JOB SUMMARY:
In collaboration with the teaching staff, the Special Needs Assistant (Paraprofessional) is responsible in supporting the needs of children with developmental disabilities receiving Early Head Start services center-based. The role of the Paraprofessional is to maximize the children’s developmental progress and promote school readiness through curriculum implementation, ensuring a healthy and safe environment for children, and prompt intervention and management of difficult or disruptive behaviors.
JOB FUNCTIONS: (include but not limited to the following)
- Assisting classroom teachers in the design and implementation of a curriculum which meets program requirements, goals and objectives. Design and implement activities which promote individual children’s developmental progress.
- Assisting and supervising children with developmental delays participate in regular classroom activities in collaboration with the teacher and teacher assistant. Modifying classroom activities to enable children to more fully engage in, and profit from, classroom activities.
- Providing children with special needs with one-on-one activities designed to stimulate the development of their cognitive, language and motor skills.
- Observing, documenting and sharing developmental and social emotional strengths and areas of growth for children with special needs; Communicating children’s progress, development, setbacks and behavior to teachers, education site supervisor, mental health consultant and family advocate as part of an inter-disciplinary team.
- Assists the Teacher and Teacher Assistant in the development of the children’s creative, language and motor skills.
- Ensures each child’s well-being and safety while attending the program.
- Provides active supervision to ensure the safety of Head Start children while in the classroom, during transitions, and while on the playground. Ensures that no child shall be left alone or unsupervised.
QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:
- High School Diploma or GED Equivalency required;
- Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) Preferred;
- One to two years of job-related prior experience required.
- Successful completion of First Aid/CPR certification required;
- Fluent verbal and written English and Spanish communication preferred;
- Current, valid driver’s license and proof of insurance required;
- Reliable means of transportation required;
- Proof of physical examination, tuberculosis and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) screening within the last six months required.
EMPLOYMENT TYPE:
- Full-Time
- Hourly
WAGE/ SALARY RANGE:
- $18.53 / hour
WORK LOCATION:
- 2434 S Kildare Ave, Chicago, IL 60623
- 3050 E 92nd Street, Chicago, IL 60617
BENEFITS:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Sick leave and PTO
- Paid holidays
- Employee assistance program
- 401k with employer matching
- Company-paid basic life insurance and AD&D coverage
- Company-paid short term disability coverage
- Tuition Reimbursement
SCHEDULE:
- 8 hour shift
- Monday to Friday (some weekends and evenings may apply as needed for recruitment events)
To apply please submit resume and cover letter to resume@elvalor.net regarding interest in this open position.