The Community Education Paraprofessional supports the daily operation of the Kids Korner Preschool and Wrap Around Child Care programs by providing a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment for young learners. This position assists with implementing age-appropriate activities, supervising children, supporting social-emotional development, maintaining a positive learning environment, and ensuring the health and safety of all participants. The paraprofessional works collaboratively with teachers and child care staff to provide high-quality care that supports children's growth and development while reflecting the mission and values of the Community Education program.
Expected schedule: Monday-Friday 7:30am-4:00pm
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Provide direct supervision and care for preschool and school-age children in accordance with program policies and licensing requirements.
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Assist in implementing developmentally appropriate educational, recreational, and enrichment activities.
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Foster a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment that supports children's social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development.
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Build positive relationships with children, families, coworkers, and school staff.
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Support children in developing independence, problem-solving skills, and positive social interactions.
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Maintain appropriate staff-to-child ratios at all times.
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Monitor children's health, safety, and well-being, responding appropriately to injuries, illnesses, and emergencies.
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Assist children with personal care needs, including toileting, handwashing, dressing, and other self-help skills as appropriate.
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Prepare, serve, and clean up snacks and meals while following food safety and sanitation procedures.
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Set up, organize, clean, and maintain classrooms, activity spaces, and playgrounds.
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Supervise indoor and outdoor play, ensuring equipment and environments remain safe.
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Observe and document children's progress, behaviors, and incidents as required.
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Maintaining confidentiality.
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Model positive behavior guidance techniques and implement behavior management strategies consistent with program expectations.
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Follow all district policies, Community Education procedures, and Minnesota child care licensing regulations.
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Participate in staff meetings, required trainings, and professional development opportunities.
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Assist with transitions between activities, classrooms, and age groups throughout the day.
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Operate technology and program software as needed.
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Perform light housekeeping duties, including sanitizing toys, cleaning tables, sweeping, and maintaining organized learning environments.
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Report safety concerns, maintenance needs, and suspected child abuse or neglect in accordance with mandated reporting requirements.
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Perform other duties as assigned to support the successful operation of Community Education programs.
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Knowledge of child growth and development, including developmentally appropriate practices for preschool and school-age children.
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Knowledge of positive behavior guidance and classroom management techniques.
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Knowledge of health, safety, and sanitation practices applicable to early childhood and school-age care settings.
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Knowledge of Minnesota child care licensing regulations and district policies, or the ability to learn and apply them.
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Basic understanding of social-emotional learning and inclusive practices for children of varying abilities and backgrounds.
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Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills with children, families, and coworkers.
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Effective verbal and written communication skills.
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Ability to supervise children while maintaining a positive, engaging environment.
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Organizational and time management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities.
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Ability to plan and facilitate age-appropriate activities and routines.
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Problem-solving and conflict resolution skills.
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Ability to observe children's behavior and respond calmly and appropriately.
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Basic computer skills, including email, attendance systems, and other district software.
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Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
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Ability to establish and maintain positive, professional relationships with children, families, staff, and community members.
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Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team while also demonstrating initiative and independence.
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Ability to adapt to changing schedules, routines, and program needs.
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Ability to create a welcoming, inclusive, and culturally responsive environment for all children and families.
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Ability to maintain patience, flexibility, and a positive attitude in a fast-paced environment.
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Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and implement program policies consistently.
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Ability to recognize and respond appropriately to safety concerns and emergencies.
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Ability to maintain regular and reliable attendance.
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Ability to perform the physical demands of the position, including standing, walking, bending, kneeling, lifting up to 40 pounds, and actively participating in indoor and outdoor activities in varying weather conditions.
Required:
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High school diploma or equivalent
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First aid and CPR (offered by district upon hire)
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CPI training (offered by district upon hire)
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PCA trained (offered by district upon hire)
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Must successfully complete a Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) background study prior to employment.
Preferred:
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Associate's degree or coursework in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Education, Recreation, Human Services, or a related field.
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Previous experience working in a licensed child care program, preschool, school-age care, or Community Education program.
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Knowledge of Minnesota child care licensing regulations.
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Experience supporting children with diverse learning, behavioral, developmental, or physical needs.
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Experience implementing social-emotional learning and positive behavior support strategies.
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Experience using child care management or student information systems.
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Demonstrated commitment to creating equitable, welcoming, and inclusive learning environments.
This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 50 pounds of force; work regularly requires speaking or hearing, frequently requires standing, walking, sitting and using hands to finger, handle or feel and occasionally requires stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling, pushing or pulling and lifting; work requires close vision and distance vision; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word and conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly or quickly; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels and to receive detailed information through oral communications and/or to make fine distinctions in sound; work requires observing general surroundings and activities; work occasionally requires exposure to outdoor weather conditions, exposure to bloodborne pathogens and may be required to wear specialized personal protective equipment and Exposure to bodily fluids; work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, light traffic).
This position will be filled on the basis of the experience, competency, and qualifications of the applicant and the needs of the District. Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton Public Schools complies with state and federal fair employment regulations.
Please contact Samantha Garber, Community Education Director, [email protected] with questions.
