FY27: Paraeducator Level III, Special Education , RICA, 7 hrs/ 10 mos (Ad Closes 8/28/26)

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 needs. Responsibilities include attending to student personal care and medical needs, and may involve working with students who display physical and/or verbal aggression. The role may require 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 other professional staff in all classrooms or learning environments. All new paraeducators are hired at a grade 17 and may promote to a grade 18 after successfully completing the six-month probationary period and required training hours.

Physical Demands

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

Special Requirements

• Outside duty may be required.
• Must accommodate flexible scheduling and change of location and/or program, as needed.
• Continues planned instructional activities during teacher's temporary absence from the classroom.
• Specialized training (provided by MCPS) in alignment with assignment special education services required 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

• Full-time
• 10 working months
• Day shift

Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of child development, instructional strategies, and practices applicable to assignment, as well as instructional goals and policies of Montgomery County Public Schools.
• Ability to assist with implementation of the instructional program and participate in monitoring and ensuring appropriate student behavior.
• Ability to exhibit patient behavior and work effectively with children, young adults, and staff members.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and perform all required tasks.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to read, write, and speak English.
• Ability to interact with and support students with special needs.
• Knowledge of standard computer hardware and software such as 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).

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 the education field, such as behavior management or instructional strategies. One year of experience working with students in structured educational or academic situations is preferred. If no related education coursework, then 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 such as 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.

No certificate or license requirements.