/FY27: Paraeducator Level II, Special Education Learning Center, Mill Creek Towne E.S., 7 hrs/10mons, Ad Closes /

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. The role also involves instructional and classroom management support, clerical tasks, and continuing planned instructional activities during a teacher's temporary absence.

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 a six-month probationary period and required training hours.

Physical Demands

• Frequent bending, walking, and lifting of objects/equipment up to 50 pounds.
• Outside duty may be required.
• Must accommodate flexible scheduling, change of location, and/or program as needed.
• May require specific training to fulfill the role.

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.
• Provide individualized or small group instruction in general education or specialized settings.
• 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.

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 and 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

One of the following combinations of education, training, and experience:

• Preferred: Associate’s degree (Bachelor’s degree preferred) with 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. If no related coursework, two to four years of experience with children/adolescents in structured settings (e.g., daycare, preschool).
• At least 48 college credits and two years of experience in a structured setting (e.g., daycare, preschool, after-school program, extended day).
• 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 required 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.

Schedule

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

Benefits

For information about benefits, visit: Benefits Information.