Special Education Paraprofessional

Sankofa Montessori · Forest Park, GA · 1 mo ago

On-siteEducation$20/hrFull-time

About Sankofa Montessori

Sankofa Montessori is Georgia's only State Charter Schools Commission-approved Public Montessori Charter School. Our mission is to empower children with the knowledge, skills, and agency needed to lead purposeful lives. Through a culturally responsive, child-centered, and family-centered Montessori education, we develop in all students the knowledge, skills, and agency to have lives of purpose.

Position Overview

The Special Education Paraprofessional provides direct support to students with disabilities in both general education and specialized settings. This position is primarily assigned to provide dedicated 1:1 support to a student based on their individualized educational, behavioral, communication, and adaptive needs. In addition to supporting their assigned student, the paraprofessional may also provide support within assigned classrooms and assist other students as directed by the Director of Student Support and Services or school administration. The Special Education Paraprofessional works closely with classroom teachers, special education staff, related service providers, administrators, families, and outside support providers to implement academic, behavioral, communication, social-emotional, and adaptive supports. The paraprofessional plays a critical role in ensuring students can safely access instruction, build independence, make progress toward IEP goals, and participate meaningfully in all aspects of the school community.

Key Responsibilities

Provide dedicated 1:1 support to an assigned student while also supporting instruction and student needs within assigned classrooms as directed
Support students in accessing grade-level instruction and participating in classroom activities
Implement accommodations, modifications, behavior intervention plans (BIPs), and other individualized supports with fidelity
Support students in developing academic, communication, social-emotional, self-regulation, and independence skills
Assist students during classroom instruction, transitions, specials, lunch, recess, and other school activities
Promote student independence by providing the least intrusive level of support necessary
Support students in maintaining engagement, attention, and positive participation throughout the school day
Implement behavior intervention plans and evidence-based behavior support strategies with fidelity
Utilize ABA-informed practices and strategies when appropriate
Support students during periods of frustration, dysregulation, or behavioral escalation
Reinforce positive behaviors, self-regulation skills, and social interactions
Collaborate with teachers and support staff to ensure consistency in behavior expectations and interventions across settings
Collect, record, and maintain accurate data related to student behavior, academic performance, communication, and intervention effectiveness
Assist with progress monitoring and data collection related to IEP goals, behavior plans, and other individualized supports
Ensure data integrity, reliability, and confidentiality
Communicate student progress, concerns, and observations to the educational team
Collaborate with general education teachers, special education teachers, related service providers, administrators, families, and outside support providers
Participate in team meetings, training sessions, and professional development opportunities
Maintain confidentiality regarding student information and educational records
Support assigned students with personal care needs, including restroom use, toileting routines, and hygiene assistance, as needed
Absorb and assist students in developing independence with self-care and adaptive living skills when appropriate
Maintain student dignity, privacy, and confidentiality at all times
Support student safety during periods of escalation, dysregulation, or crisis
Absorb and assist students in transitions throughout the school environment
Perform other duties as assigned by the classroom teacher, Manager of Student Support and Services, or school administration

What Makes Someone Successful in This Role?

Demonstrate exceptional patience, empathy, and consistency
Collect accurate and reliable data
Follow intervention plans and support strategies with fidelity
Build strong relationships while maintaining high expectations
Remain calm under pressure and respond professionally to challenging situations
Remain calm, patient, and consistent during challenging situations
Comfortable providing restroom, toileting, and personal care support when required by a student's needs
Work collaboratively with teachers, therapists, families, and multidisciplinary teams
Believe all students can learn, grow, and thrive when provided the right support

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent
Experience working with children in educational, clinical, childcare, or community settings
Strong data collection, documentation, and organizational skills
Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism in all interactions
Ability to remain calm, patient, and consistent during challenging situations
Comfortable providing restroom, toileting, and personal care support when required by a student's needs
Ability to work collaboratively with students, families, and multidisciplinary teams
Warm, firm, and student-centered demeanor
Growth mindset and willingness to receive coaching and feedback
Ability to complete the physical demands of the role, including standing and walking for extended periods of time and lifting up to 40 pounds
Successful background check results required

Preferred

Associate's degree or bachelor's degree
Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) certification
Experience working as an RBT in a school or clinical setting
Experience working with students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Experience implementing behavior intervention plans and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) strategies
Knowledge of special education services, accommodations, and inclusive practices

Benefits

Sankofa Montessori offers competitive compensation and benefits consistent with our compensation philosophy and commitment to attracting and retaining exceptional educators and support staff. This role pays a compensation of $20 per hour. Sankofa Montessori is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and students. Equal Employment Opportunity: Sankofa Montessori provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.