Special Education Paraprofessional

About the role

The Paraprofessional / Individualized Learning Specialist provides direct support to students with individualized learning, behavioral, social-emotional, functional, and personal care needs in the school environment. This role supports students in general education and special education settings, including classrooms, small-group settings, recess, lunch, transitions, and other school-based activities.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual and small-group support to students under the direction of the Education Specialist or special education case manager.
• Support students with academic, behavioral, social-emotional, functional, and personal care needs throughout the school day.
• Aid students in accessing grade-level instruction through accommodations, modifications, and individualized supports as outlined in their IEPs.
• Implement instructional strategies, accommodations, and modifications as directed by the Education Specialist, general education teacher, or IEP team.
• Record student data related to instructional programs, IEP goals, behavior plans, and student progress.
• Share student progress and observations with the Education Specialist, case manager, and appropriate school staff.
• Implement positive behavior support strategies to promote student engagement, safety, and success.
• Aid in the implementation of Behavior Support Plans and Behavior Intervention Plans, as appropriate.
• Collect and share behavior-related data and observations to support the development or adjustment of student behavior plans.
• Use proactive strategies to anticipate and respond to student needs.
• Provide support during behavioral escalation using approved school procedures, training, and the least restrictive approach possible.
• Support students with life skills and daily living needs, which may include toileting, diapering, hygiene, feeding, mobility, transitions, and other personal care needs.
• Aid students in adaptive and functional skills in a respectful, safe, and dignified manner.
• Maintain student confidentiality and professionalism when supporting personal care needs and confidential student information.
• Communicate effectively and professionally with colleagues regarding student needs, progress, concerns, and supports.
• Partner with families, under the guidance of the Education Specialist or school team, to support student academic, behavioral, and social growth.
• Contribute to a positive, collaborative, and student-centered staff culture.
• Participate in training, coaching, feedback, and professional development as assigned.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• At least two years of college coursework, associate degree, or passing score on Rocketship’s Paraprofessional Assessment.
• Ability to work under the direction of a certificated Education Specialist, teacher, or school leader.
• Ability to support students with academic, behavioral, social-emotional, functional, and personal care needs.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including tact, patience, professionalism, and courtesy.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion when working with students and families.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students, families, and school staff.
• Commitment to Rocketship Public Schools’ mission, vision, and goals.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with children in a school, childcare, youth development, special education, behavioral support, or related setting.
• Experience supporting students with disabilities.
• Experience implementing accommodations, modifications, behavior supports, or individualized student plans.
• Experience collecting student data or supporting progress monitoring.
• Experience supporting students with personal care, functional skills, or adaptive needs.
• Bilingual skills preferred, based on school community needs.