Paraprofessional - Early Education

Assists teacher and classroom staff in providing developmentally appropriate education programs that support the optimal growth and development of the students in the program. Supports Hospital's mission to provide the highest quality care by complying with regulatory guidelines, meeting agency standards, and obtaining appropriate certification.

**JOB DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES**
**ESSENTIAL DUTIES**
1. Support teacher and teacher’s assistants (TAs) in the goals, procedures, and practices foster a challenging learning environment for 1:1 student and classroom.
2. Assists teacher and TAs in the implementation of lesson plan and classroom routines for individual student assigned and/or classroom environment.
3. Assists teacher in the preparation of developmentally appropriate educational materials as needed.
4. Under the guidance of classroom staff, support students’development of self-help skills (feeding, toileting, & dressing).
5. Supports classroom staff in completing and maintaining records to meet compliance requirements of oversight agencies.
6. Supports classroom staff in the care and presentation of the classroom environment to include sanitizing toys and equipment, maintaining a rich early childhood environment by use of bulletin boards and classroom decorations, rotating toys and books, and investing in the overall classroom arrangement.
7. Ensures a safe environment following all infection control and universal precautions.
8. Maintains professional boundaries with colleagues, system-wide staff, and families, and understands and appreciates the family’s choices and decisions with regard to their child.
9. Facilitates the safe arrival and departure of children by assisting in busing and transport duties on a daily basis.
10. Develops rapport with students when assigned 1:1 assistance for a child.
11. Provides feedback to teacher and classroom staff about student response to activities and classroom supports.

**NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES**

12. Participates in meeting and other assigned committees.
13. Assists teacher and TAs with planning and preparing parties, field trips and graduation.
14. Participates in shared departmental duties of preparing the school environment for daily activities including getting the meal cart, ordering supplies, putting away supplies.
15. Demonstrates flexibility when assignment of 1:1 student and/or classroom changes based on school attendance.

**_Formal education required _**_: _

High school diploma or GED required **_; _**Bachelor’s degree preferred.

**_Previous experience required: _**

Experience working with children of various abilities & age groups required.

2 years Early Education classroom experience preferred.

St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children is committed to nurturing a compassionate environment that welcomes all children, young adults, families, and staff; built on the belief that what makes us different makes us stronger, and provides unity throughout our community.

St. Mary’s Healthcare System for Children is an Equal Opportunity Employer

M/F/D/V/SO