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