SpED Paraprofessional

• Works with individual students or in small groups to reinforce learning of materials or skills initially introduced and outlined by certified staff.
• Assists the certified staff in devising special strategies for reinforcing learning materials and skills based on a sympathetic understanding of individual students, their needs, interests, and abilities.
• Supervises students in instructional spaces, lunchroom, on field trips, entering and exiting the bus, with or without licensed staff present.
• Observe in the classroom and documents students’ academic and social behaviors.
• Meets regularly with mainstream teachers regarding student’s academic progress.
• Communicates, formally and informally, issues regarding students’ needs to the licensed programming personnel.
• Participates in student IEP (individual education plan) meetings; provides feedback on student progress.
• Participates in developing new goals for student; implements and creates curriculum modifications that will help student achieve these goals.
• Collects and charts data concerning student goals, objectives, and behavioral incidents.
• Follows third party billing protocol and procedures as directed.
• Reinforces positive student behavior.
• Assists with de-escalation, redirection, and observation monitoring.
• Assists with development and implementation of behavior plans.
• Assists with self-help skills including feeding, dressing, and toileting.
• Assists with mobility problems, including lifting and moving students.
• Promotes and supports the overall mission of the District by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with public and staff; acts in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace environment.

 
 
QUALIFICATIONS:
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, skill, and/or ability required.
 
Education and Experience:

• Two (2) years post-secondary education OR a passing ParaPro Score.
• One (1) year of experience working with children.
• OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

 
Required Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations:

• Continued employment is contingent upon all required licenses and certificates being maintained in active status without suspension or revocation.
• Driver’s license.

 
Required Knowledge and Skills
 
Required Knowledge:

• Classroom policies, procedures, and processes.
• Methods and techniques to assist students in reading, writing and mathematics.
• Methods and techniques for working with students with disabilities and special needs.
• Local community resources and regional community services programs.
• Computer applications related to the work.
• Correct business English, including spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

 
Required Skills:

• Monitoring and improving student behavior and learning skills.
• Assisting children and special needs students and assessing educational needs.
• Maintaining composure and working effectively under classroom conditions.
• Reacting quickly to situations that could create personal stress and safety problems.
• Communicating effectively with children.
• Following verbal and written instructions.
• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.
• Contributing effectively to the accomplishment of team or work unit goals, objectives and activities.
• Commitment to the District mission, which is to ensure high quality, innovative, challenging education where all learners are valued and respected.
• Performing assigned responsibilities in a manner consistent with the District’s established Core Values.
• Advancing the District’s mission and values through careful attention to the key issues of Learning, Environment, and Resources.

 
PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:
The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
 
Work is performed in a classroom environment, with moderate physical requirements; a job in this category requires stamina to walk or stand to a significant degree, working with special needs children; strength to lift and carry up to 50 pounds; vision to read printed materials and computer screens; and hearing and speech to communicate in person or over the telephone. 
 
WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

• Work is performed in a school setting.
• Occasional travel is required to locations throughout the District.

 
Compensation and Hours:

• $20.33 – $25.62 hourly.
• 32.5 hours per week.