Covington is a whole-school Title I elementary school with about 500 students located in the city of Covington six miles east of downtown Kent. It serves a diverse community and offers varied instructional strategies for each student customized to his or her learning needs. As a tiered intervention school, Covington offers a strong academic program with emphasis on basic skills and rich opportunities in the arts and physical education. In support of the classroom teacher there are full-time music and physical education specialists as well academic interventionists and a full time library paraeducator. An extensive special education department with Integrated Programs, Support Center, and an ECE program for our 3 – 5 year old students with disabilities is an integral part of the school. The ECE program includes peer models. We currently offer an after-school intervention program entitled DAWG Pack for third through sixth grade students needing an additional dose of instruction to close the achievement gaps in reading and math and rotate participation at three intervals throughout the year. Title I and LAP programs also provide support to students that need additional time and help to learn. Covington enjoys a strong, cooperative relationship with the community, including a very active PTA and parent volunteer program.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: This 9 month position is part of the KAP bargaining unit working with children in preschool, 4 hours per day, 4 days per week (Monday through Thursday).
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:
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AA degree, 90 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.)
- 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.
- 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.
- Ability to lift and transfer students in and out of wheelchairs, if needed.
- Physically strong enough to assist with restraint, lifting, and transferring students to a safe place.
- 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:
- Experience working with children with special needs at the preschool/primary school level.
- Experience working with high needs students. Must not be afraid of students with behavior disorders.
- Crisis Intervention Training recommended.
- Must not be insulted by students swearing and using inappropriate language.
- Demonstrated ability to work with students who are in an at-risk situation.
- Ability to communicate in another language.
- Ability to exhibit multicultural and ethnic understanding and sensitivity with the ability to communicate effectively with all cultural groups in the school community.
- Experience working with a diverse student population and the specific school demographics.
- Ability to be dependable, including good habits in attendance and punctuality.
- Must have strong communication skills.
- Must have strong interpersonal skills working with a team of adults.
- Must develop healthy, respectful, and positive relationships with students, parents, and staff.
- Must be able to take initiative to do what needs to be done without being told.
- Must be enthusiastic, positive and be a team member and able to demonstrate flexibility working with students, parents, and staff.
- Must maintain positive learning environment and have ability to relate to all students, parents, and colleagues.
- 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.
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