Special Education Paraprofessional

Summary: The paraprofessional (Special Education) will support the teaching staff with the care and supervision of students with disabilities (IEP). Most times, this will require the paraprofessional to assist with the supervision of more than one student who has a disability. Overall, the paraprofessional will support the teaching team with the 

behavioral, educational, and social-emotional needs of the students with disabilities in the program/classroom. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: (This list is not exhaustive, additional duties will be reviewed during orientation)

• Assist student(s) with remaining seated and engaged during activities. 

• Provide redirection when necessary for student(s) who are off task. 

• Employ techniques to assist student(s) who are overstimulated. Such techniques are walking to the adjacent observation room until the student(s) has calmed down or taking the student(s) for a walk in the hallway. 

• Assist with transitions by consistently reviewing the visual schedules or giving verbal reminders of the upcoming tasks. 

• When necessary, use hand-over-hand assistance with cleaning up and putting items/toys away.

• Encourage and/or model initiation of play with peers during choice time and while on the playground.

• Offer breaks. 

• Ensure that students do not leave the classroom unattended and to the reduce risk of elopement. 

• Provide step by step directions and hand over hand assistance to aid in getting student(s) engaged in planned activities.

• For select students (using experience and judgement) allow the student(s) to take a break using a timer with warnings and transition them back to instruction or activity.

• Provide praise when the student(s) is on task.

• Use first/then strategies during hands-on activities.

• Model language and verbally narrate activities.

• Assists students as necessary with physical needs including feeding, toileting, lifting, and mobility. 

Requirements

1. Must be able to work with students with diverse needs and exhibit a lot of patience.
2. Must be able to understand and share the feelings of students to build trust and rapport.
3. Must be adaptable to different situations and student needs is crucial.
4. Must communicate clearly and effectively with students, teachers, and parents.
5. Must be able to work well with teachers, therapists, and other staff members to support students.
6. Must be aware of and respectful towards the diverse cultural backgrounds of students.
7. Must pay full attention to students and understand their needs and concerns.
8. Must be able to build positive relationships with students and colleagues.
9. Must show kindness and understanding towards students’ challenges.
10. Must be able to find effective solutions to various challenges that arise in the classroom.
11. Ability to speak, read, and write fluently in Spanish preferred.

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Training & Development