2026 - 2027 Special Education - Paraprofessional

Essential Duties

• Adapts classroom activities, assignments and/or materials for the purpose of supporting and reinforcing classroom goals and objectives.
• Administers classroom assignments for the purpose of supporting teachers in the instructional process.
• Assists students, individually or in small groups, with lesson assignments for the purpose of practicing and/or reinforcing learning concepts and assisting students in reaching academic goals and grade level standards.
• Communicates with teachers for the purpose of assisting in evaluating progress and/or implementing classroom objectives.
• Maintains classroom equipment, work area, and manual and electronic files and records for the purpose of ensuring availability of items; providing written reference; providing a safe learning environment; and/or meeting mandated requirements.
• Maintains a safe and positive learning environment by monitoring individual and/or groups of students in a variety of settings.
• Performs general clerical tasks for the purpose of helping the teacher get instructional materials ready.
• Reports observations and incidents relating to specific students for the purpose of communicating information to appropriate instructional and/or administrative personnel.
• Prepares and maintains accurate records.
• May assist in changing all students' diapers, sanitary napkins, and clothing.
• May assist with those students needing to be fed.
• May assist with personal care, wiping nose or drool, hand washing and body care.

Minimum Qualifications

• A high school diploma or GED.
• Tier 1: Completed at least 48 credit hours of college study, passed the OGET test, passed the Education Testing Service Parapro Assessment Test (passing score is 455), and passed the Workkeys Assessment (passing score is 3 or better on all three parts).
• Tier 2 (Special Education): In addition to Tier 1, completed OSDE special education paraprofessional training through Pepper, career technology centers, or other state-approved training providers, obtained Cardiovascular Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)/First Aid certification, maintained current certification, completed six hours of professional development each year, and obtained OSDE Paraprofessional Credential ($10 fee).
• Ability to operate standard office equipment including basic computer software applications.
• Knowledge of child development stages and learning styles with age appropriate activities.
• Ability to schedule activities, gather data, and prioritize.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to identify issues and create action plans.
• Ability to adapt, maintain confidentiality, work as part of a team, and work with constant interruptions.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to communicate with diverse groups.

Physical/Mental Requirements

• Adequate manual dexterity to write legibly and perform required duties on the computer.
• Adequate visual acuity to read, interpret and transcribe written material and other required duties.
• Requires normal range of hearing and clear speaking abilities to interact appropriately with others in person and on the telephone.
• Sitting for prolonged periods of time.
• May periodically require work outside of normal business hours, including weekends, under sometimes stressful conditions in order to meet business needs and strict deadlines.