About this role
Early Childhood Learning Center Paraprofessional Wage/Hour Status: Nonexempt Reports to: Early Childhood Center Coordinator / Assigned Teacher Dept./School: Cotulla Early Childhood Learning Center Updated: 4/14/2025
Primary Purpose: Assist in fulfilling the daily instructional and licensing requirements at the Cotulla Early Childhood Learning Center. Support the instructional team in creating a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate environment for early childhood-aged children.
Qualifications: Education/Certification: • High school diploma or GED (required) • Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential (required) • College coursework in Early Childhood Education (preferred) • Current certification in CPR and First Aid (required) • Valid Texas driver's license (required)
Special Knowledge/Skills: • Understanding of early childhood development and care practices • Ability to communicate effectively with children, staff, and parents • Ability to follow verbal and written instructions • Basic proficiency in operating computers, copiers, and fax machines • Commitment to confidentiality and child safety
Experience: • Some experience working with early childhood-aged children • Some experience communicating with parents • Experience using office and classroom equipment (computer, copier, etc.)
Major Responsibilities and Duties: Instructional Support 1. Prepare lesson plans and classroom materials/displays as directed by the teacher. 2. Assist in completing required documentation, including incident, accident, ADA, conference, health, and narrative forms. 3. Help maintain a clean, organized, and developmentally appropriate classroom environment. 4. Support children's activities during indoor and outdoor play, learning stations, and transitions. 5. Change diapers and assist with toileting as needed, following proper hygiene protocols. 6. Supervise children at all times, including during nap time, meals, recess, and transitions.
Licensing and Compliance 7. Maintain records and procedures to meet Texas Child Care Licensing standards. 8. Attend weekend or evening training as needed to complete the annual 30-hour training requirement. 9. Help maintain accurate attendance, incident, and health records as required by regulation. 10. Work flexible hours and assist in daily schedules to meet staff-child ratio requirements.
Communication and Professionalism 11. Communicate respectfully and effectively with children, parents, and staff. 12. Maintain strict confidentiality in all matters concerning students and families. 13. Participate in staff meetings, professional development, and special school events. 14. Attendance is an Essential Job Function
Supervisory Responsibilities: • None
Equipment Used: • Copier, fax machine, laminator, computer, classroom materials, and developmentally appropriate tools
Working Conditions: Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors: • Maintain emotional control under stress • Frequent standing, walking, bending, and stooping • Moderate lifting (up to 35 lbs. when assisting children) • Exposure to biological hazards (e.g., changing diapers, cleaning spills) • Work inside and outside in varied weather conditions