JOB DESCRIPTION:  Preschool Paraprofessional

Qualifications:   

• CDA; or Associates degree in Early Childhood Education required
• Knowledge of CT ELDS and NAEYC criteria preferred. 

This position is Group 3 with a CDA and Group 1 prior to a CDA

Reports To:  Early Learning Center Director

General Description:  Preschool Paraprofessional staff must have a current Child Development Associate (CDA) certificate.  Associates degree or higher in Early Childhood education preferred.   Must be comfortable working with, and enjoy supporting children ages 2 to 5 years. Flexibility required.  

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Help in preparing activities for the children to carry out.
• Make an effort to develop the self-worth and dignity of all students
• Have a workable knowledge of a preschool classroom.
• Have workable understanding of young children.  Kind, patient, fair and maintains self-control
• Ensure children are safe at all times.
• Hold a current first aid and CPR certification.
• Assist the teacher in daily operations of the classroom.
• Attend monthly staff meetings.
• Attend professional development according to state licensing, funding and NAEYC requirements.
• Work in cooperation with teacher and staff to ensure classroom maintains NAEYC accreditation.

Physical Abilities and Working Conditions:

The Physical Abilities and Other Conditions of Employment listed in this section are representative of, but are not intended to provide an exhaustive list of Physical Abilities and Other Conditions of Employment that may be required of positions in this class. Norwich Public School District encourages persons with disabilities who are interested in employment in this class and need reasonable accommodation of those disabilities to contact the Human Resources Department for further information.

• Performing the job duties of this position requires the following physical demands: reaching, some lifting, standing, walking, carrying, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, sitting, and/or crawling.
• Move small stacks of textbooks, media equipment, desks, and other classroom equipment
• Must be able to assist in the lifting/carrying of students in excess of 50 pounds
• Occasional exposure to sun, heat, cold, and inclement weather

Terms of Employment:  Salary and work year to be determined by the contract between the Norwich Board of Education and the Municipal Employees Union "Independent".
 
Evaluation:  Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board's policy on evaluation of support services.