Paraprofessional - Early Childhood Special Education 2026-2027

Location: School Based
Pay Grade: Instructional Support III
Work Calendar: 10 month, 185 Day Staff
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

About the Role

Under the supervision of the building administrator, this position works closely with one or several pupils with disabilities on a regular basis to provide physical assistance and emotional support, ensuring they gain full benefits from the district's special education program.

Responsibilities

• Assists student(s) in physical tasks and reinforces instructional content.
• Helps student(s) with physical tasks such as putting on and taking off outer wear, moving between rooms, using the lavatory, and other self-help or classroom needs. Accompanies student(s) requiring supervision outside the classroom as necessary.
• Works with small groups of students to reinforce material initially introduced by teaching staff, under the direction of the special education teacher.
• Establishes a supportive relationship with student(s) while maintaining dialogue with teaching staff to provide information/data regarding student progress and performance.
• Operates and cares for equipment used in the instructional program.
• Assists with maintaining an appropriate classroom environment, including helping the teacher devise and implement special strategies for reinforcing material or skills based on individual student needs, interests, and abilities.
• Provides reasonable supervision of students during emergency drills, assemblies, play periods, field trips, and other school-wide activities.
• Serves as the chief source of information and assistance to substitute teachers assigned in the absence of the Special Education teacher.
• Assists with the collection and distribution of instructional materials and with record keeping and student documentation.
• Supports and demonstrates the core values of Stafford Schools.
• Engages in ongoing professional development relevant to the position.
• Responds to written and oral requests for information promptly and thoroughly.
• Maintains a clean, neat appearance appropriate to the position.
• Ensures appropriate attendance and punctuality.
• Serves as a role model for students, colleagues, and the general public.
• Works in close harmony with colleagues, supervisors, and co-workers.
• Complies with all District and School policies and regulations, including confidentiality guidelines.
• Performs other related duties as required or assigned.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or its equivalent.

Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge:
  • Basic curriculum expectations and IEP goals and objectives.
  • Basic teaching strategies.
• Skills:
  • Basic computer applications.
  • Awareness of the needs of students with disabilities and alternative instructional strategies.
  • Basic reading and computation skills.
• Abilities:
  • Work cooperatively in a team environment to meet goals.
  • Organize and perform work independently.
  • Meet deadlines for all work, even when handling multiple projects.
  • Show sustained effort and enthusiasm in the quality and quantity of work.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

Work environment is primarily indoors but may include outdoor responsibilities. Conditions include moderate noise, varying temperatures (including exposure to weather), and no exposure to chemicals or negative air quality elements. The role involves moderate physical work, requiring exertion of up to 50 pounds of force to move or lift objects.

• Physical abilities required include:
  • Standing or sitting for prolonged periods.
  • Repetitive movement of hands, wrists, or fingers.
  • Repetitive force on the back or lower body.
  • Feeling, grasping, or holding objects by hand.
  • Identifying colors visually and objects in low light or distant conditions.
  • Communicating via spoken and written language.
  • Perceiving sounds.
  • Making decisions using logic and rational thinking.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations shall be made, as required by law, to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions. Employees may be required to perform additional duties incidental to their role.