FY27: Substitute Paraeducator, Special Education - 6 hrs / 10 mos, Wayside ES, TPT,

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 be required to assist students with various needs related to academic, behavioral, social, emotional, and physical support. Successful student support will include attending to student personal care and medical needs and may require work with students that display physical and/or verbal aggression. The paraeducator at this level may be required to participate with students in learning activities off of school grounds. The paraeducator work at this level is focused on facilitating the student mastery of grade-level curriculum or mastery of Alternate Academic Achievement Standards. The students supported at this level typically participate in specialized instructional settings throughout the school day. This position also performs a variety of instructional and classroom management supports, as well as related clerical tasks to support teachers and other professional staff in all classrooms or learning environments.

Responsibilities

• Assist with implementation of the instructional program
• Participate in monitoring and ensuring appropriate student behavior
• Exhibit patient behavior and work effectively with children, young adults, and staff members
• Follow written and verbal instructions and perform all required tasks
• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Interact with and support students with special needs
• Continue planned instructional activities during teacher's temporary absence from the classroom
• Accommodate flexible scheduling and change of location and/or program, as needed
• Participate in outside duty as required

Qualifications

Education and Experience (in order of preference):

• Option 1: Associate's degree required, Bachelor's degree preferred. College course work should include a minimum of nine credit-hours related to education field such as behavior management, instructional strategies. One year of experience working with students in structured educational (or academic) situations preferred. If no related education course work, then two to four years of experience working with children and adolescents in a structured setting such as a daycare, pre-school, etc. required.
• Option 2: At least 48 college credits and two years of experience in a structured setting such as a daycare, pre-school, adult day program, after-school program, extended day, or school/non-school based departments, etc.
• Option 3: Two years of experience in a structured setting such as a daycare, pre-school, adult day program, after-school program, extended day, or school/non-school based departments, etc. Successful completion of the ParaPro Assessment with a qualifying score of 455 or higher is required.
• Option 4: Any combinations of applicable education, training, and experience which provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position may be considered.

Skills

• Knowledge of child development, instructional strategies and practices applicable to assignment, and instructional goals and policies of Montgomery County Public Schools
• Knowledge of standard computer hardware and software such as Google Workspace, MS Office and web-based instructional tools
• Knowledge of and the ability to quickly learn and meet the seven core competencies of the Supporting Services Professional Growth System (SSPGS)
• Ability to read, write, and speak English

Pay & Schedule

• This is a Temporary Part Time (TPT) position that does not include benefits
• Long-term substitute position lasting until November 14, 2026
• Full-time, 10-month position, day shift
• New paraeducators are hired at grade 17 with opportunity to promote to grade 18 after successfully completing the six-month probationary period and successfully completing the required number of training hours
• Wage range: $18.00 per hour (exact wage depends on multiple factors including nature of the project, prior experience in MCPS, and current negotiated agreements)

Physical Demands & Special Requirements

• Frequent bending, walking, kneeling, running, and lifting of objects/equipment up to 50 pounds
• Outside duty may be required
• Must be able to accommodate flexible scheduling and change of location and/or program, as needed
• Specialized training (provided by MCPS) in alignment with the assignment special education services required within 6 months of starting in the position