Meet Star Legere, a Proud Easterseals Paraprofessional

Star Legere has been a paraprofessional in Easterseals Northeast Central Florida’s classrooms for three years. In her position, she assists lead teachers and works with children on their individualized developmental goals, helping them reach – and surpass – them.

Star said she finds that many folks have a misconception about what it means to be a paraprofessional.

“One thing most people don’t understand about being a paraprofessional is that it’s not a babysitting job,” she said. “I’m there to help children grow to reach their fullest developmental potential and to care for their needs.”

Star is dedicated to children’s growth and understands how important her relationship with students’ families is.

“What I enjoy most about working with families through Easterseals is bonding with them,” said Star. “Connecting with the families helps me understand their children’s needs better.”

Star said she loves working in Easterseals’ team-focused environment; it has helped her become a better paraprofessional.

“There are other people (on my team) whom I can count on when I need help, or when I need to review ideas that most help the families we serve,” she said.

Star never stops pursuing learning opportunities; it’s one of the reasons she’s right at home on the IMPACT Team at Easterseals. IMPACT is a team of Easterseals leaders who are creating positive changes at the organization. The inaugural team was formed this spring as a result of strategic planning at Easterseals and is a method for enhancing employee engagement.

Personal growth and professional development remain important to Star.

“When I first began at Easterseals I had my CDA (Child Development Associate) credential,” she said, “and, through working with my encouraging coworkers, I now have my associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education.”

Star has immediate plans to continue her professional development too: She will be pursuing her director’s credential in late summer.

“When people think about Easterseals, I hope they think of the caring and loving people that help their children reach their developmental goals,” said Star. “It’s a happy environment.”

Indeed, with Star on the Easterseals team, it seems that her students’ potential – as well as her own –  has no limits at all.

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If you have a love of teaching or an interest in helping children and adults with disabilities reach their fullest potential, you may have a place at Easterseals. All current job opportunities may not be available online, so contact HR Generalist Fran DeCinto at careers@esnecfl.org  for more information. In the meantime, complete our application for employment opportunities, available here. Additionally, Easterseals has partnered with GettingHired.com, an online resource that connects people with disabilities to employers in search of qualified jobseekers with disabilities. Visit www.GettingHired.com to open your door to opportunity!
 
Easterseals of Northeast Central Florida serves the region with facilities in Daytona Beach, DeLand, Bunnell, and Leesburg. To learn more about Easterseals of Northeast Central Florida, please visit  www.eastersealsnecfl.org.
Easterseals of Northeast Central Florida serves the region with facilities in Daytona Beach, DeLand, Bunnell, and Leesburg. To learn more about Easterseals of Northeast Central Florida, please visit  www.eastersealsnecfl.org.

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