FY27: Paraeducator Level II, Special Education, 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 role may require participation in learning activities off school grounds and assisting students with academic, behavioral, social, emotional, and physical support needs.

The paraeducator facilitates student mastery of grade-level curriculum or Alternate Academic Achievement Standards and manages behaviors that impact access to the curriculum. Students supported typically participate in general education classes and specialized instructional settings, with individualized or small-group instruction as needed.

This position 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 grade 16 after completing a six-month probationary period and required training hours.

This paraeducator will specifically support a 1st-grade male student in a general education classroom, focusing on behavioral support for the student and his classmates.

Supported special education services include: 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 classrooms and specialized instructional settings.
• Provide individualized or small-group instruction as needed.
• Perform instructional and classroom management support tasks.
• Complete related clerical tasks to support teachers and professional staff.
• Continue planned instructional activities during the teacher's temporary absence.
• Participate in learning activities off school grounds when required.
• Accommodate flexible scheduling, change of location, and/or program as needed.

Requirements

Physical Demands

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

Education, Training, and Experience

Requirements listed 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 education coursework, two to four years of experience working with children and adolescents in a structured setting (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 may be considered.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• 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.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to read, write, and speak 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).

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: Benefits Information.