Paraeducator (SLC) SPED - 3 hours

Redwood City School District is looking to build our workforce with staff who share our vision of instilling passion in learning, emphasizing student strengths and gifts for all learners: all abilities, all ethnicities and cultural identities, LGBTQ+ youth, and multilingual learners.

About the role

Under the direction of an assigned supervisor, perform a variety of instructional tasks in support of a special education classroom of students with emotional, educational, physical and/or behavioral problems. Assist the teacher by performing a variety of clerical duties related to special education programs and assist in monitoring and responding to students with special needs.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the instruction of students with emotional, educational, physical and/or behavioral problems; maintain sensitivity to learning difficulties encountered by students with special needs.
• Provide individual assistance to students in academic areas; work with small groups of students to reinforce instruction provided by the teacher.
• Assist in the review of student history and individual education plans as directed; review daily lesson plan with instructional personnel.
• Assist in the development and presentation of learning materials and instructional exercises; assist in compliance with established timelines and activities related to the master plan.
• Assist students with activities for the development of small muscles and eye-hand coordination; lead activities designed to help students achieve motor control and body awareness.
• Observe behavior of students to assure safety; assist in resolving student disputes; assist in the development and management of appropriate student behavior using positive reinforcement techniques.
• Set up work areas and prepare areas for reading, crafts, and other activities; set up exhibits, displays, collections, and bulletin boards.
• Operate a variety of instructional and audio-visual equipment, copiers, computers, typewriters, and general office machines as needed.
• Maintain routine records related to student work and classroom activities; grade tests and check student test corrections; maintain confidentiality of student records.
• Perform clerical tasks such as typing, duplicating, filing, and taking attendance; distribute and account for an inventory of textbooks, supplies, and equipment.
• Accompany mainstreamed students to regular classrooms as assigned; provide individual instructional assistance.
• Monitor children on the playground, during educational field trips, and at lunch time; monitor students getting on and off school buses; assist in planning and arranging field trips and special activities.
• Confer with teachers concerning programs and materials to meet students’ needs; administer and score classroom tests as assigned.
• Attend staff meetings and in-service programs; attend meetings related to curriculum or student issues as needed.
• Translate oral and written communications between teacher, child, parents, and district personnel as needed.
• Perform first aid in emergency situations according to established guidelines; observe health and safety rules and procedures.

Requirements

• Graduation from high school and one year of experience working with children in an organized setting.
• Some positions may require a valid California driver's license, evidence of appropriate automobile insurance, and insurability by the District liability insurance carrier.
• Standard First Aid Certificate must be obtained within the probationary period.
• Some positions may require fluency in a second designated language.

Skills

• Knowledge of general needs and behavior of children, basic subjects taught in district schools (math, reading, writing, grammar, spelling), and correct English usage.
• Ability to reinforce instruction to individual or small groups of special education students as directed by the teacher.
• Understanding of problems and concerns of students with special emotional, educational, physical, and/or behavioral needs.
• Familiarity with basic instructional methods, techniques, and student behavior management principles.
• Ability to work effectively with students with disabilities, earning their confidence and trust.
• Proficiency in operating standard office equipment, including computers.
• Basic record-keeping and clerical skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with children and adults.
• Strong communication skills, both oral and written, including the ability to translate and interpret English and a designated second language as required.
• Patience, understanding, and a receptive attitude toward children.