FY27: Paraeducator Level II, Special Education Itinerant, East Silver Spring ES, 6.5hrs/10mo, Ad extended 8/27/26

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. Responsibilities include managing behaviors that impact a student’s ability to access the curriculum, supporting students in general education classes or specialized instructional settings, and providing individualized or small group reinforcement of instruction.

This position also involves instructional and classroom management support, clerical tasks, and continuing planned instructional activities during a teacher’s temporary absence. All new paraeducators are hired at a grade 15 and may promote to a grade 16 after completing a six-month probationary period and required training hours.

Responsibilities

• Support students with Individualized Education Programs (IEP) in academic, behavioral, social, emotional, and physical domains.
• Facilitate student mastery of grade-level curriculum or Alternate Academic Achievement Standards.
• Manage behaviors that impact a student’s ability to access the curriculum.
• Assist students in general education classes and/or specialized instructional settings.
• Provide individualized or small group reinforcement of instruction.
• Perform instructional and classroom management support tasks.
• Handle related clerical tasks to support teachers and professional staff.
• Continue planned instructional activities during a teacher’s temporary absence.
• Support and lift up to 60 pounds for a male student in a wheelchair.
• Participate in learning activities off school grounds as required.

Physical Demands

• Frequent bending, walking, and lifting of objects/equipment up to 50 pounds (up to 60 pounds for specific student support).
• Outside duty may be required.
• Ability to accommodate flexible scheduling, change of location, and/or program as needed.

Requirements

Candidates must meet one of the following education and experience combinations:

• Option 1: Associate’s degree (Bachelor’s preferred) with at least 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.
• 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 education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, abilities, and skills.

No certificate or license is required.

Skills

• Knowledge of child development, instructional strategies, and MCPS instructional goals and policies.
• Ability to assist with implementing instructional programs and monitoring 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.
• Proficiency with 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).

Pay

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

Schedule

• Part-time.
• 10 working months per year.
• Day shift.

Benefits

For information about benefits, visit this link.