ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS -- Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class. Employees are required to be in attendance and prepared to begin work at their assigned work location on the specified days and hours. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions, but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Assists students with educational programs and special assignments; performs duties within scope of authority and training, and in compliance with MPS policies, and the Standards of Effective Instructional Support for Educational Assistants; duties will vary according to job assignment.
• Assists MPS teachers and staff to facilitate educational functions and other services to maintain a safe and productive learning environment; works with students to reinforce classroom learning and improve personal skills; assists teachers with managing classroom, materials and student behavior.
• Assists students in learning processes; reinforces positive behavior, provides individual instruction, encourages socialization and good communications.
• Administers a variety of school programs, student services, community services, special assignments, and educational programs in support of MPS goals; including MPS program outreach & marketing, grant program oversight, bi-lingual & hearing-impaired translator/interpreter, student testing, after- school activities, recreation programs, media & technology, security, student behavior support, community relations, transportation, mentoring & tutoring, volunteers, attendance & truancy, English Language Learning, vocational training, accounting & budgets, and special events.
• Monitors and supervises student activities; promotes respect, supports diversity, explains social norms and disciplinary consequences, de-escalates personal confrontations, and enforces District policies and rules of conduct.
• Assists students to achieve learning objectives with individual assistance and small group sessions.
• Monitors assigned students, and records data for academic and behavioral assessments; maintains files, and keeps records of student progress and activities; assures all required written reports are completed and submitted on a daily basis.
• Reports learning problems, behavioral issues, and other concerns to supervisor or Principal.
• Communicates with parents, students and staff to convey pertinent information while maintaining confidentiality of personal information.
• Provides general office and administrative support for assigned program.
• Provides customer service to parents and guardians, answers questions, and explains school rules.
• Demonstrates courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with students, clients, visitors, and MPS staff; acts in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace environment
• Enthusiastically promotes the Superintendent’s goals and priorities in compliance with all policies and procedures.
• Maintains absolute confidentiality of work-related issues, records and MPS information.
• Other duties or tasks may be assigned on an as-needed basis
• At times may be required to work outside normal business hours and work extended hours to accomplish requirements of the position.

CLASS DESIGNATIONS

Classroom Support: Assist licensed staff in classrooms to maintain a positive learning environment and reinforce classroom learning.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED 

Completion of 90 quarter/60 semester college credits

OR

A passing score of 460 (or higher) on the ParaPro assessment AND either a high school diploma or a GED certificate (For more information on the ParaPro Assessment, contact Educational Testing Service at 1-800-772-9476 or www.ets.org/parapro)

AND

Two years of experience working with children. Additional education or training may substitute for experience, at the discretion of Human Resources.  Related experience may also be considered, at the discretion of Human Resources

Knowledge of:

• Applicable policies, procedures and regulations covering specific areas of assignment.
• Classroom policies, procedures and processes.
• If assigned to bilingual class designation, knowledge of specific language assigned
• Methods and techniques to assist students in reading, writing and mathematics.
• Methods and techniques for working with students with disabilities and special needs.
• Specialized MPS and state agency software applications and procedures.
• Local community resources and regional community services programs.
• Principles of record keeping and records management.
• Personal computers utilizing standard and specialized software.
• Safety rules and regulations.

Skill in:

• Monitoring and improving student behavior and learning skills.
• Assisting children and special needs students, and assessing educational needs.
• Maintaining composure, and working effectively under classroom conditions.
• Administering educational and school support programs.
• Reacting quickly to situations that could create personal stress and safety problems.
• Communicating effectively with children.
• If assigned to bilingual class designation, skill in specific language assigned.
• Collaborating as a team member, with colleagues, staff and community representatives.
• Following verbal and written instructions.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with co-workers, clients and community agencies.
• Effective verbal and written communication.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

A valid Minnesota State Driver’s License may be required. First Aid, CPR, and AED training is required within one year of hire. Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) training may be required within one year of hire, based on assignment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in a classroom and a general office environment, with moderate physical requirements; requires occasionally lifting such articles as file boxes or heavier materials with help from others and/or lifting and carrying light objects frequently. Jobs in this category may require walking or standing to a significant degree, long periods of working with computers, and working with children. Must be able to lift 40 pounds; may be required to physically restrain students if they are at risk of hurting themselves or others.