Paraprofessional-Special Education Adapted Curriculum

About the Role

The Special Education Paraprofessional plays a key role in creating a structured and effective learning environment for special education students from Pre-K through K-12. Paraprofessionals support the delivery of specialized instructional programs and help students utilize available resources to enhance their learning experience. Depending on classroom and teacher needs, they may work in various settings such as classrooms, offices, and media centers, assisting students individually or in groups. This position adapts to diverse educational needs to ensure all students thrive in their educational journey.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Paraprofessional license OR passing the paraprofessional assessment.
• Maintains all required licenses and certifications.
• Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance.
• At least 21 years of age (waived for individuals with minimum credit hours and an Associate Degree or higher teaching credential).

Responsibilities

• Administers achievement and diagnostic tests as directed by the teacher (e.g., math and reading tests) to support the instructional process.
• Assists students individually or in small groups with lesson assignments and daily tasks (e.g., listening to students read, providing writing assistance, helping with computer learning programs, toilet training).
• Implements independent study, enrichment work, remedial work, and daily physical cleanliness tasks (e.g., toileting, dressing, teeth brushing, hair brushing, self-feeding).
• Maintains classroom equipment, work area supplies, and learning aids (e.g., computers, drawing materials) to ensure availability and a safe learning environment.
• Monitors students in various settings (classroom, playground, field trips, library, lunchroom, restrooms, bus loading/unloading) to provide a safe and positive learning environment.
• Reports observations and incidents (e.g., accidents, fights, inappropriate social behavior, rule violations, safety conditions) to appropriate personnel.
• Responds to emergency situations (e.g., injured students, fights) to resolve immediate safety concerns or direct to appropriate personnel.
• Supports classroom teachers with activities such as storytelling, reading, drill work, one-on-one assistance, lunchroom supervision, and adaptive P.E. routines.
• Performs other related duties as assigned to ensure the efficient functioning of the work unit.

Skills

• Operates standard office equipment and relevant software applications.
• Prepares and maintains accurate records.
• Adheres to safety practices and procedures, including administering first aid, prescribed medications, and physical restraint practices.
• Performs basic math calculations (fractions, percentages, ratios).
• Reads and understands multi-step instructions, writes documents following prescribed formats, and presents information to others.
• Knowledge of grammar, punctuation, child development stages, learning styles, age-appropriate activities, and cultural differences in student populations.
• Familiarity with classroom instructional media and technology, health standards, job-related laws/regulations, and school safety practices.
• Ability to schedule activities, gather and collate data, and use job-related equipment.
• Flexibility to work with diverse individuals, adapt to changing priorities, and handle frequent interruptions.
• Strong communication skills with diverse groups, ability to maintain confidentiality, set priorities, and work as part of a team.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Generally requires 10% sitting, 40% walking, and 50% standing.
• Ability to perform multiple tasks, occasionally upgrading skills to meet changing job conditions.
• May involve lifting, administering physical restraint, and responding to emergency situations.
• Works in various settings, including classrooms, playgrounds, field trips, and buses.
• May require working extended hours.