At Red Oak Autism Academy, we provide students with a vibrant learning experience in a welcoming environment, and our teachers rely on paraprofessionals to bring their best to the classroom every day. We’re searching for a qualified paraprofessional to join us in delivering the high-quality learning we’re known for. The ideal candidate has experience in this role and is flexible in adapting to the changing demands of a classroom. This person will work closely with an assigned teacher and provide support by working with students individually and in groups, assisting with lesson plans and materials, grading homework, and writing progress reports. In order to thrive in this role, the paraprofessional must be caring, compassionate, and committed to each student’s success.
Objectives of this role
- Provide instructional reinforcement of lesson plans, under direction of classroom teacher
- Serve as a positive, nurturing guide for students
- Model the school’s professional and ethical standards when interacting with students, parents, staff, and community members
- Supervise students in both instructional and assessment activities, in and out of the classroom
- Participate in planning sessions with the learning team, communicating with parents and school officials when necessary
Responsibilities
- Co-teach lesson components, as determined by the teacher, by leading small-group and individual discussions and reviewing classwork
- Attend to students’ physical, personal, academic, and emotional needs, providing assistance with language translation and hygiene when necessary
- Organize classroom and teaching materials, and verify and track student attendance
- Perform clerical duties such as typing, filing, and photocopying; grade tests and track student progress
- Establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with students, parents, and staff, and participate in parent–teacher conferences and faculty meetings and events
Required skills and qualifications
- High school diploma or GED
- Experience working with students
- Familiarity with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Effective communication skills with adults and children
- Understanding of basic principles of childhood development
- Familiarity with educational software and willingness to learn new systems
- CPR, First Aid, and AED certification
- Fingerprint Clearance Card
Preferred skills and qualifications
- Associate’s degree in early childhood development or education (or at least two years of experience working with special-needs children)
Physical Requirements:
- Prolonged periods of standing and walking throughout school and classroom.
- Must be able to lift up to 45 pounds at a time.
- Must be able to assist students who have physical difficulties.
- Must be able to kneel, sit, stand, crawl, push, and pull to assist and teach children throughout the day.
- Prolonged periods sitting and working on a computer to complete necessary paperwork.
Benefits of this Position:
- Supportive family-like work environment.
- Small class sizes of 6 to 10 students.
- All educational supplies provided.
- Paid extended school and holiday breaks with a year-round school schedule.
- Monthly professional training days with professional development opportunities offered.
- Additional dental, vision and life insurance are optional.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $14.35 - $17.00 per hour
Expected hours: No more than 40 per week
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Life insurance
- Vision insurance
Grade school specialties:
- Elementary school
- High school
- Kindergarten
- Middle school
- Pre-Kindergarten
Physical setting:
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Day shift
- Monday to Friday
Application Question(s):
- Please list two relevant professional references. References and previous employers will be contacted. Please do not use family or friends as references.
- Are you familiar with what an Individual Education Plan (IEP) is and how to read them?
- Have you taken Safety-Care Crisis Prevention Training within the past 3 years?
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Required)
Experience:
- Classroom management: 1 year (Required)
License/Certification:
- Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card (Required)
- CPR & First Aid Certification (Required)
- Driver's License (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- Mesa, AZ 85205 (Required)
Work Location: In person