Paraprofessional for Special Needs Student

We are seeking caring individuals to work one-on-one (and/or in small groups) with children that have special needs. The paraprofessional would support the child with academics and social-emotional needs. This caring staff member will work with and be supported by a team of teachers to determine best practice strategies.

Paraprofessionals:

• work one-on-one with a child who has special needs
• assist the child in the regular classroom and throughout his or her day
• use various strategies to help the child be successful in his or her learning environment
• work with a team of educators on how to assist in implementing an individual education plan for the child

FULL TIME, 10-MONTH POSITION (8am-3:30pm, $19+/hr based on experience)

Candidates will be working with a K - 8 student and assisting with student learning in classrooms. Potential candidates must demonstrate an ability to create safe, positive classroom environments for learning and personal growth. Strong and trusting relationships are at the heart of our work with and amongst our students. We utilize intentional processes such as class meetings and inquiry-based learning to build social connections that truly support learning.

WHO WE ARE

Premier Charter School is a public charter school in the city of Saint Louis that serves students from Pre-Kindergarten-8th grades. The first charter school operating in the city of St. Louis, Premier Charter School is focused on building both a strong academic foundation and the social-emotional skills needed for students to succeed in high school and beyond. At PCS, we develop curious and empowered learners through whole child development and research-based practices such as Project-Based Learning.

• National School of Character -We are the first charter school in the St. Louis area to be designated as both a state and national school of character.
• Diverse community of students - We currently serve students who reside in 27 of the 29 zip codes in the city of Saint Louis. Languages spoken by our students include Albanian, Arabic, Bosnian, Chinese, English, French, Italian, Lao, Oromo, Polish, Somali, Spanish, Thai, Tigrinya, Vietnamese, Yoruba and more!
• Mission focused - Our work with students is guided by our North Star which focuses on both a solid academic foundation and the social-emotional skills needed for students to succeed beyond their time at PCS.
• Supportive professional learning environment- Empowering our staff is critical to the continued professional growth of our team. With continuous education and resources specifically for our teachers and staff, we strive to build and foster leaders that will do amazing things at PCS and beyond.

WHO WE ARE SEEKING

We are seeking effective communicators and life-long learners who are culturally responsive, embrace project-based learning, and love building relationships with kids.

Our staff members not only prepare our students with our five graduate aims (below) but they also possess these traits as well:

• Academically skilled - They demonstrate mastery in core content areas, with excellent literacy skills, math proficiency, and the habits needed to continue learning and growing.
• Curious - They are genuinely curious about the world around them, and are critical thinkers with an insatiable desire to learn. They are creative problem-solvers who can effectively communicate ideas and are committed to working collaboratively.
• Empowered - They are empowered to make choices that positively impact themselves and the community around them. They have a strong moral compass and are confident in making decisions aligned with their values. They treat other people with respect and stand up for what is right.
• Emotionally Intelligent - They are able to identify, express, and manage their own emotions in challenging situations. They are deeply self-reflective, and they are able to authentically empathize with others.
• Appreciative of Difference - They investigate and seek out different viewpoints and perspectives. They display habits of character showing respect for and actively valuing others with belief systems and experiences different from their own.

Benefits:

Medical

PCS offers a medical plan through UnitedHealthcare. We understand how important medical coverage is to you and your family. Our commitment to you and your family‘s well-being includes medical and prescription drug coverage. Spouses, domestic partners, and children under 26 years may be eligible for coverage. We also offer a High Deductible Health Care Plan with a Health Savings Account (HSA) that includes an employer match of 25% up to $5300 per school year.

Dental

PCS offers a dental plan through Cigna. The plan covers preventative care orthodontia in a variety of basic and major services. Spouses domestic partners and children under 26 years old may be eligible for coverage.

Vision

PCS offers a vision plan through Cigna. The plan provides for annual exams, frames, lenses, and contacts. Spouses, domestic partners, and children under 26 years old may be eligible for coverage.

Life Insurance, Accidental death, and Disability

PCS provides Life/AD&D insurance through UnitedHeathcare in the amount of 1x your annual salary to a maximum of $50,000. Voluntary Life/AD & D is also available for spouses, domestic partners, and children.

Short and Long Term Disability

PCS provides group Short and Long-Term Disability coverage through UnitedHealthcare at no cost to you. The STD coverage replaces 60% of your base salary to a maximum of $1,250 per week for 11 weeks. After 90 days of disability, the LTD coverage replaces 60% of your base salary to a maximum of $7,500 per month.

*for maternity/paternity leave, 4-6 weeks are paid by short term disability.

Personal and Sick Days

In addition to 6 sick, 2 personal and 2 self-care days10 personal/sick leave days, team members receive 10 paid days maternity/paternity leave for the birth or adoption of a child. New parents may take additional unpaid time off (following FMLA guidelines).

Pension and Retirement

Premier Charter School participates in the public school retirement system of the city of St. Louis (PSRSSTL). This is a pension fund where benefits are funded by member contributions, employer contributions, and investment earnings on PSRSSTL assets. Please visit www.psrsst.org for more information.

On-site Daycare

Having a daycare on-site is an amazing perk of joining the PCS team! Our day-care staff is warm and welcoming and makes you feel like your own family members are taking care of your child. With the convenience of an on-site daycare, you can pop in and see your child in action! For moms who need to breast-feed or pump, this is the perfect opportunity because your child is at work with you. The staff are extremely flexible and willing to help with any situation and accommodate your needs - they have the same school schedule as we do and adjust their hours according to school hours when needed. Ages newborn to five years old with reasonable tuition rates. Based on availability.

Wellness Programs

Annual wellness fair focusing on staff health and wellness

Healthy snacks provided throughout the year to staff and students

Discounted fitness programs on-site (i.e. yoga)

On-site fitness center available to staff

Teambuilding activities including school volleyball, social hours, mid-year, and year-end celebrations

 
*Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.    
 

Paraprofessionals are required to obtain 60 college credit hours or have passed the ParaPro Assessment (before September 23, 2013) or the Paraprofessional Assessment (September 23, 2013 or after) or completed the 20HR Substitute Certificate Course in order to work under the direct supervision of an appropriately certified teacher to provide instructional assistance.

Learn more about the ParaPro Assessment here

https://dese.mo.gov/educator-quality/certification/how-do-i-become-paraprofessional-and-do-i-need-be-certified

Additional Preferred Experience: 

• Experience with children with special needs 
• Experience in a classroom setting