FY27: Paraeducator Level II _PEP, 7hrs/10mos, Brown Station ES (Ad closes 8/10/26)

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, facilitating mastery of grade-level curriculum or Alternate Academic Achievement Standards. Students supported typically participate in general education classes and specialized instructional settings, with possible pull-out for individualized or small-group instruction.

This position also provides instructional and classroom management support, as well as related clerical tasks to assist teachers and professional staff. Paraeducators in this role support special education services including 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 grade 16 after completing a six-month probationary period and required training hours.

Preschool Education Program (PEP) Paraeducator

This role provides instructional, behavioral, and physical support to preschool-aged children (ages 3–5) with developmental delays and disabilities. Operating within a transdisciplinary early intervention model, the paraeducator supports students across multiple learning settings (e.g., PEP Classic, PEP INC, PEP Collaboration, or PEP PILOT). The PEP Paraeducator collaborates with classroom teachers, related service providers (Speech-Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, and Physical Therapists), and parent educators to deliver explicit, individualized instruction aligned with IEP goals.

Responsibilities

• Support student mastery of grade-level curriculum or Alternate Academic Achievement Standards.
• Manage behaviors that impact students' ability to access curriculum.
• Assist with instructional programs and monitor appropriate student behavior.
• Perform 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, or program as needed.
• Complete specific training required for the role.

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 policies.
• Ability to assist with instructional programs and ensure appropriate 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 tools).
• Ability to quickly learn and meet the seven core competencies of the Supporting Services Professional Growth System (SSPGS).

Qualifications

Requirements are listed in order of preference:

• Option 1: Associate’s degree (required); Bachelor’s degree (preferred). College coursework must include at least nine credit-hours in education-related fields (e.g., behavior management, instructional strategies). One year of experience working with students in structured educational settings is preferred. If no related coursework, two to four years of experience in a structured setting (e.g., daycare, preschool) is required.
• Option 2: At least 48 college credits and two years of experience in a structured setting (e.g., daycare, preschool, after-school program).
• Option 3: Two years of experience in a structured setting and successful completion of the ParaPro Assessment with a qualifying score of 455 or higher.
• Option 4: Any combination of applicable education, training, and experience that provides the necessary knowledge, abilities, and skills.

No certificate or license requirements.

Pay

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

Benefits

For information about benefits, visit this link.

Schedule

• Full-time, 10-month position.
• Day shift.
• Primary location: Brown Station Elementary School, Gaithersburg.