Special Education Para Educator 3 - 2026-27 Ardmore Elementary

Duties & Responsibilities

• Provides for the physical, health and safety needs of students.
• Provides social, emotional, behavioral, and educational support for students with significant disabilities.
• Implements components of Individual Education Programs (IEP's) as required.
• Provides direct academic, functional, vocational and specifically designed instruction.
• Serves as advocate and support of students with disabilities in their least restrictive environment.
• Supports students with significant emotional regulation challenges.
• Ensures the safety of students and staff when dealing with escalated behavior based upon needs of students.
• Encourages and fosters student independence in all settings.
• Collects other data as directed by the case manager/teacher.
• Responds to student medical needs within the scope of the position.

Requirements

• High school graduation or equivalent.
• ETS Paraeducator Assessment.
• Associate of Arts degree (original transcripts).
• 72 quarter credits or 48 semester credits at an institution of higher education (original transcripts).
• Completed a registered apprenticeship program (certificate).

Qualifications

• Knowledge of child development and behavior of children.
• Understanding of safety procedures for students and staff.
• Understanding of behavior modification programs, including restraint techniques.
• Utilization of adaptive technology and equipment to meet student needs.
• Non-violent crisis intervention techniques, including de-escalation strategies.
• Basic therapy techniques and procedures.
• Knowledge of functional life skills/activities of daily living.

Skills

• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
• Able to follow oral and written directions.
• Able to model and monitor appropriate student behavior.
• Able to maintain confidentiality and respect between students, parents and teachers.
• Able to maintain positive relationships with students, staff, parents and the public.
• Able to perform all physical activities and meet all physical requirements indicated above.
• Able to perform activities of daily living including feeding and toileting by various means.
• Able to provide appropriate care for students who experience seizures.
• Able to provide proper physical restraint of students with severe behavior that poses a danger to themselves or others.
• Able to demonstrate multicultural sensitivity with the ability to effectively and collaboratively work with diverse populations.
• Able to perform all duties in accordance with all applicable Board policies and district and legal requirements.
• Able to meet and maintain punctuality and attendance expectations.