FY27: Paraeducator Level II, Special Education Learning Center, Flora M. SInger ES, 7hr/10mo, Ad closes 8/18/26

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 participate with students in learning activities off school grounds and assist with academic, behavioral, social, emotional, and physical support. Work focuses on facilitating student mastery of grade-level curriculum or Alternate Academic Achievement Standards and managing behaviors that impact access to the curriculum. Students supported typically participate in general education classes and specialized instructional settings, with possible pull-out for individualized or small-group instruction. This role also provides instructional and classroom management support, as well as clerical tasks to assist teachers and professional staff.

All new paraeducators are hired at a grade 15 and may promote to a grade 16 after successfully completing a six-month probationary period and required training hours. This position supports special education services including PEP, Transition, DHOH, Speech, Vision, Physical Impairments, Elementary Learning Center, Bridge, Autism Resource Services (ARS), and Autism Connections.

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 students' ability to access the curriculum.
• Assist in general education classes and specialized instructional settings, including pull-out instruction.
• Provide instructional and classroom management support to teachers and professional staff.
• Perform related clerical tasks to support classroom operations.
• Continue planned instructional activities during the teacher's temporary absence.
• Accommodate flexible scheduling, change of location, and/or program as needed.
• Complete specific training required for the role.

Requirements

• Frequent bending, walking, and lifting of objects/equipment up to 50 pounds may be required.
• Ability to work outside and accommodate flexible scheduling or location changes.
• Knowledge of child development, instructional strategies, and MCPS policies.
• Ability to assist with 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 tools).
• Ability to learn and meet the seven core competencies of the Supporting Services Professional Growth System (SSPGS).

Qualifications

Preferred qualifications (in order of preference):

• Associate’s degree (required); Bachelor’s degree preferred. College coursework should include 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 is preferred.
• If no related education coursework, two to four years of experience working 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 $26.23 to $40.17 per hour, based on years of service.

Schedule

• Full-time, 10-month position.
• Day shift.

Benefits

For information about benefits, visit this link.