Early Learning Preschool/ECFE Paraprofessional

Monday-Thursday AM -  8:00-11:15 a.m. (13 hours per week and event/staff meeting hours)

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES

The Early Learning ECFE and Preschool Paraprofessional supports the classroom teacher in providing a nurturing and developmentally appropriate environment for young children. This role focuses on fostering social, emotional, and academic growth through hands-on activities, play-based learning, and individualized support. The paraprofessional works closely with children to help them develop foundational skills in literacy, numeracy, and social interactions while promoting a positive, inclusive classroom culture. In addition to supporting multiple classrooms, this position also plays an essential role in ECFE programming and sibling care, ensuring continuity of support across early learning environments. This position plays a key role in ensuring the well-being and success of all students during their early childhood education experience.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist classroom teachers in implementing daily lesson plans and activities that promote early childhood development.

• Provide supportive care and developmentally appropriate activities for siblings during ECFE classes, ensuring a safe, engaging, and inclusive environment that aligns with the goals of family education programming.

• Support ECFE parents by creating a welcoming environment, assisting during parent-child activities, and helping facilitate smooth transitions and engagement in the classroom.

• Support children in developing foundational skills in areas such as literacy, math, motor skills, and social-emotional learning through play and structured activities.

• Provide individualized attention and small-group support to children as needed, reinforcing lessons and promoting positive behavior.

• Help children with daily routines, including arrival, transitions between activities, meals, and restroom needs.

• Foster a positive and inclusive learning environment by encouraging positive social interactions and teaching appropriate classroom behavior.

• Supervise children during non-instructional times, such as playtime, outdoor activities, and field trips, ensuring safety and well-being.

• Prepare materials and assist in setting up learning centers, activities, and the classroom environment.

• Communicate effectively with students, teachers, and parents to share student progress and any concerns.

• Support children with emotional development, encouraging them to express their feelings and develop self-regulation skills.

• Promote healthy habits, including hygiene practices and physical activity, to support children’s overall development.

• Assist in the observation and documentation of children’s progress and developmental milestones.

• Collaborate with the teacher to meet the diverse needs of all students, adapting activities and providing additional support when necessary.

• Perform other duties as assigned to contribute to the smooth operation of the preschool classroom. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Reads, comprehends, and interprets simple directions and written information 
• Able to articulate expectations to students.
• Interprets and delivers directions to students given by the teacher
• Applies common sense reasoning in carrying out detailed but simple written or oral instructions
• Manages problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations
• Develops effective working relationships with students, staff, and community members
• Demonstrates a caring and warm demeanor and an understanding of children’s needs
• Exhibits good listening skills and a willingness to collaborate and cooperate with other staff in accomplishing the goals of the school program.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

• Mobility: Frequent walking, standing, bending, crouching, and kneeling to assist students and support classroom activities.
• Lifting: Ability to lift, carry, and move up to 25 pounds regularly and up to 50 pounds occasionally, including assisting students with mobility needs if required.
• Repetitive Motion: Regular use of hands and fingers for writing, typing, and handling instructional materials.
• Visual and Auditory Requirements: Ability to see and hear within normal ranges to monitor student behavior, support instruction, and ensure safety.
• Physical Assistance: This may involve supporting students with physical disabilities, including transferring, positioning, or assisting with mobility devices.
• Endurance: Capability to actively engage with students throughout the school day, including indoor and outdoor supervision (e.g., recess, field trips).
• Speech and Communication: Clear verbal communication to interact effectively with students, staff, and families.

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

• School Setting: Primarily works in classrooms but may also assist in specialized learning spaces, libraries, cafeterias, playgrounds, hallways, and other school areas.
• Student Interaction: Regular, direct interaction with students, including those with diverse learning needs and varying behavioral, emotional, or physical abilities.
• Team Collaboration: Works closely with licensed instructional staff, special education teams, and other support personnel to assist students.
• Dynamic Environment: Fast-paced and varied, requiring flexibility to shift between instructional support, behavioral management, and supervision tasks.
• Supervision Duties: Responsible for student supervision in classrooms and during non-instructional times (e.g., lunch, recess, bus loading/unloading, and field trips).
• Exposure to Elements: May work outdoors during recess, field trips, or other activities, subject to varying weather conditions.
• Health & Safety Considerations: Potential exposure to bodily fluids or illnesses while assisting students with health or hygiene needs, following proper safety protocols.
• Noise Level: Moderate to high, depending on student activities and settings.
• Physical Demands: The work involves standing, walking, bending, lifting, and moving throughout the day to support students and instructional activities.
• Inclusive Environment: Expected to promote and support a culturally responsive, inclusive, and equitable learning environment for all students.  

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE 

• Experience working with children in an educational, childcare, or related setting.
• Associate’s degree or completion of at least two years of post-secondary education (equivalent to 60 college credits).
• Experience supporting students.
• Preferred: Training in behavior management techniques and culturally responsive practices.
• Willingness to participate in ongoing professional development and training.

BENEFIT INFORMATION
St. Louis Park Schools provides a comprehensive benefits package for employees working 20 or more hours per week. Key benefits include:

• Health and Dental Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for medical and dependent care expenses
• Life Insurance
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
• Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance

The cost of benefits varies based on the employee group and full-time equivalent (FTE) status. For detailed information, including specific benefits and associated costs, please refer to the applicable group or bargaining unit contract Employment Contracts.