This position is 3.25hrs/9mo 4 days per week. and pay is spread over 12mo. Open until filled.

All KAP applicants are required to show proof of 72 college level credits, an AA degree (or higher), or passed the Para Professional Assessment. If an applicant is in need of testing, they can still apply, and if they are the finalist candidate they will need to pass the Para Professional before being hired into the role.

Fairwood Elementary School is located in the Fairwood Greens community in the northeast area of the Kent School District. Fairwood serves a diverse community of about 420 students from preschool through 6 th grade. Some of our support programs include physical education, general music, 5 th /6 th grade band/orchestra, early childhood special education, K-6 special education integrated program, general education tiered intervention for reading/math, English language learner program, library/media, and counseling and behavior support. Fairwood also provides 1:1 computing for all K-6 students using laptops and Surfaces. Our school improvement efforts include goals in reading, math, closing the achievement gap, social/emotional learning, and family engagement. We implement Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) as our school wide behavior support system. Fairwood staff have also developed a strong professional learning community with dedicated time and support toward team collaboration and professional development. This includes support and coaching for new teachers and technology integration. Fairwood's motto is "Learning, Caring, Sharing" and Fairwood staff believe in being continuous learners and in teaching to high standards for all students. Fairwood also has a very active PTSA and parent involvement is strongly encouraged. Our community vision is that all of our students will be college, career and community ready and we will make it happen!

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: This 9 month position is part of the KAP bargaining unit working with children in preschool.

ASSIGNMENT: Young children (ages 3 through 5) who qualify for special education are provided services in a variety of ways. For young children attending toddler/preschool program (e.g., Headstart, ECEAP), special education is frequently delivered within these programs by Kent special education staff. ) 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.
7. Completion of state required training upon hire

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 children with special needs at the preschool/primary 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.