The Aspen School District seeks a Preschool Paraprofessionals for The Cottage.

Position Title: ECE Paraprofessional

Department: Pre-K

Reports to: Aspen Elementary School Director

Classification: Classified (ESP) Full-time Non-Exempt

Contract Period: 9 Month (185 days with some variance depending on the year)

Compensation: $25.00 - $31.08 per hour DOE

ASD offers district-funded employee and dependent health benefits including medical, vision, dental, and life insurance to benefit-eligible employees. Other benefits include (as eligible): paid leave, CO PERA (pension plan) enrollment with district contribution, TSA options, free transportation for employees from Carbondale to Aspen, employee assistance program, wellness program (can be used for highly reduced or free ski pass), and supplemental insurance (i.e. cancer, disability, etc).

I: Position Summary

• The ECE Pre-K paraprofessional shares responsibility for the care and education of an assigned group of children. They are responsible for implementing curriculum, supervising children, communicating with parents, and providing a healthy and safe environment for children ages infant to 5 years.
• Once Lead Teacher Certified - pay will increase ~$5 per hour, can be obtained within a year

II: Position Responsibilities

Preschool Paraprofessional Responsibilities:

• Due to the safety responsibilities of this job, the employee must communicate clearly and concisely in English, both orally and in writing – bilingual Spanish is a plus
• Working knowledge of computers, including software and databases
• Working knowledge of general office equipment
• Knowledge of Teaching Strategies GOLD preferred
• Contributes actively to the goals and success of all teams and team members through collaboration, cooperation, and flexibility (give and take) in team discussions, activities, and decision making
• Willingness to co-teach with another teacher in the classroom
• Manages oneself (is organized, prepared, and punctual; manages resources; meets deadlines; follows through on commitments; demonstrates appropriate physical appearance relative to job and environmental expectations) in a manner that enhances the image of public education
• Acts consistently in ways that directly support the missions, educational objectives, and codes of ethical conduct of the Aspen Preschool and the Aspen School District
• Displays a willingness to learn new information
• Uses clear verbal communication and strong listening skills
• Develops and maintains rapport and effective relationships with children and adults contacted in carrying out duties and responsibilities by using courtesy, diplomacy, collaboration, cooperation, support, and professional conduct
• Formulates goals that reflect the organization’s strategic theme and include specific, measurable outcomes instead of just completing activities
• Maintains high ethical standards, legal responsibility, and confidentiality
• Attends all staff meetings
• Demonstrates responsibility for the ordered arrangement, appearance, décor, and learning environment of the classroom, considering the health and safety of the students
• Assumes an equal share of required preschool housekeeping duties
• Assists in training new staff members to ensure a smooth transition and coordination of all classroom activities and staff and student inter-relationships
• Opens and closes the classroom at the beginning and end of the day

III: Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of:
• Curriculum and implementation
• Preschool classroom management
• Professional communication norms and standards (written and oral)
• Modern office procedures and methods
• Principles and procedures of record-keeping
• Microsoft Office and/or the Google Suite of office software
• Ability to:
• Utilize the Creative Curriculum to plan developmentally appropriate activities and opportunities which foster exploration, independence, and understanding to establish and maintain a safe, healthy, and enjoyable learning environment
• Support the social and emotional development of all children to advance intellectual and physical competence
• Demonstrate concern for personal differences between individuals to develop the interests and capabilities of all children
• Foster an enjoyment of learning while helping young children understand their roles as members of a group to establish positive and productive reciprocal relationships within the classroom
• Record the progression of student learning and development using Teaching Strategies GOLD
• Assess the children's needs and developmental progression on an ongoing basis, and in cooperation with the Director, adjusts the program/curriculum to focus upon the needs of the individual child and/or group
• Promote communication with parents through daily progress reports, newsletters, and parent-teacher conferences, maintaining the confidentiality of all information regarding parents and their children
• Complete on-going professional learning as appropriate and required for licensing

IV: Minimum Qualifications

• Must be in compliance with the requirements of 7702.45 of the Colorado Department of Human Services.
• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Maintain current CPR/First Aid certificate - training provided by the Aspen School District

V: Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum of 1 year experience in preschool environment or related field
• Bachelor’s Degree
• Pre-K experience, degree or course
• Spanish bilingual

VI: Work Environment

• Preschool classroom setting
• Office environment; exposure to computer screens
• Mostly clean and comfortable surroundings
• Exposure to noise and bodily fluids

VII: Essential Physical Requirements

• Physical: Reaching, walking, standing, sitting,squatting, stooping typing, talking, crouching, kneeling, seeing, and hearing. Occasional lifting of up to 25lbs.

Acknowledgment

The successful candidate will be required to follow any instructions and to perform any other related duties as assigned by the Director. The Aspen School District reserves the right to update, revise, or change the job description and related duties at any time.