Paraprofessional

Salary:  
With HS Diploma  $17.00/hr ($30,600.00 Annually)
With CDA $18.00/hr ($32,400.00 Annually)

FLSA Status:  This is a non-exempt position. 

Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Schedules may vary due to work assignments and projects. 
This Paraprofessional position works 240 days per year, 1800 hours annually (August - July).

Department: Early Learning

Location: Avondale, Cedar Hill, or Daisy Head Start, or as needed at a partnering site.

SUMMARY:
Chattanooga Head Start is a grant-funded program, and is subject to reapplication every 5 years.
The Paraprofessional will work 37.5 hours per week assisting the Center they are assigned with providing HS/EHS services, and when time allows within the workday, time to complete their Infant/Toddler CDA credential. Paraprofessionals will also be used as a substitute teacher when a teacher or assistant is absent from a classroom. Current or former Head Start parents are encouraged to apply. All employees employed by Chattanooga Head Start may work directly with children.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
The following duties are NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. 

• Supporting classroom teachers in preparing and conducting engaging activities.
• Assisting children in their daily routines and activities to develop social, self-help, and educational skills.
• Guiding children in acquiring social skills through play and interaction.
• Eat with and assist children in development of social and self-help skills, and sound nutritional practices, as required.
• Maintain established standards of sanitation, safety and food preparation and storage as set by the local and state health departments.
• Helping to create a safe, healthy, and stimulating classroom and playground environment, following all Head Start and ITERS/ECERS Standards.
• Preparing instructional materials and classroom decorations to enhance learning.
• Participating in transition activities and assisting with health and safety checklists.
• Collaborate with other staff and classroom groups to maintain the smooth functioning of the center, which at times may require changes to meet the needs of the children.
• Distributing communications such as newsletters and flyers to families.
• Maintaining confidentiality while keeping records and files accurate and up to date.
• Perform the functions of this position with a general understanding of the Head Start Performance Standards, State of Tennessee Child Care Licensing Regulations, and Agency policies and procedures; and working knowledge and application of Chattanooga Head Start School Readiness Goals.
• Participate in Agency training events, center staff meetings, and other training events as needed.
• Must accomplish the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations, in a timely manner.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
  
   

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School Diploma or GED required
• Bilingual candidates preferred (additional compensation offered for bilingual proficiency).
• Minimum 18 years of age required
• Experience working with children ages birth to 5 years of age.
• Any combination of equivalent experience and education to perform the essential functions of the position will be considered.
• Current or former Head Start parents are encouraged to apply.
  
   

LICENSING AND CERTIFICATIONS:  Must obtain a Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential within 2 years of hire.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:
Knowledge of:

• Child Development and Child Safety

Skills in:

• Working with small children in a group setting
• Planning age-appropriate activities for children

WORK ENVIRONMENT: 
Medium Work - exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. The work environment is a classroom.

This position is classified as Medium Work in compliance with Head Start Program Performance Standards, which require staff to ensure the health and safety of children. This may include the direct supervision of children and/or the ability to respond promptly and effectively in the event of an emergency at a Head Start center.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Safety Sensitive: Y
Department of Transportation - CDL: N
Child Sensitive: Y

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
This position is subject to pre-employment screenings, which include a background check, drug screening, lift test, TB screening questionnaire and/or TB skin test (as determined by initial results), complete physical examination, Hepatitis B titer, and fingerprinting. Ongoing requirements include a physical reexamination on an annual or bi-annual basis and fingerprint clearance every five years.

The City of Chattanooga, Tennessee is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.