FY27: Paraeducator Level III, Special Education Itinerant, 7hrs/10mos, Carl Sandburg Learning Center, Ad Closes 8/13/26

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. Responsibilities include attending to student personal care and medical needs, and may require working with students who display physical and/or verbal aggression. The role may involve participating in learning activities off school grounds and facilitating student mastery of grade-level curriculum or Alternate Academic Achievement Standards. Students supported typically participate in specialized instructional settings throughout the school day.

This position also performs instructional and classroom management supports, as well as related clerical tasks to support 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

• Assist with implementation of instructional programs and monitor student behavior.
• Support students with academic, behavioral, social, emotional, and physical needs.
• Attend to student personal care and medical needs.
• Participate in learning activities off school grounds as required.
• Facilitate student mastery of grade-level curriculum or Alternate Academic Achievement Standards.
• Perform instructional and classroom management supports, including clerical tasks.
• Continue planned instructional activities during a teacher’s temporary absence.

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

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

Qualifications

• Knowledge of child development, instructional strategies, and MCPS instructional goals and policies.
• Ability to assist with instructional programs, monitor student behavior, and exhibit patience.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and communicate effectively in 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 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 preferred. If no related coursework, two to four years of experience working with children/adolescents in a structured setting (e.g., daycare, preschool) 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 (e.g., daycare, preschool, adult day program) 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 required knowledge, abilities, and skills.

No certificate or license requirements.