FY27: Combo Paraeducator Level II (Special Ed./Focus) & Lunch Hour Aide, Waters Landing ES, 4hr/10mo, Ad closes 8/26/26

About the Role

At the direction of the principal, this paraeducator performs a variety of tasks that promote student learning and well-being to support students with Individualized Education Programs (IEP). The paraeducator may assist students with academic, behavioral, social, emotional, and physical support, both in general education classes and specialized instructional settings. Responsibilities include facilitating student mastery of grade-level curriculum or Alternate Academic Achievement Standards, managing behaviors, and providing individualized or small group instruction.

This is a combination position:

• 6552 Level II, 1-hour of Home School Model (Special Ed) para
• 6491, 2-hours of Lunch Hour Aide (lunch & recess supervision) (paid at level II)
• 6604 Level I, 1-hour of Focus, Title I para

Paraeducators in this class support the following special education services: PEP, Transition, DHOH, Speech, Vision, Physical Impairments, Elementary Learning Center, Bridge, Autism Resource Services (ARS), and Autism Connections.

All new paraeducators are hired at a grade 15 and may promote to a grade 16 after successfully completing the six-month probationary period and required training hours.

Responsibilities

• Support students with IEPs in mastering grade-level curriculum or Alternate Academic Achievement Standards.
• Manage behaviors that impact students' ability to access the curriculum.
• Assist in general education classes and specialized instructional settings.
• Provide individualized or small group instruction.
• Perform instructional and classroom management supports.
• Complete related clerical tasks to support teachers and professional staff.
• Continue planned instructional activities during a teacher's temporary absence.
• Participate in learning activities off school grounds as required.
• Accommodate flexible scheduling, change of location, and/or program as needed.

Physical Demands

• Frequent bending, walking, and lifting of objects/equipment up to 50 pounds.
• Outside duty may be required.

Requirements

• Knowledge of child development, instructional strategies, and MCPS instructional goals and policies.
• Ability to assist with implementation of instructional programs and monitor student behavior.
• Patience and effectiveness in working with children, young adults, and staff.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and perform required tasks.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Ability to interact with and support students with special needs.
• Knowledge of standard computer hardware/software (e.g., Google Workspace, MS Office, web-based instructional tools).
• Ability to quickly learn and meet the seven core competencies of the Supporting Services Professional Growth System (SSPGS).

Qualifications

Education, training, and experience requirements (in order of preference):

• Associate’s degree (required); Bachelor’s degree preferred. College coursework should include a minimum of nine credit-hours in education-related fields such as behavior management or instructional strategies. One year of experience working with students in structured educational settings preferred. If no related coursework, two to four years of experience with children/adolescents in structured settings (e.g., daycare, preschool) is required.
• At least 48 college credits and two years of experience in a structured setting (e.g., daycare, preschool, after-school program).
• Two years of experience in a structured setting and successful completion of the ParaPro Assessment with a qualifying score of 455 or higher.
• Any combination of applicable education, training, and experience that provides the necessary knowledge, abilities, and skills.

Pay

The wage range for this position is between $26.23 and $40.17 per hour, based on years of service.

Schedule

• Part-time
• 10 working months
• Day shift

Benefits

For information about benefits, visit this link.