General Description:

The Public Schools of Brookline seek a full time paraprofessional to work in an early childhood, special education classroom (Brookline Early Education Program-BEEP).  Prekindergarten students who attend this specialized classroom are 3 to 5 years old, and have been diagnosed with autism, social-communication disorders and/or developmental delays. The ideal candidate will be reliable, hard working, flexible and motivated to learn specialized teaching strategies. In addition, the candidate should be a collaborative team member who is willing to work under the direction of a special education teacher, BCBA, OT, SLP and/or other specialists.  Experience working with this student population and Applied Behavior Analysis teaching techniques is desirable, but we will train motivated candidates.

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Support curriculum and instruction under the direction of the teacher.
• Prepare and coordinate materials for learning activities at the request of the teacher.
• Support students’ ability to follow the classroom routine and assist with student engagement during large and small group instruction.
• Support young children’s social problem solving skills and behavior regulation throughout the school day.
• Greet students each morning and support smooth transition into classroom and between classroom learning activities throughout the school day.
• Scaffold learning for students during instruction times under the supervision of teacher or specialist.
• Participate in a collaborative team teaching approach with the support of a special education teacher, BCBA, OT, SLP and other specialists.
• Attend therapy sessions at discretion of the teacher, with children receiving speech and language, OT or PT during the day to review with students throughout the week.
• Follow through on IEP goals as directed by the teacher.
• Support students’ access to the bathroom, and if needed teach toileting and bathroom procedures.
• Assist student with daily living skills such as managing clothing/belongings (backpack, lunch, etc.), and providing support during snack and lunch times.
• Maintain a safe environment on the playground, observing students and scaffolding playground skills.
• Document student language samples, skills demonstrated and issues of concern to share with teaching team.
• Review classroom environment at the close of the day to ensure all supplies and materials are successfully replaced in preparation for the morning.
• Maintain classroom displays and project work at the request of the teacher. Participate in the IEP process as required.
• Thorough knowledge and competent implementation of all student educational programs and behavior management guidelines.
• Provide positive and supportive learning experience for the students; and set and maintain consistent/constructive behavior limits.
• Under the direction of the teacher, support in the development and implementation of behavior intervention plans, classroom management systems, and reinforcement systems.
• Participate in data collection and data analysis including discrete trial data, behavior data, and other daily data.
• Collect and maintain data on IEP goals/objectives.
• May include maintaining student’s program book (including accurate completion of item lists).
• Participates in weekly school meetings for the purpose of helping to plan for and support students within the program.
• Other duties as assigned by the classroom teacher.

Requirements:

• Arrive promptly and engage independently in the set up of the classroom.
• Refer parent concerns directly to the teacher.
• Attend all meetings that are scheduled for paraprofessional training to the greatest extent possible.
• Applicants must be physically, mentally and emotionally prepared for a challenging career experience.
• Applicants must have positive academic and employment references.
• Applicants must be energetic individuals with a strong desire to work with young children; some positions require experience in, or an interest in being trained in, the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis.
• Diligent implementation of all medical, safety, and emergency procedures.
• Communicate effectively both in written and oral form.
• Positive interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrate ethical behavior and confidentiality of student information.
• Provide a safe learning environment for students.
• While performing the duties of this job, the paraprofessional is continually required to stand, walk, sit, run, squat, kneel, crawl, climb, balance, crouch, talk, hear, smell and see. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50+ pounds.
• Staff members who works with students with behavioral and social-emotional needs and disabilities may be subjected to student behaviors that include, but are not limited to, hitting, biting, kicking, scratching, and hair pulling.

Qualifications:

• Relevant work experience (1 year) with young children preferred
• Bachelor degree 
• College level course in Child Growth and Development (grant requirement)

The Public Schools of Brookline is especially interested in qualified candidates who can contribute through their teaching or practice to the diversity and excellence of the PSB community.

The Public Schools of Brookline is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.  Members of underrepresented groups and all persons committed to diversity and inclusive excellence are strongly encouraged to apply.