FY27: Paraeducator Level III, Special Education , Gaithersburg ES, 7hrs/10mos (Ad Closes 9/1/26)

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 assists 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 provides instructional, classroom management, and clerical support to 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.
• Manage and support students who may display physical and/or verbal aggression.
• Participate in learning activities off school grounds.
• 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 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.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and perform all required tasks.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, and read/write/speak English.
• Knowledge of child development, instructional strategies, and MCPS instructional goals and policies.
• Ability to assist with implementation of instructional programs and monitor student behavior.
• Ability to exhibit patience and work effectively with children, young adults, and staff.
• 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

These requirements are listed in order of preference:

• Option 1: Associate’s degree (required); Bachelor’s degree (preferred). College coursework must 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 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, 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 for the position.

No certificate or license is required.

Pay

The wage range for this position is $27.67 to $41.87 per hour, based on years of service.

Schedule

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

Benefits

For information about benefits, visit this link.