Reopened: Paraeducator Level II, Special Education Itinerant, Diamond ES, 6hrs/10mo, Ad Closes 10/20/26

About the role

At the direction of the principal, this paraeducator performs a variety of tasks that promote student learning and well‑being to support students with Individualized Education Programs (IEP). The role may involve participating with students in learning activities off school grounds, assisting with academic, behavioral, social, emotional, and physical support, facilitating mastery of grade‑level curriculum or Alternate Academic Achievement Standards, managing behaviors that impact access to the curriculum, and providing instructional and classroom‑management support as well as clerical assistance to teachers and other professional staff. The paraeducator continues planned instructional activities during the teacher’s temporary absence.

Responsibilities

• Support students with IEPs in general education and specialized instructional settings.
• Participate in off‑school‑grounds learning activities when required.
• Assist with academic, behavioral, social, emotional, and physical needs of students.
• Facilitate student mastery of grade‑level curriculum or Alternate Academic Achievement Standards.
• Manage behaviors that impede access to the curriculum.
• Provide instructional and classroom‑management support to teachers.
• Perform clerical tasks to support teachers and professional staff.
• Continue planned instructional activities during teacher’s temporary absence.

Requirements

• Frequent bending, walking, and lifting of objects/equipment up to 50 pounds may be required.
• Outside duty may be required; must accommodate flexible scheduling and changes in location or program as needed.
• All new paraeducators are hired at grade 15 and can promote to grade 16 after completing a six‑month probationary period and the required training hours.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree required; Bachelor’s degree preferred with at least nine credit‑hours in education‑related coursework (e.g., behavior management, instructional strategies).
• One year of experience working with students in structured educational/academic settings preferred; if no related coursework, two to four years of experience working with children/adolescents in a structured setting (daycare, preschool, etc.) required.
• Alternative: 48 college credits plus two years of experience in a structured setting.
• Alternative: Two years of experience in a structured setting (daycare, preschool, adult day program, after‑school, extended day, school/non‑school based departments).
• Successful completion of the ParaPro Assessment with a qualifying score of 455 or higher is required.
• Any combination of education, training, and experience that provides the necessary knowledge, abilities, and skills may be considered.

Skills

• Knowledge of child development, instructional strategies, and practices applicable to the assignment and MCPS instructional goals and policies.
• Ability to assist with implementation of the instructional program and to monitor and ensure appropriate student behavior.
• Ability to exhibit patient behavior and work effectively with children, young adults, and staff.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and perform all required tasks.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to read, write, and speak English.
• Ability to interact with and support students with special needs.
• Knowledge of standard computer hardware and software such as Google Workspace, MS Office, and web‑based instructional tools.
• Knowledge of or ability to quickly learn and meet the seven core competencies of the Supporting Services Professional Growth System (SSPGS).

Benefits

For information about benefits, please see the benefits document: Benefits PDF.

Pay

The wage range for this position is between $26.23 and $40.17 per hour, based on years of service.

Schedule

• Part‑time position.
• Working months: 10 per year.
• Shift: Day.