Paraprofessional (Long Island City Elementary School)

Mission Statement: The Growing Up Green Charter School (GUGCS) supports children to be conscious, contributing members of their community through a rigorous, anti-racist, anti-bias, curriculum and an engaging green culture. Graduates of GUGCS will be prepared to attend high-performing schools where their interdisciplinary academic foundation, knowledge of sustainability, and strong sense of self sets them apart as leaders and social justice advocates of the future.
Responsibilities:
Instructional Support:

• Providing individualized support and supervision to students with special needs to ensure their physical safety and wellbeing throughout the school day
• One-on-one or small group instruction, as outlined by the teacher
• Guiding and assisting students in small group instruction settings with class routines and in transitioning from one activity to the next
• Teaching and assisting with daily living skills such as independent feeding, dressing, toileting
• Teaching students, under the direction of a teacher, in social skills and functional language/communication skills
• Providing general assistance to the classroom teacher as needed, such as preparing and distributing instructional materials

Behavioral Support:

• Reinforcing behavior through the use of positive behavior support
• Utilizing de-escalation techniques, when appropriate, to support students during moments of crisis or behavioral challenges
• Ensure that a student's behavior intervention plan (BIP) is implemented consistently and with fidelity
• Collecting data documenting student behavior for instructional purposes
• Writing anecdotal reports concerning student behavior
• Aiding occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech therapists and adaptive physical education providers during instruction

Related Professional Responsibilities:

• Assisting students during mealtimes, recess, and while on class trips
• Maintaining positive relationships with colleagues and families
• Participating in the school community through weekly staff meetings, school events, PD opportunities etc.
• Work closely with the Support Services department (Director of Support Services, Learning Specialists, Related Service Providers) to help meet the needs of students
• Respond productively to ongoing, year-round professional feedback

Minimum Qualifications

• Experience working with students with disabilities, preferably in the elementary grades
• Strong commitment to Growing Up Green Charter School's mission and green culture
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with a team
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Commitment to participating in adult learning communities

Education

• High School Diploma required
• Teaching certificate a plus

Required Certificates & Licenses: NYC DOE/Fingerprinting & Background Clearance