About this role
The Learning Community, a vibrant public charter school that centers the voices of students, families, and teachers seeks a collaborative, dedicated classroom paraprofessional who holds high expectations for all students. At The Learning Community we believe that literacy empowers each individual to have a voice, take social action and assume community responsibility. We grow teacher leaders, student leaders and community leaders. Day to Day Responsibilities: While this position is for Grade 6 currently there can be flexibility within the assignment in K-8 depending on student and school needs Providing classroom and small group support to middle grades and/or elementary students Supporting student success in all areas, including daily routines, academics, specials, developing self-regulation, developing self-advocacy, therapy groups, and any other appropriate classroom and school activity. Providing academic, behavioral, and social-emotional support as well as positive reinforcement for achieving specific goals. Collaborating with fellow team members to collect, track, and review student data and use it to improve instruction. Supporting the implementation of preventative regulation and de-escalation strategies as needed, including application of approved crisis management/restraint techniques and communicating progress with team and family. Building relationships with families through positive phone calls, providing updates about student progress and behavior, and being responsive to concerns. Meeting with coaches, manager, and others as needed to receive and act on feedback on performance. Other necessary duties to support the success of your students and our school (no more than 5% of your role). Team members in this position receive day-to-day guidance and plans from general education and special education teachers and are supervised by The Director of Social Emotional Learning. Minimum Qualifications: To be considered for this position, candidates must have an associate degree (or higher) in a relevant area or have completed an approved paraprofessional certification program OR must have a high school diploma and commit to completion of a required paraprofessional training program and examination within one calendar year from date of hire, must be a U.S. citizen or resident or have work visas. In addition, they must demonstrate: Strong relationship-building and academic engagement abilities with K-8 grade students. We need our paraprofessionals to support safe, fun, and rigorous learning environments, reinforce positive student behaviors, support high academic engagement, and assist with resetting the classroom expectations. In addition, we’re looking for individuals who are skilled in communicating with students and tailoring their approach to the needs of their learners. The right candidate is able to be a warm demander: to build deep and trusting relationships with students while creating accountability for how they show up and contribute to their own learning and the learning of others. Deep knowledge of de-escalation and behavioral support. Our paraprofessionals understand the importance of relationships with our students and hold them accountable while understanding the levels of socio-emotional support needed. Being a reliable, collaborative, and consistently strong colleague. Our teaching teams work closely together, have planning time weekly, and build on each other’s insights and strengths with students to meet their goals. At the Learning Community, teachers must be committed to healthy communication with others, working through conflict, supporting their team, and asking for the support they need. Strong problem-solving skills, and resilience. Our teachers bring creativity, problem-solving and an adaptable approach to most challenges, while keeping student safety and respect for our students, parents, and school community front and center in their choices. Strong emotional intelligence and communication skills - especially in conflict or for trickier decisions. The Learning Community aspires to be a reflective space that values thoughtful communication, strong professional relationships, and the ability to acknowledge mistakes, repair harm, and move forward together including leaders, team members, students, and families. Salary, Benefits and Other Details: Workday. This position is an hourly full-time role based at the Learning Community Charter School in Central Falls, Rhode Island, with paid vacation during typical school holidays, school year vacation/breaks, and summer vacation/break. While schedules may vary to suit the scheduling needs of our families, all team members in this role are expected to work 7:30-3:45pm most days except for Wednesdays where the hours are 7:30am-4:45pm due to whole team meetings, with a half-hour lunch/break every day. Additionally, the individual will be required to attend Summer Institute in August prior to the start of each school year. Salary. For this role, the starting hourly rate is $19.25/hr. Vacation and Benefits. In addition, we are proud to currently offer: Medical Insurance: 95% paid by LC regardless of plan type (single, family, etc.) $8k-$20k value, depending on type of coverage. 401k Retirement: No waiting period for voluntary contributions; 7% base salary match after 1 year of work. 3 years of work to be fully vested. Life Insurance: $50k life insurance plan free of charge while you are employed by LC. Time off: 10 paid sick days/5 paid personal days per year. Optional Insurance: Vision/Dental - 100% employee paid. 3% cost of living increase annually