Paraprofessional & Paraprofessional-Preschool

#2526-25 (Dual Merged)

An examination will be given to establish an eligibility list for the position of Paraprofessional & Paraprofessional-Preschool in order to fill existing and future vacancies.  These positions are part-time, 3.75 - 6.0 hours per day, August through June, 206 paid days per year. The eligibility list will be valid for 6 months or until exhausted (whichever comes first).  

All testing will take place at La Mesa – Spring Valley School District's Education Service Center, 4750 Date Avenue, La Mesa, CA 91942 (Phone: 619-668-5700) unless notified otherwise. Test starts promptly at the scheduled time. Latecomers will not be admitted. Candidates will be required to present valid photo identification prior to sign-in.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
A completed application for employment must be received in Human Resources by 4:30 p.m. on the closing date. Please note: If having issues with Internet Explorer, try Firefox. Faxed materials are not acceptable.

Minimum Qualifications:
•Experience working with children in an organized setting
AND
•Possess an Associate's Degree or higher (submit copy of degree with application).
OR
•Completed 48 units of college work (submit transcripts with application).
OR
•Successful completion of the Every Student Succeeds Act (formerly known as NCLB) Exam given by La Mesa – Spring Valley School District (submit copy of certificate with application).
AND
Valid First Aid and CPR Certificate issued by an authorized agency.

ESSA COMPLIANCE- The Paraprofessional and Paraprofessional-Preschool classifications require that all incumbents meet the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requirements. This can be accomplished by one of the following: a) 2 years of completed study at an institution of higher learning (48 units or more with transcripts submitted with application), b) an Associate's Degree or higher (copy of degree submitted with application), OR c) by passing the District ESSA exam.

If you would like to take the ESSA proficiency exam, please copy and paste the following link into your browser to submit an ESSA/NCLB interest form- 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfiIF27SsjdyiZyrA_kiQv-gPd6y-EZ5RCZORa2KbVQ0DhivA/viewform
 
OR  contact Courtney Lanier at Courtney.lanier@lmsvschools.org

Merit exam is for those who have submitted a classified application, meet minimum qualifications, and have satisfied the ESSA requirements above.

*Written Merit Exam: TBA (By invitation only)

All testing will take place at La Mesa – Spring Valley School District's Education Service Center, 4750 Date Avenue, La Mesa, CA 91942 (Phone: 619-668-5700) unless notified otherwise. Test starts promptly at the scheduled time. Latecomers will not be admitted. Candidates will be required to present valid photo identification prior to sign-in.

Under the direction of the assigned manager, assists a certificated teacher in reinforcing instruction to individual or small groups of students in a classroom environment; assists in the preparation of instructional materials and implementation of lesson plans; provides routine clerical and supportive tasks for instructional personnel. 

Essential Duties for Paraprofessional: 

• Administer basic first aid and CPR as needed.           

• Assists assigned teacher with the implementation of lesson plans; administers various tests as directed; prepares mandated reports and documentation as required.

• Assists students in completing classroom assignments, homework and projects; assures student understanding of classroom rules and procedures; assists students by answering questions, providing proper examples, emotional support, friendly attitude and general guidance.

• Assists students with performing and developing proper social behavior, personal hygiene and daily self-help skills; toilet students, change diapers and soiled clothing as assigned by the position.

• Assures the health and safety of students by following established practices and procedures; maintains learning environment in a safe, orderly and clean manner.

• Observes and controls behavior of students in the classroom according to approved procedures; monitors students during outdoor activities as directed; report progress regarding student performance and behavior.

• Operates a variety of classroom and office equipment including a computer, copier and assigned software.

• Performs a variety of clerical duties in support of classroom activities such as preparing, typing, duplicating and filing instructional materials; grades student tests and assignments; records grades; maintains student records and files as assigned.

• Provides classroom support to the teacher by setting up work areas and displays, and distributing and collecting paper, supplies and materials.

• Reads books to students and observe their reading abilities as assigned; assists students with letter and word pronunciation and recognition; assists students with math, spelling and writing exercises and assignments.

