Position Title
Elementary Paraprofessional (K–5): Kindergarten Associate
Position Purpose
Horizon Science Academy Des Moines is a public charter school in Des Moines, Iowa.
Under the direct supervision of a certified staff member, to assist certified professional staff with students in the classroom to meet instructional goals and objectives, and to free certified professional employees from non-professional duties to enable them to make a contribution to other aspects of the educational program, such as curriculum development.
Essential Job Functions:
- Assists and guides students to reinforce reading, language arts, mathematics, computer instruction, and other skills.
- Works with students individually and in small groups to reinforce basic learning and implement assigned programs.
- Assists professional staff in the administration and correction of classroom exercises, tests and assessments.
- Assists in classroom preparations and strategies for reinforcing instructional materials and skills according to individual student needs.
- Assists with record-keeping procedures to document student learning and performance.
- Assists with classroom behavioral management to minimize disruptions, ensure a safe and orderly classroom, and ensure students are on task.
- Assists students in non-instructional areas, such as supervising the student lunch programs, bus duty, playground duty, corridor, study hall, and other related non-instructional areas.
- Accompanies students on field trips for the purpose of assisting with supervision.
- Constructs, copies and distributes educational materials as needed.
- Assists teachers with parent contact as requested to foster effective and participatory parent involvement in student education.
- Assists students with special needs in all aspects of classroom instruction to maximize inclusion, learning, achievement of IEP objectives, etc.
- Follows all applicable safety rules, procedures and regulations governing the proper manner of assistance for all students, including those with disabilities or other special needs.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Ability to carry out instructions furnished in written or oral form.
- Ability to work with students with academic, behavior and social skills difficulties
- Have a genuine care and concern for all students and a willingness to help them succeed.
- Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide, and perform arithmetic operations as needed to assist students.
- Ability to understand, apply and use personal computers and software applications (e.g., Word, Excel).
- Ability to work with a diverse group of individuals.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality of information regarding students, employees and others.
- Ability to establish a supportive and compassionate relationship with students with special needs.
- Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with students, staff and others contacted in the course of work.
- Ability to report work orally or in writing to supervisor as required.
- Effective writing and verbal communication skills.
Qualifications:
- High School Diploma or GED required
- Para Certificate or Post-Secondary Education preferred
- Experience in a K-12 education system is preferred
- Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the District may find appropriate and acceptable
If you are enthusiastic about inspiring young minds and contributing to a dynamic educational environment, we encourage you to apply.
Benefits
- Competitive salary
- Enrollment in IPERS (Iowa Public Employees' Retirement System)
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid sick and personal leave
- Professional development opportunities
- Supportive and mission-driven team environment
How to Apply:
Please submit your resume. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
Horizon Science Academy is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team.
Pay: From $30,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
