous employment in a school or working with children
• Passed annual school-level evaluations
• Completed 48 credit hours of college level classes from an accredited college
• Child Development Associate (CDA) credentials

Required by the National Association for Education of Young Children (NAEYC): Applicants must possess or be willing to obtain one of the following:

1. A current Child Development Associate (CDA) credential issued by the Council for Professional Recognition.
2. A CDA Credential equivalent as defined by NAEYC as at least 12 college credits in early childhood education, child development, elementary education, or early childhood special education.
3. An associate's degree (AA) in early childhood education, child development, elementary education, or early childhood special education.

If selected for an interview, candidate must provide proof of education at the time of interview.

FULL POSITION DESCRIPTION: Special Education Assistant