Paraprofessional; Preschool

Job Description

Title: Educational Aide

Reports to: Building Principal

Job Objectives: Performs a variety of support services to help students achieve productive learning experiences. Provides direction and encouragement to help students pursue their intellectual, social, and emotional potentials. Provides personal care assistance. Promotes the inclusion of students with disabilities into regular classrooms and school activities. Uses each contact with the public as an opportunity to promote a positive impression of the school district.

FLSA Status: Non‑exempt

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Meets all mandated health requirements (e.g., a negative tuberculosis test, etc.).
• Successful completion of a criminal background investigation.
• Holds or is qualified to obtain an Educational Aide Permit.
• Ability to learn appropriate skills for the position.
• Ability to physically manage students with disabilities.
• Ability to learn and use basic sign language techniques when needed.
• Demonstrates maturity and the ability to work with students and their families.

• Learn the purpose and proper procedures to perform all assigned duties; seek advice when expectations are unclear.
• Work with individuals and/or small groups of students; follow a prescribed educational plan or procedural guideline as directed by the teacher.
• Help students with class assignments, homework, special projects, and makeup activities; check papers and score tests as directed.
• Reinforce materials introduced by the teacher; supervise independent study or remedial activities; maintain an engaging learning environment.
• Help students understand their personal responsibility for achieving academic success; nurture students who require alternative approaches to learning; collaborate with staff to provide services in the least restrictive educational environment.
• Assist the substitute teacher in understanding the regular classroom routine and the individual needs of students.
• Perform routine clerical work and record‑keeping duties related to classroom activities; help prepare classroom materials; operate duplicating equipment; distribute supplies.
• Prepare bulletin boards and displays.
• Clean up and organize work and storage areas; maintain classroom order and sanitation procedures.
• Operate and prepare classroom equipment (e.g., computers, media resources).
• Assist in the computer lab; prepare equipment; ensure students use age‑appropriate software; help students develop computer skills.
• Support student progress with appropriate emotional development and interpersonal relationships; help students change attitudes and behaviors.
• Encourage a positive outlook, cooperation, active participation, accountability, dependability, consistent attendance, punctuality, etc.
• Offer help when students ask for it or when their behavior indicates the need for assistance; avoid being intrusive; allow students to seek independence; resolve concerns discreetly.
• Work with the classroom teacher to address persistent behavior problems; implement behavior modification plans.
• Report evidence of suspected child abuse as required by law.
• Provide assistance to students with medical and/or physical needs as trained by a licensed health‑care professional (e.g., personal hygiene, toileting, catheterization, transfers, mobility, lifting, carrying, etc.).
• Operate personal assistive devices; recognize and report malfunctions or unsafe conditions.
• Position students to take full advantage of each learning environment (e.g., line‑of‑sight, proximity to equipment, height of working surfaces).
• Feed students; observe personal hygiene requirements for food preparation and handling.
• Participate in recreational and leisure activities associated with the assigned student’s educational program.
• Supervise mandated rest periods when applicable.
• Monitor ill students until a parent/guardian arrives.
• Assist with clothing and cleanup routines.
• Help with school bus arrivals and departures (e.g., student supervision, physical assistance, operating the wheelchair lift).
• Provide close supervision and take reasonable precautions to ensure student safety; do not leave…