26 - Paraprofessional - Preschool Itinerant

About the Role

The Paraprofessional assists a certified teacher in providing instruction to individuals or small groups of students in Exceptional Student Services, helping students meet their IEP goals, attending to physical and health needs, and ensuring equal education opportunities for students with disabilities.

Responsibilities

• Assist a certificated teacher in providing instruction to students (Pre-K through Young Adult) in programs such as Autism Classrooms.
• Help students with disabilities meet the goals and objectives outlined in their Individualized Education Plan (IEP).
• Communicate with teachers to evaluate and implement IEP goals and objectives.
• Implement class-wide and individual behavior strategies to maintain a safe learning environment.
• Reinforce instruction, monitor student progress, and assist with lesson plans under the teacher’s direction.
• Assist students with personal hygiene tasks, including washing, toileting, diapering, dressing, and grooming.
• Mobilize students, including positioning and repositioning those using medical equipment, wheelchairs, or orthopedic devices.
• Operate medical, orthopedic, therapeutic, instructional, and office equipment.
• Assist with loading and unloading students from vehicles, wheelchairs, and gurneys.
• Respond to emergency behavioral situations using approved Crisis Preventative Intervention (CPI) procedures.
• Provide basic first aid and specialized health care as directed.
• Monitor and manage student behavior, following intervention plans and reporting progress.
• Perform clerical duties, such as preparing instructional materials, recording grades, and maintaining student files.
• Support teachers by setting up work areas, operating audio-visual equipment, and distributing materials.
• Proctor, monitor, and score assignments, tests, and quizzes.
• Assist in developing students’ self-help, social, and communication skills.
• Supervise students during lunch, recess, playground activities, and field trips.
• Maintain classroom cleanliness, order, and safety.
• Report concerns such as substance abuse, neglect, medical conditions, or potential suicide following district procedures.
• Participate in in-service and specialized trainings related to working with students with special needs.
• Maintain confidentiality of student records and information.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Highly Qualified Status under ESSA (pass Work Keys or Praxis test, 48 semester hours of college coursework, or an Associate’s Degree).
• Reliable transportation.
• Obtain and maintain CPR and First-Aid Certification within 3 months of employment.
• Obtain and maintain Crisis Preventative Intervention (CPI) training certification within 6 months of employment.
• Pass a District-designated post-offer lift test.
• Pass a fingerprint-based criminal background check and be cleared by the Office of Human Resources.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing.

Preferred Qualifications

• Verified First Aid and CPR training and recertification.
• Previous school district experience.

Skills and Knowledge

• Ability to communicate, interact, and work cooperatively with all individuals using tact, patience, and courtesy.
• Basic knowledge of subjects taught in District schools.
• Sound work ethic and a patient, receptive attitude toward children with special needs.
• Understanding of the district’s core values, including collaboration, equity, integrity, and respect for diversity.

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to stand, walk, sit, use hands, talk, and hear.
• Frequently required to reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Ability to carry 26–60 lbs. regularly, lift up to 75 lbs. occasionally, and rarely lift up to 100 lbs.
• Ability to push or pull up to 150 lbs. as needed.
• Must pass a District-required lift test.

Working Conditions

• Work primarily in a school/office environment with natural and fluorescent lighting.
• Fast-paced work with constant interruptions.
• Exposure to students and staff of various ages and abilities.
• May need to physically guide or assist students in crisis using approved CPI procedures.
• Potential contact with blood, body fluids, and communicable diseases.
• Daily work schedules vary based on student and school needs.

Benefits

Fringe benefits based on the PPEA Negotiated Agreement.

Pay

Salary follows the Paraprofessional Salary Schedule.

Schedule

158-day work year.