Preschool Screener (Part-Time) 2025-26 presso Columbia

(Using a computer is suggested to complete application. Phones are not always compatible.)

POSITION PROPERTIES

PURPOSE

The preschool screener conducts developmental screenings of children aged 3-5 years to assist in identification of those students who are appropriate for the CPS Preschool Program and/or those students who may have developmental delays and require further assessment or support services. The preschool screener will use a standardized measurement tool to screen skills in the areas of Motor, Concepts and Language. Parents will complete a standardized social/emotional/behavioral questionnaire. In addition, screenings will be completed in the areas of general health and well-being, height, weight, vision and hearing. This position is part-time, 15 hours a week.

Key responsibilities include preparing screening protocols/paperwork, interpreting results from parent questionnaire, conducting standardized vision and hearing screenings, checking dental health, nutrition and height and weight, recording screening results, sharing results with parents and administrators, and maintaining confidentiality of all information regarding the child/family.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare for Screenings:

Ensure that there is an ample supply of protocols, cutting cards and summary sheets. Send reminder to family via email or text prior to screening. Set up screening areas and prepare all necessary paperwork and materials before each session.

• Greet families:

This is often the first experience families will have with the public school system, and many are nervous or anxious about the screening. So do all that you can to help them feel welcome, safe and positive.

• Conduct Screenings:

Administer age-appropriate, standardized developmental screenings to assess a child's skills in all developmental areas.

• Identify Potential Delays:

Identify potential developmental delays or issues in areas such as motor, concepts and language, as well as any concerns with general health and well-being, behavior, vision or hearing.

• Communicate with Parents/Guardians:

Ensure that the family member with the child is listed on the birth certificate before sharing results (if no birth certificate is presented by parent, results may not be shared until birth certificate is obtained).

Ask parents to reiterate their concerns before sharing results.

Clearly explain screening results to parents or guardians and provide them with a screening summary and feedback. Answer all questions posed by parents. If children exhibit concerns in any areas, provide parents with information about next steps (e.g., follow up with vision and hearing, discuss team meetings in which students are referred for further screening/evaluation from the Early Childhood Special Education team, possible referral to Headstart, etc.).

Follow up via email with those parents who are not able to receive results following the screening.

• Document and Record:

Make sure date of screening and age of child is on the screening summary.Accurately record all screening information (including scores, intelligibility, percentile ranks, ASQ-SE, height, weight, immunizations) on official forms and enter all information into Tableau in a timely manner.

• Maintain Confidentiality:

Uphold the strict confidentiality of all screening information and patient data.

• Follow District Policies:

All employees of the District are expected to adhere to the policies and regulations of the Board of Education, maintain appropriate certification and competencies necessary for the position, and demonstrate the values of the district at all times. For information on polices, regulations and values, visit http://www.cpsk12.org.

Perform other duties as necessary to support the mission and vision of Columbia Public School District.

DISTRICT EXPECTATIONS

All employees of the District are expected to adhere to the policies and regulations of the Board of Education, maintain appropriate certification and competencies necessary for the position, and demonstrate the values of the district at all times. For information on polices, regulations and values, visit http://www.cpsk12.org.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

Reports To:       Director of Preschool 

Supervises:       None

SALARY

Commensurate prorated based on hours worked & remaining days.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum:        

• Degree in Early Childhood, Early Childhood Special Education, Elementary Education, or related field
• Experience working with young children
• Professional flexibility to accommodate the needs of families

Preferred:         

• Experience with screening instruments for young children
• Knowledge of community resources
• Knowledge of Columbia Public Schools

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

ADA REQUIREMENTS

Language:  Read, analyze and interpret professional journals, Board policy, administrative procedures and   forms and governmental regulations and guidance; Complete forms and write reports; Present information effectively and respond to questions. These are essential functions of the job.

Reasoning:  Solve a variety of problems in many different situations; Interpret instructions presented in written or oral form; Apply knowledge of current professional theory and instructional techniques while presenting subject matter to students. These are essential functions of the job.

Other skills and Abilities:  Identify needs and abilities of individual students and to adapt instructional methods accordingly; Establish and maintain effective relationships with students, colleagues, and parents; Perform multiple tasks simultaneously. These are essential functions of the job.

Technology: Perform basic computer functions such as word processing and internet use. These are essential functions of the job.

Physical Demands: Work in an environment that requires sitting with students and exerting up to 10 pounds of force; Consistent and regular attendance is an essential function of this position. These are essential functions of the job.

Attendance: Consistent and regular attendance is an essential function of this position.

Conditions and Environment:  The individual who holds this position will regularly work in a school environment that is frequently noisy and active. These are essential functions of the job.

Prospective and current employees with disabilities are encouraged to contact human resources to discuss reasonable accommodations to perform the essential job functions. 

Equal Opportunity Employer