Paraeducator

Position Goal

The goal of the Paraprofessional is to support the delivery of high-quality, specialized instruction within a structured learning environment that enables students with disabilities to access instruction and make meaningful academic, behavioral, and social-emotional progress. Working under the direction of a teacher and related service providers, the paraprofessional assists in implementing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), reinforcing instruction aligned with the Standards and district-approved curriculum. The Paraprofessional collaborates with teachers, related service providers, and school staff to support effective instructional practices and behavioral strategies, while maintaining confidentiality and professionalism in all interactions with students, families, and colleagues. Through active participation in training and professional development, the paraprofessional strengthens skills needed to support diverse learners and helps ensure students benefit fully from educational programs, including classroom instruction and community-based learning opportunities.

Minimum Requirements

• Must be eligible or have a valid Paraprofessional Permit by either having passed the ParaPro Exam, Para Pathways Exam, having an Associate's Degree or higher, or successfully completed 60 college credits with a "C" or above for coursework towards licensure, certification or permit.
• Must have a High School Diploma or GED.
• Acceptable Criminal Background Report and no entries on Child Protection Registry in the State of Delaware.
• Knowledge and skills in working with students with disabilities.
• Ability to support students who require help with physical positioning and self-care (i.e. eating and bathrooming), including physically lifting students using specialized techniques and equipment.
• This job requires repetitive stooping, twisting and bending. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk and sit. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• All new hires must complete the Level 1 training program by June 1st of the contract school year as a condition of continued employment.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, parents, staff, administration and the general public.
• Show evidence of knowledge regarding evidence and research-based strategies known to be effective in promoting student learning and achievement for students with disabilities.
• Demonstrates sensitivity to issues impacting various cultural, ethnic and socioeconomic groups.
• Proficient in Technology, such as Microsoft and Google Applications, Classlink, Schoology, Infinite Campus, etc.
• Demonstrates understanding and ability to perform job related tasks.
• Regular attendance is an essential function of the position.
• Must be able to teach/serve students remotely and in person depending on the needs of their students.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Support the delivery of specially designed instruction by working with individual students or small groups to reinforce learning materials, skills, and concepts introduced by the teacher — including reading, writing, and functional academic tasks aligned with students' IEPs — in both in-person and remote learning environments (as needed.)
• Assist in implementing components of IEPs and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs) once trained by certified staff, maintaining consistent expectations for student behavior and achievement aligned with classroom procedures and IEP goals.
• Observe and report student performance, behavior, and needs to the supervising teacher to assist in monitoring progress and informing instructional decisions; assist with routine documentation and recordkeeping as directed, including behavior checklists, instructional tracking, and program documentation.
• Work cooperatively with teachers, related service providers, and school staff to support student learning, maintain a positive classroom environment, and ensure effective implementation of instructional and behavioral strategies.
• Assist students in developing independence and functional skills — including those needed for community-based instruction and vocational settings — and accompany and support students during community-based and job site experiences.
• Assist with the preparation and organization of the physical learning environment, including gathering materials, preparing equipment, maintaining an orderly classroom, and securing materials at the end of the day.
• Support safe and orderly student movement throughout the building during transitions, including arrival, dismissal, and movement to related services or other instructional settings.
• Assist in the implementation of related services previously demonstrated by therapists or specialists, which may include supporting students with specialized equipment, physical assistance, transfers, or other necessary accommodations.
• Participate in parent conferences, IEP planning, and IEP meetings when appropriate and directed by professional staff.
• Maintain the confidentiality of student records and information in accordance with federal, state, and district policies.
• Maintain current certifications including clock hours via DEEDS; attend required professional development and mandated training; actively engage in self-selected professional learning aligned to role responsibilities.
• Comply with all federal, state, and local regulations and policies; accurately complete required paperwork within designated timelines and cooperate with compliance monitoring activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the building principal and/or supervisor.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands and/or fingers to handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, talk or hear, and taste or smell. This job requires repetitive stopping, twisting and bending. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk and sit. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Criminal Background Check - must be less than 1 year old
• TB Test Results - must be less than 1 year old
• Copy of Social Security Card - required by the State of Delaware
• I-9 Form with appropriate forms of identification
• Child Protective Registry

These items must be completed prior to your start date, they should be completed immediately.

This response is AI-generated, for reference only.