Paraeducator - Elementary

About the role

The Elementary Paraeducator supervises and monitors scholars throughout the 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, typically in small groups or individually within classrooms or dedicated learning spaces.

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, cleaning spills, and tidying their areas
• Follow protocol when assisting an injured student
• Establish and maintain an environment that encourages appropriate behavior and redirect misaligned behaviors
• Tutor individuals or groups in specific skills as directed by the teacher
• Assist the teacher in administering special instructional 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
  • 48 college-level semester credits
  • 72 college-level quarter credits
  • Pass the state-approved ParaPro Assessment
• 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

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 awareness

Physical Demands

The role requires constant sitting, standing, and walking; bending of the neck and back; repetitive grasping and pushing/pulling with hands; frequent squatting, kneeling, and fine manipulation; occasional stair/ladder climbing, overhead reaching, crawling, and lifting/carrying. The employee must constantly lift/carry up to 10 lbs and frequently lift/carry up to 25 lbs, occasionally up to 50 lbs (with assistance or mechanical devices for loads over 50 lbs), and intermittently push/pull up to 200 lbs.

Work Conditions

Work occurs in indoor and outdoor environments, intermittently near video displays, with moderate noise levels. The position may involve exposure to angry, frustrated, or aggressive individuals and potential exposure to infectious diseases.