• Tutors individual or small groups of students, reinforcing instruction as directed by the teacher; monitors and oversees student drills, practices and assignments in various subjects; confers with the teacher concerning lesson plans and materials to meet student needs; assists with the implementation of lesson plans.

Essential Duties for Paraprofessional-Preschool:

• Assists a preschool teacher in reinforcing instruction to individual or small groups of students in a preschool classroom environment; assist in the preparation of instructional materials and implementation of lesson plans and instructional programs.
• Assists students with learning activities; assure student understanding of classroom rules and procedures; assists students by answering questions, providing proper examples, emotional support, friendly attitude and general guidance.
• Assists students with personal hygiene and grooming as required; assists students with eating activities; assist children with who have experienced toileting accidents; assists students with performing and developing self-help and social skills.
• Assists the teacher with data collection and observations for Desired Results Development profile (DRDP).
• Assures the health and safety of students by following established practices and procedures; maintains learning environment in a safe, orderly and clean manner; sanitizes and disinfects toys, tables, chairs and other classroom surfaces.
• Observes and controls behavior of students in the classroom according to approved procedures; assists in the supervision of preschool students and observes student behavior during meal and snack times, recess, field trips, assemblies, library, bus loading/unloading and other school activities as directed; reports progress regarding student performance and behavior to the Preschool Teacher.
• Operates a variety of classroom, playground and office equipment including a copier, a computer and assigned software as assigned.
• Performs a variety of clerical duties in support of classroom activities such as preparing, duplicating and filing instructional materials; maintains student records and files as assigned.
• Performs routine first aid and seek assistance for serious illness or injuries.
• Provides classroom support to the teacher by setting up work areas, learning centers, bulletin boards, displays, and distributing and collecting paper, supplies and materials.
• Reads books to students; assists students with letter and word pronunciation and recognition.
• Tutors individual or small groups of students, reinforcing instruction, learning and play experiences as directed by the teacher; monitors and oversees student drills, practices and assignments.
• Uses positive reinforcement strategies and other approved techniques to assist students in the development of appropriate behaviors.

OTHER DUTIES:

• Attends and participates in meetings, in-service trainings, workshops and conferences.

• Performs related duties as assigned.

Minimum qualifications for Paraprofessional:

Any combination equivalent to:  graduation from high school and some experience working with students in an educational or organized learning environment. Incumbents must meet requirements specified under Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). Special Qualifications include: 

• Completed at least two years of study at an institution of higher education OR
• Obtained an associate’s or higher degree (college level) OR
• Met (pass) a rigorous standard of quality and can demonstrate, through a formal State or local academic assessment, knowledge of, and the ability to assist in instructing, reading, writing and mathematics.

Minimum qualifications for Paraprofessional-Preschool:

• Completed at least two years of study at an institution of higher education OR
• Obtained an associate’s or higher degree (college level) OR
•  Met (pass) a rigorous standard of quality and can demonstrate, through a formal State or local academic assessment, knowledge of, and the ability to assist in instructing, reading, writing, and mathematics.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

Basic instructional methods and techniques.

Basic record-keeping techniques.

Basic subjects taught in local schools, including arithmetic, grammar, spelling, language and reading.

Child guidance principles and practices.

Classroom procedures and appropriate student conduct.

Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary. 

Diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, and ethnic backgrounds of students.

Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.

Operation of standard office and classroom equipment.

Oral and written communication skills.

Safe practices in classroom activities. 

ABILITY TO:

Assist in the preparation of instructional materials and implementation of lesson plans.

Assist students with self-help, personal hygiene and social skills as assigned.

Assist with instruction and related activities in a classroom or assigned learning environment.

Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.

Maintain records and files.

Monitor, observe and report student behavior and progress according to approved policies and procedures.

Observe health and safety regulations.

Operate standard office and classroom equipment.

Perform a variety of clerical duties in support of classroom activities.

Read books to students and assist with reading and writing activities as assigned.

Reinforce instruction to individual or small groups of students as directed by the teacher.

Understand and follow oral and written directions.