Surround Care Paraprofessional - [Hennigan Elementary] (SY25-26)

At James W Hennigan Elementary, we are dedicated to fostering equitable learning experiences that empower all students to succeed. Rooted in the belief that every child can and will learn, we embrace a diverse, inclusive, and globally competent educational environment. Our educators cultivate an open-minded, collaborative mindset, ensuring that all students have the right and ability to access rigorous, standards-aligned instruction through effective teaching. We prioritize grade-level learning that honors best practices, while also nurturing social-emotional growth and cultural awareness. At the Hennigan, we seek educators who uphold high expectations aligned with the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) while also championing equity, social justice, and anti-racist practices. Together, we prepare scholars to engage thoughtfully in a global society, equipping them with the skills to collaborate, think critically, and respect diverse perspectives. We are champions for our scholars.

Job Description:

The Early Education and Early Learning Centers provide an innovative, high quality, full day early education program designed to meet the needs of the young children and their parents in the Boston Public Schools. School staff will work and plan together to create an educational environment in which quality and continuity are key. On-going staff development for all members of the Centers will be an integral part of the program to support and reinforce the curricula and the philosophy.

Reports to: Principal/Head of Schools

Responsibilities

1. Collaborates with classroom teacher to implement enrichment activities which reinforce the daily instruction of developmentally appropriate early childhood experiences.
2. Implements agreed upon activities, as evidenced in daily lesson plans, using a variety of materials for children ages 3 to 7 which integrate the curriculum areas.
3. Provides opportunities for children to develop self-help skills including zippering, buttoning, tying shoes, using eating utensils, hand washing and using the bathroom.
4. Adheres to school-wide discipline and reporting procedures.
5. Maintains a classroom climate conducive to learning.
6. Works under the direction of the teacher/specialist to support the school's academic program.
7. Fosters open communications with parents and staff.
8. Provides supervision of the following routines: snack, rest, and outdoor/indoor play.
9. Promotes personal hygiene (including changing children when necessary).
10. Supervises bus boarding to ensure children are on the correct bus and belted safely in their seats.
11. Participates in ten (10) hours of paid professional development beyond the workday.
12. Performs other related duties as requested by the Principal.

Qualifications - Required:

1. Education: High School Diploma or GED
2. Forty-eight (48) Credit Hours of College Coursework or an Associate's Degree, or a passing score on one of the two following Formalized Standardized Assessments: ParaPro Assessment (http://www.ets.org/parapro/ ) or WorkKeys Certificate of Proficiency for Teacher Assistants (http://www.act.org/workkeys/profcert/index.html ).
3. Minimum of two years experience working with young children
4. Current authorization to work in the United States - Candidates must have such authorization by their first day of employment

Qualifications - Preferred:

1. Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education.
2. Minimum of two years experience working with young children or a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education.
3. BPS values linguistic diversity and believes that candidates who speak another language bring added value to the classroom, school, and district culture and diversity. BPS is particularly interested in candidates who are fluent in one of BPS' official languages:Spanish, Creole (Cape Verdean), Creole (Haitian), Chinese, Vietnamese, Portuguese, & Somali.

Terms: BTU, Paraprofessional Unit, Contractual hourly rate

Please refer to the Salary Information section on the Career Site for more information on compensation.  Salaries are listed by Union and Grade/Step.

The start and end times of BPS schools vary, as do the lengths of the school day. Some BPS schools have a longer school day through the "Schedule A" Expanded Learning Time (ELT) agreement. 

The Boston Public Schools, in accordance with its nondiscrimination policies, does not discriminate in its programs, facilities, or employment or educational opportunities on the basis of race, color, age, criminal record (inquiries only), disability, homelessness, sex/gender, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, genetics or military status, and does not tolerate any form of retaliation, or bias-based intimidation, threat or harassment that demeans individuals’ dignity or interferes with their ability to learn or work.