FY27: Paraeducator Level III, Special Education (Autism), 7hrs/10mos, Cannon Road ES, 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 paraeducator may assist students with academic, behavioral, social, emotional, and physical support, including personal care and medical needs. The role may involve working with students who display physical and/or verbal aggression and participating in learning activities off school grounds. The focus is on facilitating student mastery of grade-level curriculum or Alternate Academic Achievement Standards, typically in specialized instructional settings.

This position also includes instructional and classroom management support, clerical tasks, and continuing planned instructional activities during a teacher's temporary absence. 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.

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

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for this paraeducator position, the candidate must already have uploaded to their profile one of the following:

• Unofficial university transcript with 48+ credits.
• Official transcript (if degree or credits were attained outside the U.S.) evaluated through an agency approved by the Maryland State Department of Education.
• Unofficial ParaPro Assessment result with a passing score.

Official documents will be requested at the time of hire.

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.

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 learning activities on and off school grounds.
• Facilitate student mastery of grade-level curriculum or Alternate Academic Achievement Standards.
• Provide instructional and classroom management support.
• Perform clerical tasks to support teachers and professional staff.
• Continue planned instructional activities during a teacher’s temporary absence.

Requirements

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.
• Proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking 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).

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 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.
• Option 2: At least 48 college credits and two years of experience in a structured setting (e.g., daycare, preschool, after-school program).
• Option 3: Two years of experience in a structured setting 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.

No certificate or license requirements for this position.