FY27: Paraeducator Level III, Special Education, 6hrs/10mos, Carl Sandburg Learning Center, Ad Closes 8/28/26

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 assist students with academic, behavioral, social, emotional, and physical support needs, including personal care and medical assistance. Work may involve supporting students who display physical and/or verbal aggression and participating in off-campus learning activities. The role focuses on facilitating student mastery of grade-level curriculum or Alternate Academic Achievement Standards, typically in specialized instructional settings.

This position also performs instructional and classroom management supports, as well as related 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 successfully 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.
• 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 related clerical tasks.
• Continue planned instructional activities during a teacher’s temporary absence.
• Complete specialized training (provided by MCPS) in alignment with special education services within 6 months of starting.

Physical Demands

• Frequent bending, walking, kneeling, running, and lifting of objects/equipment up to 50 pounds.

Special Requirements

• Outside duty may be required.
• Must accommodate flexible scheduling, change of location, and/or program as needed.

Pay

The wage range for this position is between $28.57 and $44.10 per hour, based on years of service.

Schedule

• Part-time
• 10 working months
• Day shift

Requirements

Education, Training, and Experience

Requirements are listed in order of preference:

• Option 1: Associate’s degree (required). Bachelor’s degree preferred. College coursework should include a minimum of nine credit-hours related to education, 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.
• Option 2: At least 48 college credits and two years of experience in a structured setting (e.g., daycare, preschool, adult day program, after-school program, extended day, or school/non-school based departments).
• Option 3: Two years of experience in a structured setting (e.g., daycare, preschool, adult day program, after-school program, extended day, or school/non-school based departments) and successful completion of the ParaPro Assessment with a qualifying score of 455 or higher.
• Option 4: Any combination of applicable education, training, and experience that provides the necessary knowledge, abilities, and skills to perform effectively in the position.

Skills

• 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, including Google Workspace, MS Office, and web-based instructional tools.
• Knowledge of and ability to quickly learn and meet the seven core competencies of the Supporting Services Professional Growth System (SSPGS).