DEFINITION: The Paraeducator, Preschool, under the direction of the School Readiness Program Specialist, assists the Preschool Educator or Associate Preschool Educator with planning and implementing a variety of activities to meet the educational needs of preschool-aged children; provides instruction to individuals and small groups in the Kindergarten Readiness Academy and helps with the preparation of instructional materials. ESSENTIAL DUTIES: • Supervise children in all activities, in the classroom, on the playground, during snack time, and on field trips. • Assist with planning, preparing and implementing a variety of activities to meet the needs of preschool-aged children. • Direct group activities with students as assigned. • Maintain a positive, nurturing environment, which respects culture and diversity. • Participate with children and encourage their involvement in activities. • Observe and redirect student behavior according to approved procedures. • Set up and clean up work areas and eating areas. • Operate audio-visual equipment. • Assist children with washing as needed; assist children with toileting, changing those who have experienced toileting accidents; assist students in developing self-help skills. • Assist with preparing instructional materials as directed by the supervisor. • Assist students in developing language skills. • Maintain a clean, safe, attractive and positive learning environment, which assists children in making a positive transition from home to preschool. • Communicate materials needs to teacher. • Maintain a caring, clean, safe, sanitary and orderly classroom environment. • Participate in meetings and in-service training programs as assigned. • Attend staff meetings. • Perform related tasks as required. QUALIFICATIONS: Knowledge of: • Basic principles of early childhood development including proper discipline applicable in a preschool setting. • Basic instructional methods and techniques in early childhood education. • Safe practices for classroom and playground activities. • Appropriate English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation. • Basic record-keeping procedures. • Interpersonal relations skills using tact, patience and courtesy. • Operation of a variety of office and classroom equipment. • Health regulations and safe working methods and procedures. • Proper lifting techniques. • District policies, rules and regulation. Ability to: • Learn, apply and explain Kindergarten Readiness Academy and District philosophies, policies and procedures. • Assist in planning and implementing a variety of activities to meet the needs of preschool aged children. • Communicate effectively with preschool children and adults. • Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with children and adults. • Monitor and report student behavior and progress according to approved policies and procedures. • Use positive and appropriate methods of behavior modification for preschool aged children. • Coordinate and participate in activities with groups of children. • Operate a variety of office and classroom equipment, including a computer, copier, laminator, CD player, television, and video equipment. • Set up and clean up work and snack areas. • Assist children with toileting. • Observe health and safety regulations. • Work cooperatively with others. • Understand and follow oral and written directions. Education/Training/Required Certification: • High school graduate or equivalent. • Completion of 6 units in Early Childhood Education or Child Development. • Prior experience working with preschool aged children is desirable. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of the job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls and talk and/or hear. The employee frequently is required to walk or sit. The employee is occasionally required to stand; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee may occasionally lift or move up to 50 pounds. Work conditions may include exposure to fumes, dust, odors, cleaning agents and chemicals. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.