Meridian Elementary, which is located east of Kent, is one of the oldest schools in the Kent School District and has changed throughout the years to meet the needs of elementary students. Meridian records some of the highest volunteer hours in the district. We encourage and value parent and community volunteers to help in the classroom, on PTSA, and the Learning Improvement Team. The parents, students and staff at Meridian believe in a school environment that promotes collaborative and shared experiences among staff and fosters the educational growth of students and community. The shared goals will guarantee that every student will possess the necessary knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to effectively participate in a diverse and ever changing world.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: This 9 month position is part of the KAP bargaining unit.

ASSIGNMENT: The purpose of the Support Center classroom is to provide a special program emphasizing functional academic skills, survival skills, and social skills for students who are unable to receive an appropriate education in the general education classroom with Integrated Program support. Paraeducators assist the teacher(s) in various special education programs. The paraeducator's duties include small group instruction, one-on-one instruction, preparing materials for a lesson, correcting papers, teaming, collaboration between regular and special education staff and assisting students with individual learning and health needs. Position may require staff to provide individual student support as determined by the building administrator and/or classroom teacher.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

1. AA degree, 72 quarter-hour college credits, OR ParaPro Assessment with a score of 461 or higher. (Transcripts or proof of parapro score must on file to be considered for an interview.)
   
2. Proof of High School completion. Copy of diploma or transcripts must be on file at start of employment. College transcripts that specifically state completion of high school will be accepted in lieu of high school diploma.
3. Ability and willingness to provide medical or health services such as catheterization, diapering, toileting, feeding, tube feeding and assisting students with other activities involving self-care, which may be required.
4. Ability to lift and transfer students in and out of wheelchairs, if needed.
5. Physically strong enough to assist with restraint, lifting, and transferring students to a safe place.
6. Ability to exercise sound, independent judgment, including handling of confidential matters.

Please note: If you do not meet the required qualifications, your name will be screened out from the list of qualified candidates.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Experience working with students with special needs/high needs at the elementary school level.
2. Experience working with high needs students. Must not be afraid of students with behavior disorders.
3. Crisis Intervention Training recommended.
4. Must not be insulted by students swearing and using inappropriate language.
5. Demonstrated ability to work with students who are in an at-risk situation.
6. Ability to communicate in another language.
7. Ability to exhibit multicultural and ethnic understanding and sensitivity with the ability to communicate effectively with all cultural groups in the school community.
8. Experience working with a diverse student population and the specific school demographics.
9. Ability to be dependable, including good habits in attendance and punctuality.
10. Must have strong communication skills.
11. Must have strong interpersonal skills working with a team of adults.
12. Must develop healthy, respectful, and positive relationships with students, parents, and staff.
13. Must be able to take initiative to do what needs to be done without being told.
14. Must be enthusiastic, positive and be a team member and able to demonstrate flexibility working with students, parents, and staff.
15. Must maintain positive learning environment and have ability to relate to all students, parents, and colleagues.
16. Desired characteristics are: flexibility; ability to organize ideas, time and materials to accomplish goals; enthusiasm; ability to express ideas clearly and understand concepts being discussed; ability to learn new ideas and skills; ability and willingness to develop favorable relationships with students; and willingness to model behavior deemed appropriate by the school district and the community.