FY27: Paraeducator Level III, Special Education - 6 hrs / 10 mos, Wayside ES, Ad closes 8/14/26

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 role involves assisting students with academic, behavioral, social, emotional, and physical support, including personal care and medical needs. The position may require managing students who display physical and/or verbal aggression and participating in off-campus learning activities. The focus is on facilitating student mastery of grade-level curriculum or Alternate Academic Achievement Standards, typically in specialized instructional settings. Additional responsibilities include instructional and classroom management support, as well as clerical tasks to assist teachers and professional staff.

All new paraeducators are hired at a grade 17 and may promote to a grade 18 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.
• Assist with personal care and medical needs of students.
• Manage students who may display physical and/or verbal aggression.
• Participate in off-campus learning activities with students.
• Facilitate student mastery of grade-level curriculum or Alternate Academic Achievement Standards in specialized instructional settings.
• Provide instructional and classroom management support to teachers and professional staff.
• Perform clerical tasks to support classroom operations.
• Continue planned instructional activities during a teacher’s temporary absence.
• Accommodate flexible scheduling, change of location, and/or program as needed.

Physical Demands

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

Requirements

• Specialized training (provided by MCPS) in alignment with special education services required within 6 months of starting.
• 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.
• Proficiency with 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

These requirements are 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 is preferred. If no related coursework, two to four years of experience working with children/adolescents in a structured setting (e.g., daycare, preschool) is required.
• OR at least 48 college credits and two years of experience in a structured setting (e.g., daycare, preschool, after-school program, extended day, or school/non-school-based departments).
• OR two years of experience in a structured setting and successful completion of the ParaPro Assessment with a qualifying score of 455 or higher.
• OR any combination of applicable education, training, and experience that provides the necessary knowledge, abilities, and skills for the position.

Pay

The wage range for this position is between $28.57 and $44.10 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: Wayside Elementary School, Potomac.