Paraeducator - Elementary

About the role

The Elementary Paraeducator supervises and monitors scholars throughout the school day with specific oversight of the playground, crosswalk, and breakfast/lunch areas. Under the direction of a supervising teacher, this position assists with basic skills development, including for students with identified disabilities. Students may work in small groups or individually within the regular classroom or in a dedicated area for individualized learning.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and monitor students in accordance with school and district policies
• Communicate safety concerns to the principal regarding violations or lack of cooperation by students or drivers
• Help students problem-solve and resolve conflicts
• Report safety hazards on campus to the main office
• Assist students with opening food items, wiping up spills, and cleaning their area
• Follow protocol when assisting an injured student
• Establish an environment that encourages appropriate behavior and redirect misaligned behaviors
• Tutor individuals and/or groups in specific skills as directed by the teacher
• Assist the teacher in administering special instructional and/or behavioral programs
• Plan daily/weekly with teachers and other staff servicing the same students
• Assist the teacher in communicating with building/district staff and parents
• Inform the advising teacher of any observed problems or relevant information about individual students
• Perform instructional/tutorial assignments and maintain records as directed
• Interact positively with students, parents, and staff; provide positive reinforcement throughout the day
• Assist with room maintenance and inventory of books and equipment
• Assist with assigned health-related procedures for students
• Perform instructional clerical tasks
• Work collaboratively with district staff and promote teamwork with coworkers
• Assist substitute teachers with classroom-relevant information

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• One of the following:
  • AA degree, or
  • High school diploma (or equivalent) and 48 college-level semester credits or 72 college-level quarter credits, or
  • High school diploma (or equivalent) and passing the state-approved paraeducator assessment test
• Proficient in basic spelling, math, and grammar
• Experience and/or training in reading instruction, remediation, and assessment

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with students in grades K–5

Condition of Employment

• Pass a criminal background check
• Complete the District’s Paraeducator Core Competency requirements
• Possess and maintain current CPR and first aid certification (American Heart Association or American Red Cross)
• Successfully complete the FWPS district-approved Right Response training at the advanced level; maintain current certification through annual recertification if assigned to a Resource Support position
• Work scheduled hours on a consistent basis

Knowledge and Skills

• Individualized Education Plans (IEPs)
• Procedures for regulating traffic and pedestrians
• Different learning styles and support strategies
• English grammar and spelling
• Basic math
• Positive behavior interventions
• Right Response and de-escalation techniques
• School Board policies
• Modern technology basics and willingness to increase proficiency
• Cultural competence and equity principles

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee will constantly sit, stand, and walk; bend the neck and back; and use hands for repetitive grasping and pushing/pulling. The employee is frequently required to squat, kneel, and use hands for fine manipulation. Occasional requirements include climbing stairs/ladder, lifting and reaching overhead, crawling, and lifting/carrying up to 50 lbs (with assistance or mechanical device for loads over 50 lbs). The employee must occasionally push/pull a maximum force of 200 lbs.

Work Conditions

The position regularly involves indoor and outdoor conditions, with intermittent work near a video display. The noise level is usually moderate, and there is occasional exposure to angry, frustrated, or aggressive individuals. Potential exposure to infectious diseases exists.