Hours/FTE: This position is a 6.5 hours/9 months paraeducator position at Daniel Elementary. Open until filled.

Daniel is an elementary school of approximately 540 students and 80 staff. Daniel opened in 1992 and has become more and more diverse each year. Located on East Hill Kent, Daniel Elementary serves approximately twenty apartment complexes. Staff take pride in serving our diverse population. Over 50% of the Daniel students are English Language Learners, including several refugee students, and over 70% of our students qualify for free/reduced lunch.

Daniel teachers participate in Professional Learning Communities to engage in discussions centered on instructional improvement in order to meet our goal of eliminating the achievement gap. Our staff work collaboratively to support students and are implementing the Positive Behavior Intervention Supports by adopting school-wide expectations for students and adults. Our students support one another through peer tutoring and cross-grade buddy programs. Parent Engagement efforts have increased parent involvement via the Watch D.O.G.S. program, parent nights and the newly formed Parent Teacher Student Association.

The Daniel Elementary Explorers are learning to soar are embracing changes in our school, community and the world. We are student centered ~ staff strong ~ family engaged.

All Paraeducator 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.

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

The LINK classroom is designed for students who are in need of a more restrictive educational program due to significant challenges in learning, behavior and social-emotional well-being affecting their success at their boundary school. The LINK program is designed to support students who have average to above average cognitive abilities who are capable of meeting standard on Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and related state assessments. The program will serve students with High Functioning Autism (HFA), Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder/Attention Deficit Disorder (ADHD/ADD), mental health disorders and other health impairments that effect social communication. Students are provided and educated with preventative autism specific strategies that include high levels of positive reinforcement, structure and visual/tactile supports, differentiation and skill development through the consistent use of proven classroom management techniques, data collection systems and progress monitoring systems. Position may require staff to provide individual student support as determined by the building administrator and/or classroom teacher.

ASSIGNMENT: 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, data collection, teaming, collaboration between regular and special education staff and assisting students with individual learning and behavior needs.

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. Physically strong enough to assist with restraint, lifting, and transferring students to a safe place.
4. Ability to exercise sound, independent judgment, including handling of confidential matters.
5. 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 high needs students at the elementary school level. Must not be afraid of students with behavior disorders..
2. Right Response Training recommended.
3. Must not be insulted by students swearing and using inappropriate language.
4. Demonstrated ability to work with students who are in an at-risk situation.
5. Ability to communicate in another language.
6. Ability to exhibit multicultural and ethnic understanding and sensitivity with the ability to communicate effectively with all cultural groups in the school community.
7. Experience working with a diverse student population and the specific school demographics.
8. Ability to be dependable, including good habits in attendance and punctuality.
9. Must have strong communication skills.
10. Must have strong interpersonal skills working with a team of adults.
11. Must develop healthy, respectful, and positive relationships with students, parents, and staff.
12. Must be able to take initiative to do what needs to be done without being told.
13. Must be enthusiastic, positive and be a team member and able to demonstrate flexibility working with students, parents, and staff.
14. Must maintain positive learning environment and have ability to relate to all students, parents, and colleagues.
15. 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.