Special Education Paraprofessional
Qualifications
The State of Ohio Paraprofessional Standards require "two years of education at an institution of higher learning OR an Associate Degree (or higher) OR demonstration through a formal state or local assessment, knowledge of, and ability to assist in instructing reading, writing, and mathematics."
Possess or be able to secure a valid Ohio Education Aide permit from the Ohio Department of Education.
Willingness to attend a minimum of fifteen (15) hours of job-related in-service training each school year.
Knowledge and understanding of the special needs condition(s) of student(s), as relayed by the teacher.
Must be able to stand and sit for prolonged periods of time; bend, stoop, push, pull, and lift 25 pounds by herself/himself, and up to 50 pounds with the help of another staff person.
Possess the fine motor skills to assist the teacher and students with cutting, pasting, arranging materials, or using manipulatives to complete individual projects or class arrangements.
Demonstrated experience in a position requiring the use of independent judgment and discretion.
Experience functioning in a position or organization requiring group or team effort toward a goal.
Exhibit skills or a willingness to learn the various skills necessary to meet the physical needs of the students, which may include toileting assistance for some students.
Willingness to assist students in the cafeteria, as necessary, with food selection, actual consumption of food, and clean-up after the meal.
The ability to work inside and outside in all weather to assist students with a handicapping condition, embark or debark the building or transportation vehicles.
Duties/Performance Responsibilities
Aid students in performing activities that have been determined by the teacher.
Work with individual students or small groups to reinforce basic learning and implement assigned programs.
Assist with student assessment.
Observe learning difficulties and report such matters to the teacher.
Adequately learn to use sign language for selected hearing-impaired or non-verbal students.
Assist the teacher in charting behavior.
Assist the teacher in behavior management strategies.
Aids in record-keeping procedures to document student learning and performance.
Aids in constructing, copying, distributing, and using educational materials as needed.
Reads art materials and assists in art projects.
Learns to use visual-aid equipment for sight-impaired students.
Operates media equipment and computer as needed.
In the absence of a teacher, provides orientation and extra help to the substitute teacher.
Affixes with the collaboration of all students in the building.
Advise the substitute teacher or the proper authority regarding the time to administer prescribed medication.
Accompanies students in and out of classrooms, library, school office, gymnasium, or lunchroom.
Accompanies students on field trips for the purpose of assisting with supervision.
Promotes independence.
Orientation and mobility to the school building and grounds.
Promotes self-care in the bathroom, lunchroom, gymnasium, and all areas outside as well as inside the classroom.
Aids students in moving about the classroom (lock braces, help onto crutches, store crutches, push wheelchair, etc.).
Other Duties/Performance Responsibilities
Fulfills all applicable safety rules, procedures, and regulations governing the proper manner of assistance for all students, including those with disabilities or other special needs.
Participates in in-service training programs, as assigned and/or required.
Absides by the Mansfield City Board of Education policies and regulations.
Performs other reasonably related duties as may be assigned by the Director of Special Education, the Building Principal, and/or other administrator.