This position is 6.5 hours per day/5 days per week/9 months per year - spread pay over 12 months. 

 

Panther Lake Elementary is a Kids @ Hope School. We at Panther Lake, pledge to provide a learning and social environment that ensures all students will meet or exceed their goals. We are looking for a team member that is interested in being a part of a TEAM that works together to support our students in achieving those goals.

 

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. Upon hire, new paraeducators will be required to complete state required training offered through our KSD Professional Development Team.

 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: This 9 month position is part of the KAP bargaining unit.
 
ASSIGNMENT:  The purpose of the Adaptive Support Center classroom is to provide specially designed instruction emphasizing pre-academics, communication, social, motor, and daily living skills for students with low moderate to severe/profound developmental delays who require more intensive focus on basic skills than is available within the Support Center program.  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.  
 
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:  
  1. Associates degree (AA) or 90 college level (Clvl) quarter-hour credits.  Transcripts must be on file to be considered for an interview. Completion of the ETS ParaPro Assessment test with a score of 461 or higher will be accepted in lieu of college credits.  Proof of score must be on file as part of your application. (Federal law requires that paraeducators have a minimum of 90 quarter-hour college credits, an AA degree, or pass a rigorous exam to hold positions that receive federal funding. To find out more about the Praxis Paraeducator Test, or to register for testing visit their website www.ets.org/parapro.)
  2. Completion of state required training upon hire. 
  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 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.