[Summer 2024] Summer Paraprofessional - Elementary

Originally founded in 1991 as Harlem RBI, DREAM has grown to annually serve more than 2,500 youth across East Harlem and the South Bronx through a network of six PreK-12, extended-day, extended-year DREAM Charter Schools and community sports-based youth development programs. Through our commitment to rigorous academics, social-emotional learning, deep family and community engagement, and health and wellness, we create lifelong learners who are equipped to fulfill their vision of success in and out of the classroom. We dream big, as well, with an aggressive five-year plan to expand to serve 3,500 students across seven schools—growing our organization’s impact and leveling the playing field for all children. To learn more, visit wearedream.org.
DREAM is seeking a passionate Summer Program Paraprofessional to support students during our extended year summer program. The Paraprofessional will assist students for the entirety of the summer program with behavior interventions to support full participation in all summer program activities. 
This position will serve as a program support for students with regards to special education services and regulations. The Summer Program Paraprofessional will work closely with Summer Program Leaders to directly support students in behavioral need. They should be able to monitor students and manage their continuous progress through data collection and observation and provide information, support and training to students in need. 
The Summer Program Paraprofessional should be flexible, self-motivated, and a team player.  To be successful as a paraprofessional, the candidate should demonstrate patience, compassion, and empathy when working with students, as well as professionalism when representing DREAM.  The candidate should have strong management and organizational skills, as well as excellent communication and interpersonal skills.  
This is a part-time, hourly position. This position requires the employee to travel with a student or a group of students wherever they are participating in programming throughout the day in various locations such as a classroom at their current school building, walking to and from athletic fields, supporting students on athletic fields, supporting the student while traveling on a bus during weekly field trips, and supporting the student at the field trip location, among others.  

Responsibilities

• Serve as a guide in instructing students on proper classroom behavior
• Help teachers keep records and data regarding the implementation of student behavior plans
• Assist with implementing alternative schedules for students including breaks, incentives, etc.
• Reinforce lessons by reviewing material one-on-one for student in need
• Supervise a student or a group of students during all program hours.
• Maintain safety of students and act as a positive role model.
• De-escalate students and use counseling skills.
• Follow Functional Communication Protocols and Behavior Protocols to respond to students' behavior appropriately and successfully.
• Collaborate with the Teachers, Youth workers, Operations team, Program Manager, Assistant to address student needs in the classroom.
• Contribute productively to the program as a whole.
• Other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED, AA or 60 credits hours, required
• Passed the ParaPro Exam, strongly preferred
• Child Development Associates credential and/or coursework in early childhood education/human development, strongly preferred
• Experience working in special education and/or with individuals with autism/severe behavioral and academic issues, strongly preferred
• Have prior work or volunteer experience with children or students with special needs
• Be committed to meeting the needs of a diverse student population
• Have a track record of being a team player and community minded
• Excellent time-management skills and ability to work independently
• Passion for public schools
• Adherence to a high level of professional and ethical standards
• A desire to make a difference in the lives of our students, families and community
• A strong belief in the mission and values of DREAM, including the belief that all students can succeed, and a deep desire to make a difference in the lives of our students, families, and community.

Commitment

• Start date: 6/24/24
• End date: 08/02/2024
• Days & hours: Monday-Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• Dates and hours are subject to change

Locations

• DREAM Charter School East Harlem Elementary - 1991 Second Avenue, New York, NY
• DREAM Charter School Mott Haven Elementary -  20 Bruckner Boulevard, Bronx, NY
• DREAM Charter School Highbridge Elementary - 360 E 168th St, Bronx, NY 10456